Watch: Celtics honor Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo with video tribute
The Celtics honored Rajon Rondo with a tribute video during the Dallas guard's first trip back to Boston's TD Garden on Friday.
Rondo, who was drafted by the Celtics in 2006 and spent the first eight-plus years of his career in Boston, was finally traded to the Mavericks last month after years of speculation that he might be moved. The four-time All-Star point guard started for Boston's 2008 title team while earning All-NBA third team honors in 2011-12 and All-Defensive honors four times.
The tribute video was set to Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars" and it included footage from the 2006 draft, Boston's title-winning team, Rondo's memorable postseason battles with the Heat, his charitable efforts over the years and a bunch of his highlight-reel passes. The video opened with a quote from Rondo: "My time in Boston has meant so much. The love I have for the most loyal and supportive fans is unmatched."
• MORE NBA: Mavs' Rondo says he hasn't played defense 'in a couple years'
Rondo was welcomed back to Boston with a standing ovation during pre-game introductions and he received another standing ovation at the conclusion of the tribute video. Boston president Danny Ainge and a number of Celtics players joined in the ovation before play continued.
All in all, it was a night to remember for Rondo, who poured in a game-high 29 points while adding six rebounds and five assists in the Mavericks' 119-101 road victory. That offensive outburst, which included a career-high five three-pointers, amounted to the most points Rondo has scored in a game since Jan. 18, 2013.
• VIDEO: Highlights of Rondo's career night against his former team
Monta Ellis added 22 points, five rebounds and four assists for Dallas. Avery Bradley led the Celtics with 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Tyler Zeller added 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Dallas improved to 24-10. Boston dropped to 11-19.
