(h/t to WEEI’s Ben Rohrbach for the video)

This was a typical Rondo post-game interview, with perhaps a little more sass, and there was certainly no smiling.  It seems like he is constantly trying to make reporters uncomfortable in a long standing power struggle between players and the media.  Mix some orneriness, with a dash of irritability, and sprinkle some justified and unjustified confidence and you have yourself a delicious batch of some Rondo interactions with the press.  As someone not standing next to the Celtic point guard’s locker, I loved every second of it.

With his latest triple double, Rajon Rondo seems to have broken his latest dry spell, unleashing his skill last night on the Charlotte Bobcats.  When asked why he was so motivated tonight, he responded directly to the questioner (via hoopshype):

“Because you told me my assists were down.  I just wanted to go out there and prove it to you that I could step my game up…

…Was it Greg [Dickerson] that asked me about Kemba Walker?

…I’m getting a little bit older, so the young guys are coming in, and I may have a mark on my back, being an older guy.  I made a couple All-Star [games], but I’m a target every night so I just want to go out there and defend.”

Rondo clearly had an extra chip on his shoulder last night, as he could be seen trying to bolster his often lowest category (rebounds) by springing off the line after opponent free throws.  Last nights effort against the ‘Cats earned Rondo his 26th career triple-double and 16th in the regular season.

The Celtic point guard also gave credit (after humbly directing reporters to himself as the source of his on-court tenacity) to former Celtic player and current Celtic player development coach Keyon Dooling.  Rondo gave last years back-up point guard his due by saying he creates an exciting and winning atmosphere.

Keyon was the leader of the bench last year, with constant “flexing” and energy in hopes of sparking the players on court.  His positive attitude seems to be infectious in the Celtic locker room, as there have been numerous reports of his impact on this years team.

The Celtics hope to continue the winning atmosphere as they head into Wednesday’s showdown with the Hornets, where Doc will face his son Austin Rivers for the first time in the NBA.