BOSTON -- Rajon Rondo is competitive. On Monday night following the Boston Celtics 82-81 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, he was also realistic.
With the first two games decided by a total of two points, Rondo was not overlooking the toughness of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series.
After posting a triple-double with 13 points, 17 assists, and 12 rebounds in the Celtics Game 1 victory, Rondo was held to 8 points, 13 dimes, and 7 rebounds in Game 2.
Even though the Celtics were ranked fourth in the East (39-27 regular season) and the 76ers clinched the eighth spot (35-31), Rondo was expecting to battle.
"That's the playoffs," he said. "It's up and down. You're not going to win 16 straight games, so give them credit. They are not a pushover team. Like I've said, this is a tough series."
The Celtics will travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers on Wednesday and Friday. The series will return to Boston next Monday for Game 5.