Confidence game

With postseason drawing near, Rondo keeps improving

NBA. Lately, there’s been a common phrase written on the dry erase boards in the visiting locker room at the TD Banknorth Garden.

In so many words: “Keep Rajon Rondo from penetrating the paint.”

It’s true, the Celtics’ point guard has become such a menace to opposing defenses that coaches are making sure their teams are as aware of Rondo as local co-eds are of the freshman 15.

“He’s a hell of a basketball player and a hell of a point guard,” Pacers coach Jim O’Brien said.

“He’s shooting the ball with confidence, and for a young player, I think he’s playing with terrific maturity.”

“He’s extremely quick,” Hornets coach Byron Scott echoed. “He’s fearless. He loves the challenge, as well. He’s a good, solid basketball player. He’s got a high basketball IQ. He’s played well this year.”

Their praises aren’t just limited to Rondo’s offensive ability, as O’Brien and Scott each noted the Celtics’ defensive tenacity starts at the top with Rondo. He is quick enough to apply pressure in the backcourt, and he’s hard-nosed enough to battle bigger point guards on the low block.

But the most obvious improvement in Rondo’s game is his confidence while running the show, particularly while splitting through defenses in the paint. He plays with a cockiness reserved for playground stars, allowing him to embarrass Steve Nash with a quick, left-handed in-and-out. Rondo has crossed up so many 7-footers with his one-handed up-fake that he should set up a support group for their bruised egos.

Rondo’s emergence over the course of the season — his second in the league and first as a full-time starter — has been apparent with each passing game, but it’s his creativity that has shown his on-court personality.

“I’ve been doing little trick shots and things like that throughout my career,” Rondo said. “But in the NBA, I’m just getting more confident.”