Rondo's replacement, Darren Collison, earns 'game ball' after big win

Even though Sacramento was playing without starting point guard Rajon Rondo due to his one-game suspension, the team earned a huge victory over Houston.

Darren Collison was tapped for the start in Rondo's absence. He started 45 games for Sacramento last season before he was sidelined with injury for the remainder of the year. Collison was 6-for-9 with a three-pointer. He added 13 assists and 7 rebounds to his 14 points. Unfortunately, he added eight turnovers -- but Sacramento won despite 29 total turnovers. 

“Without Rajon, I think you have to give Darren Collison the game ball, because he had a lot of stress on him,” said Karl, via Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. “He had a lot of turnovers, but he also a lot of good basketball, a lot of good leadership, a lot of good guidance.”

After the game, Collison made his intentions clear: He thinks this team can make the playoffs. And after a tough victory like Sacramento's last night, it doesn't seem as impossible as it once did.