Rajon Rondo is back in Boston just two weeks after being traded to the Mavericks, and it's been an emotional time. The Celtics played this video tribute before the second quarter, which actually got Rondo to come close to tearing up.
(Via NBATV)
The depth of the video wasn't lost on Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
Thanks @celtics that was an amazing tribute to @RajonRondo #firstclass
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 3, 2015
Earlier, the Celtics' announcer introduced him like he's still a Celtic. This is how Celtics fans responded.
(via NBATV)
Inspired by the introduction, Rondo scored the first 10 (!) points for Dallas, including two threes.
(via NBATV)
He then hit two more threes early in the second quarter and nailed his first seven field goals for the game. For the record: he made just eight threes the whole season for Boston.
Rondo brought his usual candor to shootaround, admitting that he didn't go hard on defense in his final couple years, in part due to the presence of Avery Bradley. He was trying to explain the Mavericks' recent defensive resurgence since being traded there, but it surely upsets some Celtics fans to hear that.
Nevertheless, those in TD Garden paid tribute to the point guard that led the Celtics to one title and nearly won a couple more.
Rondo just got a very loud ovation. Place is packed. Everyone standing.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) January 3, 2015
Standing O #rondo
— CelticsBlog (@celticsblog) January 3, 2015
Rondo just got one of the loudest ovations I've heard here for a former #Celtics.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBA) January 3, 2015