Rondo calls Wade out for 'dirty plays'

WALTHAM -- Asked repeatedly after Celtics practice on Thursday about his late flagrant foul against the Heat’s Dwyane Wade who called it “a punk play,” Rajon Rondo relented.

“I don’t think it was a hard foul,” said Rondo. "He sold it a little bit, and that’s basketball. They were up, he drove to the hole and I didn’t want to give up a layup. Simple as that. I didn’t yank him down or dirty plays that you’ve seen him play in the past, so that’s what it is.”

Of course, Rondo’s referring to Game 3 of the 2011 Eastern Conference semifinals, when Wade yanked him to the ground and dislocated his elbow.

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