Rondo's return revs up Celtics

Paul Pierce put it succinctly.

"Without Rondo, we're a playoff team," the Celtics' captain said. "With Rondo, we're a contender."

Rajon Rondo improved significantly in his second game back from a sprained right wrist, going for five points and 14 assists in Sunday's 98-80 victory over Memphis. But he still has a way to go to get back to where he was and needs to be.

"I just think it'll take him a couple of games to get his feet back and his speed and his rhythm back," said coach Doc Rivers.

The key for the Celts will be whether Rondo's teammates are willing to work with him and play at his pace.

The club has been notorious for getting off to slow starts, the veteran starters easing into games. But that seemed to change a bit when second-year man Avery Bradley replaced Rondo in the starting lineup and turned up the defensive intensity, often picking up his opponent in the backcourt. The rest of the C's seemed to be embarrassed into playing harder.

If Boston's big men, in particular, are willing to run, Rondo has shown he will reward them with fast-break opportunities.

And the Celts would like to get some easy baskets to successfully complete a homestand that concludes with games against Charlotte on Tuesday and the Lakers on Thursday.

Rondo hopes his wrist will continue to improve and better allow him to lead.

"It felt a hundred times better than it was a couple of weeks ago, so it's just something I've got to get used to again -- not necessarily tolerate the pain," he said coming into Sunday's game, "but at the same time I've got to tolerate it a little bit."

Copyright (C) 2012 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.