Parsons, Rondo stepping up for Mavs in Ellis’ absence
Some believed the Dallas Mavericks’ offense would go belly-up without shooting guard Monta Ellis.
Chandler Parsons and Rajon Rondo changed that.
In the Mavs’ first game without Ellis, who sat out with a left leg injury, Parsons had 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Rondo finished with 17 points and 10 assists.
Although their performances didn’t prevent the Mavs from losing to the Indiana Pacers 104-99 on Sunday, it did serve notice that they’re capable of running the offense.
“Parsons and Rondo were phenomenal,” forward Dirk Nowitzki said. “I thought they were both great attacking, getting to the basket, getting in the lane and getting our other guys involved.”
While Richard Jefferson officially started in Ellis’ spot, it was Parsons who played shooting guard.
“That was the first time I played [shooting guard], so I was basically just put in [Ellis’] position,” said Parsons, who picked up his third double-double of the season. “I had to learn all the plays there from the shooting guard position, and a lot of times the ball’s coming through me.
“I’m comfortable doing that, capable of doing that if it continues to happen. But obviously we want [Ellis] healthy first, and we want him back as soon as possible.”
Ellis normally has the ball in his hands much of the time, especially late in games. But with the Mavs’ leading scorer shelved, Rondo registered double-digit assists for the fifth time as a Maverick.
“I was aggressive,” said Rondo. “I got to the free-throw line one time. ... I just tried to get into the paint, make plays for my teammates, and when I was open just take the shot.”
Rondo’s 38 minutes Sunday tied his Mavericks’ high. His 17 points were his fifth-most with the team.
While Rondo is accustomed to having the ball in his hands, Parsons is learning on the fly.
“I think he’s shown over the season that he’s ready for it and that he can handle it,” Nowitzki said of Parsons. “He makes smart decisions, he’s great at getting to the basket, and he’s sneaky around the rim in getting stuff up on the glass.
“I think he was ready to step up, and he made some big plays there when we were down six or seven. He hit two layups and a step-back to kind of help push us back into the game, so I thought he did everything possible.”
Nowitzki hopes Parsons and Rondo can maintain their offensive efficiency when the seventh-seeded Mavs (45-29) hit the road Wednesday night against the eighth-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder (42-32).
There is no timetable for Ellis’ return meaning the Mavs will continue to lean on Parsons and Rondo.
“I liked Parsons’ game,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “Other than a couple of tough turnovers in the fourth, I thought he was terrific and I thought he was aggressive and I thought he picked his spots well to attack and made some difficult shots.”
“Everyone’s got to pick it up, everyone’s got to chip in and do their part while he’s out,” Parsons said of Ellis. “Hopefully he can get back soon. But we’ve got to get some of these games going down the stretch here.”
Dwain Price, 817-390-7760
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Chandler Parsons and Roajon Rondo each had a double-double during Sunday’s 104-99 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Here are those two players’ double-doubles for the season.
PARSONS
Opponent………Date……..Points….Rebounds
Spurs……….….Dec. 20….16………11
Clippers………..Feb. 9……16………12
Pacers………….Mar. 29….27………10
RONDO
Opponent…….Date……….Points……Assists
Hawks……….Dec. 22……13…….….11
*Nets………..Jan. 5…… 14…………10
Thunder……...Mar. 16…..11…………13
Pacers……….Mar. 29……17…………10
*=Rondo had 14 assists and 10 rebounds that game.
This story was originally published March 30, 2015 at 8:02 PM with the headline "Parsons, Rondo stepping up for Mavs in Ellis’ absence."