By Jahmal Corner
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rajon Rondo continued to repay the faith the Boston Celtics have invested in the point guard with the latest in a string of stellar performances at the business end of the season on Sunday.
Displaying further evidence of his growing reputation, the fourth-year professional turned in a triple-double performance to lead the Celtics to a 103-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the NBA Finals.
Finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, the versatile Rondo maintained his position among the NBA's best point guards as Boston evened the best-of-seven series to seize home-court advantage from their long-time rivals.
Prior to this season, Rondo was rumored to be on his way out of Boston before the Celtics finally signed him to a lucrative five-year $55 million extension.
That deal now looks like money well spent and Rondo's enthusiasm provides the Celtics with a productive engine room.
"It starts with my energy level and when I get the ball on the offensive end, it's my job to push the ball and get easy looks on the floor," Rondo told Reuters after recording his fifth triple-double of the postseason.
GREAT PRIDE
"I take pride in the way I play the game. Anything I can do to help this team win is big."
The list of Rondo's contributions to Sunday's victory is indeed a long one for a player blessed with the rare quality of appearing to be everywhere at once.
In the third quarter, he stole the ball from Kobe Bryant then drew an important fourth foul that forced the Lakers' leader to the bench.
"Rondo had some key plays there that changed the course of the game," Lakers coach Phil Jackson remarked. "(He was a) difference-maker in the second half."
Celtics coach Doc Rivers was more effusive in his praise.
"He was unbelievable," Rivers said. "He made the big shot... he took a million of those (in pre-season training) and he did not hesitate."
(Editing by John O'Brien)
