As a die hard fan and Boston Celtics season ticket holder, I’m very interested in Rajon Rondo’s streak of consecutive games with 10 or more assists, which now stands at 29 (tied for 3rd longest in NBA history). While sitting in the Garden Wednesday night and paying very close attention to Rondo’s assist count, I had an epiphany of sorts.
There were at least 3 or 4 plays where Rondo found a teammate wide open at the hoop, but missed out on an assist due to a foul on the layup attempt. A player shouldn’t lose a potential assist just because the guy he passes to gets fouled. If the shooter hits the free throws and the points still go one the board, why doesn’t the passer still get the credit? Or if one of two foul shots are made, there could be half an assist awarded.
The scene pictured is a perfect example. Kevin Garnett got shoved, then went to the line and knocked down a pair. But Rondo’s pass is forgotten in the box score.
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About Mark Vandeusen