WASHINGTONIf you didn't know better, you'd think Rajon Rondo's triple-double in Boston's 94-86 win over Washington was just another day on the job.
To his Boston Celtics teammates and most followers of the NBA, Rondo racking up triple-doubles doesn't generate much attention.
In fact, not an eyebrow was raised as Rondo had 18 points along with 14 assists and 11 rebounds. It was his 14th career triple-double, and eighth during the regular season.
"He's been a walking triple-double since he walked into the league," said Paul Pierce. "He's very unique, unlike a lot of point guards in the league."
Kevin Garnett added, "That's . . . the Golden Child. He fills every category up . . . including turnovers. You know what I mean? That's my dog, though. His influence on the game is so, so special."
Sunday's performance was yet another game in which Rondo's perimeter shooting seemed to open things up for him and his Celtics teammates.
In the third quarter, the Celtics were on the short end of a 15-7 run by the Wizards, which cut Boston's lead to nine points.
Boston Celtics
It was a tightly contested 17-foot jumper by Rondo that pushed the lead back to double figures.
"That wouldn't have happened last year," said coach Doc Rivers. "That was great to see."
Rivers added, "He's far more assertive. He's comfortable taking jumpshots."
Even on a night when Rondo's all-around game was exceptional, his comments were centered around doling out the praise - much like he does passes - to his teammates.
"Without these guys, I don't know where I would be," Rondo said. "Not just the vets; my ex-teammates that I played with. It's the coaching staff as well. They always been very high on me and praised me and continue to want me to do good. It's a team effort and we got the win."
Indeed, the more you watch Rondo, the more you see the growth in his game. While the jumper remains a work in progress, it's clearly better now than it has been at any time in his career.
He's even developed a low-post game, one in which he posted up John Wall who is a couple inches taller, and still managed to score in the paint.
"I've been trying to post all season," Rondo said. "It was one play."
And it worked. And chances are he'll look to it again at some point, well aware that it becomes another tool in Rondo's growth as he continues to emerge as one of the NBA's best all-around players.