Is Rajon Rondo the best point guard left in the playoffs? [Poll]

By Chuck Schilken

May 31, 2012 12 AM PT

Rajon Rondo had the game of a lifetime for Boston on Wednesday night, playing all 53 minutes of the Celtics’ 115-111 overtime loss to the Miami Heat and finishing with 44 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds.

He scored all 12 of the Celtics’ overtime points, giving his team the lead three separate times, and scored more points in a single overtime than anyone else this season.

His coach, Doc Rivers, called Rondo’s performance “phenomenal.” Even the opposing team’s star player, LeBron James, opened his comments to the press by saying Rondo was “amazing.”

All of those descriptions certainly fit, but what about this one: the best? As in the best point guard remaining in the playoffs? There are only four teams left, but they include three of the top players at that position -- Rondo, San Antonio’s Tony Parker and Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook.

Rondo averaged 11.9 points and 11.7 assists per game during the regular season and has brought those numbers up to 17.4 points and 11.8 assists in the postseason.

Parker had 18.3 points and 7.7 assists per game during the regular season and is averaging 20.5 points and 7.1 assists in the postseason. His best playoff performance this year was a 34-point, eight-assists effort against Oklahoma City.

Westbrook posted 23.6 points and 5.5 assists per game during the regular season and has 23.7 points and 4.8 assists during the postseason. His best playoff performance this year was 37 points and five assists against the Lakers.

Mario Chalmers, the Heat’s starting point guard, averaged 9.8 points and 3.5 assists per game during the regular season and has 11.9 points and 3.7 assists in the playoffs. His best game this postseason was a 25-point, five-assist outing against the Indiana Pacers.

Of course, there are plenty of intangibles to consider with each player. So which one would you rather have handling the ball for your team? Vote in the poll, then leave a comment explaining why you voted the way you did.

Spurs show Thunder their flip side in 120-111 Game 2 win

Vinny Del Negro will return to coach the Clippers next season