Dont apologize to Rajon Rondo. Dont act like the tree you have been inhaling for the last decade made you forget that he was the young, talented and focused point guard for Bostons Big Three during that championship run back in 2008 and has been waiting for the situation where he can use his hoops IQ and engineering skills to help a team make a deep playoff run.
What you thought he was just washed?
Critics love to focus on Rondos supposed deficiencies (he shot 2-for-11 from the field)l, but passing the pill and getting dimes has never been a problem. Hes one of the NBAs last true point guards and his playoff experience is invaluable. If hes motivated he can be a game changer as he was on Saturday night for the Pelicans, dishing 21 assists in a crucial Game 3 win over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference playoffs semifinals.
NBA History on Twitter
Rajon Rondo is the first player with at least 20 assists (21) in a playoff game since himself back in 2011. At 32, he’s the oldest player to do such since @SteveNash (33) in 2007. @PelicansPR
The former Kentucky Wildcat spent his first nine seasons wearing Celtics Green under the scrutiny of a judgemental media. Rondos been here and there since then, on four different squads in the past four years to be exact. He wasnt feeling the losing situations in Dallas, Sacramento, and Chicago. He bumped heads with Dallas coach Rick Carlisle, was unhappy with attitudes in Chi-Town and slowly moved further down the list of top NBA point guards.
Rajon Rondo’s Best Career NBA Playoff Plays!
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Then again, none of those teams had a player of Anthony Davis caliber, that could truly benefit from Rondo’s freewheeling talents as a floor general and motivator. Despite the tumultuous periods in his career that led to a reputation as a finicky, malcontent that was washed up, Rondo never lost his basketball acumen and if anything the trials and tribulations of the past half-decade has made him a lethal veteran, able to encounter any situation and coach his young New Orleans Pelicans team through adversity.
In a moment where the Pelicans could have gone down 3-0 in a best-of-seven series, Rondo flexed his veteran savvy. His assists total was just the fourth time in the last 25 postseasons that a player has served 20 dimes in a playoff game.
Rondo was the last baller to do it on April 22nd, 2011 in a Game 3 first-round playoff matchup against Carmelo Anthonys Knicks.
Rajon Rondo Full Triple-Double Highlights 2011 R1G3 at Knicks – 15 Pts, 20 Assists, 11 Rebs!
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Steve Nash did it in Game 4 of the first round against the Lakers in 2007.
Steve Nash Full Highlights 2007 Playoffs R1G4 at Lakers – 17 Pts, 23 Assists!
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The pride of Gonzaga John Stockton did it in 1996 against Portland en route to a classic NBA Finals matchup with MJs Bulls, but his 24 assists in a 1988 playoff performance against the Lakers remains an NBA record that he shares with Magic Johnson.
John Stockton (23pts/24asts – playoffs record/5stls) vs. Lakers (1988)
John Stockton gives LA some of its own medicine and pushes the hell out of the ball from the starting minutes. On the other side of the court, he forces deflections and make steals much to the fondness of Chick Hearn who compliments his performance throughout the game.
After the first two games of the series, most thought Golden State would sweep New Orleans, but Friday nights gem was a game-changing moment for Rondos legacy. Hes killing softly the false narratives that surrounded his career. Hes not disgruntled or selfish or uncoachable. Hes working in unison with teammates and Alvin Gentry with a goal to just win. Hes not being carried by three Hall of Famers. He’s no longer the student, but the teacher. He’s also not allowing Draymond Green to intimidate his team or entice them into altercations, providing a much-needed grit.
Warriors on NBCS on Twitter
Draymond and Rondo exchanged words at halftime https://t.co/WevF2IM5G3
Next season, Rondo will surpass the 7,000 assists mark for his career. Just 16 guys in NBA history have over 7,000 assists. Its a testament to Rondos abilities and his longevity and his contributions have pushed the Pelicans back into the series.
