Rondo acquisition looking real good for Mavs

CLEVELAND – That Rajon Rondo acquisition is looking pretty good thus far for the Dallas Mavericks.

Since joining the Mavs via a Dec. 18 trade with the Boston Celtics, Rondo has helped Dallas win six of eight games, including its last five. What’s more, with his ball-hawking skills, he has helped the Mavs become more efficient on the defensive end of the floor.

"I think we’re making strides defensively,’’ defensive-minded center Tyson Chandler said. "We’re understanding what we’re trying to accomplish while we’re out there.

"We’re starting to get used to our lineups, getting used to our rotation. We’re playing good basketball right now.’’

Rondo picked up a pair of steals and handed out eight assists during Sunday afternoon’s 109-90 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s almost as if his transition from the Celtics to the Mavs have been nothing but smooth.

"I love the way he’s working at the game, I love the way he’s working with our team,’’ coach Rick Carlisle said. "It s an ongoing process and he’s doing well with it.

"The important thing is to stay consistent with it. By keeping the work up, he’s going to continue to make more shots, and by playing more and more games with our team he’s going to become more familiar with our guys.’’

And the more familiar Rondo becomes with his new teammates, the more victories that probably will be stacking up for the Mavs.

"I just want to win,’’ Rondo said. "I just want to win a championship.

"I’ve got to get to that feeling again. We have a great talented group of guys in Dallas that I think we can do it.’’

The Mavs sure hope so.

"It’s all been very good and very positive,’’ Carlisle said of Rondo. ‘He’s showing some real leadership capabilities for a guy that just came to the team a little over two weeks ago.

"It’s exciting working with a guy that’s as motivated as him.’’

This story was originally published January 5, 2015 at 1:06 AM with the headline "Rondo acquisition looking real good for Mavs."