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The Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-1 series against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night behind a combined 62 points from superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
But the ultimate difference maker in what was a tight Game 3 turned out to be veteran guard Rajon Rondo, who appears to have activated his storied playoff form.
“Playoff Rondo” is a term NBA fans know well, with the guard notoriously turning it on in the postseason when things matter most. Rondo did exactly that against the Rockets, scoring 21 points — just two off of his season high — and 9 assists. Most importantly, Rondo orchestrated the offense down the stretch in key moments.
“I just took what was given,” Rondo told reporters after the game. “It started on the defensive end for me. Guys found me when I was open, and I took the shots with confidence. And I got some easy layups.”
The game was just Rondo’s third since the NBA season restarted in Orlando. He fractured his thumb during a bubble practice and was dealing with back spasms during the first round. Neither seemed to be ailing the 34-year-old against the Rockets on Tuesday night.
LeBron James Happy to Have Rondo on His Side
Rondo said he doesn’t buy in the “Playoff Rondo” hype that sets social media ablaze. James isn’t sure if he does either, but he appreciates what Rondo brings to the table.
“Whatever makes Do’ play like he’s playing, I don’t buy into it either,” James said after the game, per Yahoo Sports. “He’s been exceptional. These last two games have been everything we’ve imagined. Being on the opposing side for him so many years, I know what he’s capable of. It’s perfect.
“You have people that you can trust to be in a foxhole with you, not only from a basketball aspect, but from a cerebral aspect,” James added. “To make adjustments on the fly and see how the defense is playing. … There’s not many guys in our league who can do that in our league, and in the postseason it’s gigantic. Having ‘Do on our side, it definitely helps.”
Davis, however, has bought into the “Playoff Rondo” hype.
“Playoff Rondo is real,” Davis said. “His intensity picks up. He wants to guard the best perimeter guy. … He’s shooting the ball very well, making the right passes. His IQ is on another level.”
LeBron James Becomes All-Time Playoff Wins Leader
GettyLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now in Year 17, the accolades and records are piling up for James, who is an MVP finalist this season. After beating the Rockets in Game 3, James recorded his 162nd playoff victory, passing former Laker Derek Fisher and becoming the all-time leader.
“It says that I’ve played with a lot of great teams. It says that I’ve played with a lot of great teammates and some great coaches,” James said after the game.
His coach, Frank Vogel, didn’t hold back when asked what his star brings to the table.
“Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James,” Vogel said. “That’s true for this season. That’s why he should be MVP. Honestly, it’s probably true in the history of the game. Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James. To see him have that actual numerical statistic is just indicative of that.”
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