Celtics' Rondo says he isn't sorry for suspension

May 05, 2012|Reuters

The Sports Xchange

Celtics' Rondo says he isn't sorry for suspension

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo wasn't contrite in the least when discussing with the media the fact he had to miss Game 2 of the series against the Hawks because of a suspension. But the All-Star point guard expressed his appreciation to his teammates following that win in Atlanta.

"He just told them thank you," coach Doc Rivers said before the Celtics took a 90-84 overtime victory over the Hawks in Game 3 Friday night in Boston. "That's all you can do. We didn't have a party for him or anything. I saw him shaking hands -- a lot of hands -- and that was good."

But Rondo was singing a different tune when asked about it by the media.

"I didn't feel like I needed to say thank you for getting this win," he said. "We're trying to get as many wins as possible. You know, they've won without me before, so it's not the first game I've missed. I've missed (for) injuries and suspensions. It's just a big win because this is the playoffs. You know, every win counts."

Asked if he felt as if he let the team down by missing the game for bumping a referee in Game 1, Rondo replied, "No. Do you feel like I let them down?"

Later in the session, Rondo said, "I don't have anything to prove. Why would I have anything to prove? I just want to win. That's it.

"I'm confused about why you guys would think I have anything to prove. I mean, it's a game I've been playing my entire life. The world knows what I can do. Like I said, the world knows what I can do. I'll continue to go out there and play and do what I do best and be the best point guard in the NBA."

As for what he took away from the incident with ref Marc Davis, Rondo said, "Just try not to let my emotions get the best of me. But I'm an emotional player. I try to keep my composure and my emotions to myself and quiet, but it was a heat of the battle moment. I wanted to win. And people make mistakes. I'm not on trial."

In truth, the Celtics and Hawks will both be on trial when they meet again for Game 4 Sunday.