2017 NBA Playoffs: 3 takeaways from Chicago Bulls taking 2-0 series lead over Celtics

Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) controls the ball during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) controls the ball during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the third quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the third quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Rajon Rondo showed up and showed out against his former team

Rajon Rondo the pest came out to play on Tuesday night and it was a treat. Rondo finished the night with five steals, flashing some of the defensive prowess he was noted for when in Boston.

Rondo the floor general was in full effect as well. He tied the franchise playoff record with 14 assists. The assists came in all forms, whether it be lobs, a nice behind the back pass or a full court touchdown pass.

It was a vintage playoff Rondo performance that just fell shy of a triple-double. Rondo finished the night with a stat-line of 11 points, nine rebounds and 14 assists.

More than anything, it was clear that Rajon was dictating the pace for the Bulls. He was pushing the ball up in transition for easy buckets and making the right pass even if it wouldn’t end in an assist for him.

He even pulled out his classic ball fake, stop, reverse and score on Kelly Olynyk to rub it in Celtic fans’ faces.

If the Bulls are going to pull off an incredible upset and take down the Celtics it’s going to start with Rondo.

Next: Bulls vs. Celtics Game 2: Bulls leave Beantown with 2-0 series lead

And, if he plays the way he did in game two the rest of the series, watch out world because the Chicago Bulls are coming.