ATLANTAOnly in the world of Rajon Rondo can getting a triple-double be seen as a matter-of-fact kind of thing.
Lost in the afterglow of Boston's 89-81 come-from-behind win over Atlanta on Saturday was the fact that Rondo tallied his 25th career triple-double (second this season) with 14 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds.
"My shots weren't falling early and I was just trying to do the intangibles," Rondo said. "Get some rebounds, get myself going and continue to make plays for my teammates. And also just try to stay aggressive and ended up with a triple-double."
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While attention certainly has to be paid to what Rondo accomplished statistically, just as important was the pace at which the Celtics have played the last two games.
It's no coincidence that Rondo's recent play comes about just as the C's have gone back to the lineup they had used a year ago this time that catapulted them to the Eastern Conference finals.
With a healthy Avery Bradley and Brandon Bass back in their familiar roles as starters, there has been a positive ripple effect throughout the roster.
One of the main reasons why most of the Celtics' veteran core remained positive and optimistic about the team's chances of turning things around, was because they saw first-hand how good they could be when they have all their core pieces in positions that they're suited to be in.
Boston wasn't going to get there until Bradley came back. And even then it would take some time before he would develop some form of consistency with his play. He's not there just yet, but he's far enough along to where his teammates -- and Rondo especially -- benefit from his presence.
Rondo doesn't have to defend the opposing team's best backcourt scorer which frees him up to exert more energy executing the C's offense.
"Rondo means so much to not just me, but this entire team," Bradley told CSNNE.com. "He helps us in so many areas; scoring, rebounding, defending, obviously assists. He's just a great player and a great teammate."
So great that what's considered by many as the definition of a good all-around game -- a triple-double -- is seemingly just another day on the job for this three-time All-Star.