Rondo: 'Went to Mexico' during suspension

WALTHAM -- Rajon Rondo said he really got away during his league-imposed two-game suspension for his role in the brawl last Wednesday with the Nets. 

"I went to Mexico for a couple of days and watched the games," said Rondo, who was immediately asked if he was being serious. "It was cool." 

Rondo, who practiced with the team on Monday and Tuesday, said he just wanted to give his body a chance to rest. Team officials had no knowledge of Rondo traveling outside the country, leading to the conclusion that Rondo was simply joking with reporters. 

"Why not? Had days off, allow my body to get a chance to rest," Rondo said, insisting again that he went south of the border. "I wanted to be out there with my teammates but obviously a two-game suspension, and I was glued in front of the TV. 

"Hopefully, I don't feel too winded [Wedensday]. I've been off for about a week. We'll see [Wednesday]."

The Celtics return to action on Wednesday night at 7:30, when they host Kevin Love and the Timberwolves at TD Garden. The Celtics went 1-1 without Rondo, beating Portland Friday easily before blowing a 17-point lead Saturday and losing in Milwaukee. 

"We moved the ball very well without me," Rondo said. "Guys played great, guys stepped up. Courtney played well. We got off to a great start in Milwaukee but our defense slipped in terms of our blitz pick-and-roll defense. Other than that, the guys did a great job." 

Rondo said there was no lesson learned from the suspension. 

"It was difficult," Rondo added. "I love being around the guys; I love coming into the practice and just being around the team playing. I've missed that for a couple of days but other than that, everything is back to normal. I want to get better; I want to run off about eight or nine games straight. It starts in practice and it starts with staying in the game. I just want to go out there and give it all for my teammates and try to get some wins. We have to get this show on the road. We have to have a great Decemeber. November is behind us. We didn't play well. We're 9-8. But it's a new month and I'm ready to go."

As for his double-digit assist record which ended Wednesday at 37 games, Rondo was philosophical. 

"It's over with. It may be [important] when I get 40 [years old] or 50 but right now, it's a record and records are meant to be broken," he said. "I was second, tied with John Stockton, so that's a great accomplishment but nevertheless, it's about wins and losses."

For more, including video of Rondo from Tuesday's practice, visit the Celtics team page at weei.com/celtics [1] and the Green Street [2] blog.