Today the news broke that Celtics' All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo had torn his ACL in the double overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Rondo was was scratched from the lineup just minutes before the game, but the Celtics were still able to get a 100-98 win against the defending champion Miami Heat in double overtime. This isn't the first time the Celtics have taken down a difficult opponent without their star point guard, January 7th in New York the Celtics were able to pull out a 102-96 over the second best team in the East (record wise) the New York Knicks.

Not sure what to make of that game. Only 2nd time this year (other time: at NYK) when the 2012-13 Celts showed heart of the KG Era Celts.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) January 27, 2013

Like Simmons said, they haven't played with the same heart as they have in past. Yet, with Rondo off the floor that heart and hustle that was there in the past comes back. Maybe, just maybe ,the Celtics are a better team without Rondo. It seems crazy, but the fact that have taken out the two top teams in the East without him and lost to those very same teams with him has to mean something. Maybe the assumption that Rondo cares too much about his assist totals that he doesn't take the easy shots and looks for someone else to take the shot is true. Or maybe the Celtics chemistry is just better with Rondo off the floor. I'm not saying that they are definitely better without him, I'm just saying there's no reason to jump ship now. Time will tell if this is true, but inj all likelihood the Celtics will suffer and miss the playoffs without him. There's only one tiny shred of hope left that the Celtics will make any noise this year, but there's a chance it could happen. For now were going to have to rely on Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee to replace the production provided by Rondo and hope the Celtics can make a big push and finish the season strong.