National Basketball Association

Celtics' Rondo admits finger injury

Published Mar. 21, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo was recuperating Monday after finally putting his hands up and admitting to an ongoing pinkie injury that was plaguing him on court, the Boston Globe reported.

Rondo's loss of form was a cause of concern among Boston fans in recent weeks, particularly after he denied any physical concerns.

But after learning Kevin Garnett and Celtics president Danny Ainge told reporters that Rondo was playing hurt, the 25-year-old finally admitted he was taping the finger on his shooting hand because it was jammed.

"I haven't struggled like that since I've been in the league, I don't think," he said. "I played decent [Saturday], it's not that it's over. I've just got to stay focused and continue to believe in myself."

Rondo was forced to leave the Celtics' 89-85 win over the Hornets on Saturday night after the finger went numb, but returned to complete the game. His nine points and five assists was an improvement on recent outings.

"It felt good to hit a shot — more than one,'' Rondo said. "It was a relief.''

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