Rondo mum, Carlisle terse after benching in Mavs’ Game 2 loss to Rockets

Rajon Rondo wasn't talking after sitting for almost the entire second half of Dallas' 111-99 loss to Houston that left the Mavericks trailing 2-0 in the first-round series.

Coach Rick Carlisle didn't say much either Tuesday night.

Rondo was pulled after fouling James Harden twice in the first 34 seconds of the third quarter. He ended up with a playoff career low of 9 minutes, 55 seconds, finishing with four points and one assist.

Asked about Rondo's effort after the game, Carlisle said, "You can ask him that question."

The Mavericks got the four-time All-Star in a trade with Boston in December, hoping to boost their playoff prospects. But Rondo hasn't been a good fit for the offence, and had a run-in with Carlisle that led to a one-game suspension.