BOSTON - The Celtics believe in one another. They also believe in their chance to win it all this season. But there is having belief and there is having trust.
Following the Celtics 99-88 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, point guard Rajon Rondo said the team has to continue to develop the latter.
"We have to trust one another defensively," he said. "It starts with me. I've got to do a better job on the ball and go from there."
The Celtics have strong chemistry. They bonded in Europe in training camp and their locker room is noticeably tight knit. Now it is a matter translating that on to the court.
"I don't know if we trust each other defensively," said Rondo. "I mean, we can say we do, but on the court it shows, we're not pulling in weak side. But it's a lot of things. We've got to start from somewhere.The good thing about it is we could start tomorrow."
One of the most defensively-sound teams over the years, the Celtics gave up 120 points to the Miami Heat on Opening Night and one shy of 100 to the Bucks on Friday. The final results have been uncharacteristic, and the team is focused on improving them throughout the season.
Rondo's approach to improving trust?
"Just continue to play," he said.
The Celtics will have that opportunity on Saturday night when they take on the Wizards in Washington.