Carlisle said he and Rondo had a “difference of opinion.” Asked if Rondo’s absence was a coaching decision or disciplinary, Carlisle said Rondo didn’t play again “because I’m the coach and that’s the decision that I made at the time.”
Rondo’s explanation was succinct: “Discuss with Rick,” he said (via ESPN Dallas).
The four-time All-Star point guard has averaged 11.8 points, 7.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds a game since arriving in Dallas. He is a free agent in the offseason.
The Mavs play the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, and J.J. Barea, Devin Harris and Raymond Felton, who has not played since the All-Star break, should be their primary options at point guard. Shooting guard Monta Ellis also is capable of running the offense.