The LA Clippers didn’t come out on top in Game 1 of their first playoff series.
The game didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but there were parts of the game that were a lot of fun to watch for LA Clippers fans. One of the more memorable silver linings of the game was Rajon Rondo‘s performance.
Rondo made the most of his opportunities, drilling three of four three-pointers and coming in third on the team in assists on the day, serving up four of them.
Finishing with 11 points, Rondo tacked on four rebounds, and added a steal too. He even swatted a Maverick’s shot as well.
BIG-TIME BLOCK FROM RONDO!
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2021
3-point game with 2 minutes left.#NBAPlayoffs on ESPN pic.twitter.com/tHbAdbHlfC
Basketball writers and fans started referring to Rondo by his nickname ‘Playoff Rondo,’ which he’s earned throughout his career through turning up his game to the next level once the postseason comes around.
Jackson Frank, who works for many different outlets, such as Dime on UPROXX, SB Nation, and FanSided‘s own The Step Back, marveled at the 35-year-old point guard showing up yet again in the postseason.
Playoff Rondo pic.twitter.com/PncCDe1aWq
— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) May 22, 2021
FS1’s Skip Bayless, who has been arguing that the Clippers are the best team in LA, reminded folks that the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams that misses Rondo, who helped the Lakers win a championship just last season.
Playoff Rondo ties it with a three. Clippers have him, Lakers don't.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 22, 2021
Rondo wasn’t perfect; he missed two of his four free throws in Game 1.
He certainly had his moments, however, when he turned back the clock and made plays that young Rondo used to make all season long.
Rondo returned to that form yesterday, and nobody was surprised. It’s what he does. When the pressure’s at its highest in the playoffs, Rondo will deliver.