Video: Mavericks' Rajon Rondo forced from game after taking knee to face
Rajon Rondo was forced from action after taking a knee to the face from teammate Richard Jeffersonduring the Mavericks' 108-93 road victory over the Magic on Saturday.
The painful sequence took place with more than 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter. Orlando guard Elfrid Payton pushed the ball up the court, with Rondo giving chase behind him, before committing a turnover. Rondo slipped to the court as Payton lost control of the ball. At the same time, Jefferson turned to run up court after Dallas gained possession. As Jefferson moved toward the center stripe, his left knee caught Rondo square in the face.
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Rondo remained down and blood appeared to come from his nose. The Mavericks announced during the first half that he had sustained a head injury, that he would undergo further medical observation and that he would not return to the game.
Rondo, 28, was acquired by the Mavericks from the Celtics in a December trade. He has averaged 9.7 points, 6.9 assists and 5.3 rebounds since arriving in Dallas. He departed with no stats in two minutes.
Monta Ellis led the Mavericks with 25 points and 13 assists. Tyson Chandler added 20 points and nine rebounds.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Magic with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Willie Green added 15 points and four assists.
Dallas improved to 32-17. Orlando fell to 15-35.
