A frustrated Rick Carlisle called timeout, and he had words for Rajon Rondo when the point guard returned to the Mavericks bench. Rondo had words for Carlisle, too.
Rondo didn’t return to the game, sitting the final 20:10.
Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News:
Carlisle calls heated exchange with Rondo an "emotional moment" and "difference of opinion," says it's over as far as he's concerned.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) February 25, 2015
Tim MacMahon of ESPN:
Rajon Rondo wouldn't answer questions. "Discuss with Rick."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 25, 2015
Dallas turned a nine-point deficit into a seven-point win with Rondo out. Maybe Carlisle just thought Devin Harris and J.J. Barea gave the Mavericks a better chance to win, though I suspect his anger with Rondo factored.
This isn’t the first time Carlisle benched Rondo, who was acquired in a mid-season trade with the Celtics. It’s not too surprising Rondo and Carlisle, both of whom can be difficult, have crossed each other. But, now, it’s up to both to move past what could go down as a minor incident.
That should be easier to do with the Mavericks winning. Arguments almost always resolve themselves more quickly after victories.
(hat tip: Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated)
