Expand / Collapse search
Watch TV
Menu

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.

Sports

Celtics unbeaten in 6 games without point guard Rajon Rondo after adjusting to uptempo style

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • 18433a4e-Lakers Celtics Basketball
    Image 1 of 2

    Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) shoots while surrounded by Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (The Associated Press)

  • 5876b731-Lakers Celtics Basketball
    Image 2 of 2

    Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, right, pressures Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, left, on a drive to the basket during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (The Associated Press)

BOSTON – Rajon Rondo's season-ending knee injury seemed to be a big blow to the Celtics' chances of reaching the playoffs.

How could Boston survive without its star point guard? But after going 6-0 since he was hurt, the answer is clear.

The Celtics adjusted quickly to coach Doc Rivers' new approach now that Rondo isn't controlling the ball. He wants them to shoot if they're open, pass quickly if they're not, and spread the court to get better looks at the basket.

After Rondo's last game, the Celtics held the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, just two games ahead of Philadelphia. Thursday night's 116-95 win over the Los Angeles Lakers left them in seventh place with a 26-23 record, 4½ games ahead of the 76ers and 1½ behind the sixth-place Atlanta Hawks.