1 reason every NBA Playoff contender can win the championship

Dec 15, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after a play during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Hornets 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after a play during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Hornets 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle gives instructions to guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle gives instructions to guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks – Rondo Intrigue

After a 19-8 start, the Dallas Mavericks are just 26-21 since acquiring Rajon Rondo, and the team has outscored opponents by just 1.3 points per 100 possessions since the point guard arrived. Why, then, is he the key to a potential championship push?

Well, Rondo is still blessed with unique talents, as one of the best passing and rebounding guards in the NBA. Admittedly, the now 29-year-old has not looked like the star player that he once was, averaging just 8.9 points, 8.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game, but Rondo has long been infamous for upping his game on the big stage, and the Mavericks will be in the playoffs.

The Rajon Rondo-Rick Carlisle marriage has been a rocky one, and that isn’t a shock. Still, these are two individuals with high basketball IQs, and fans of the Mavericks must place their trust in the duo to work things out, simply because there is no other option at this point in the NBA calendar.

Next: Golden State