In a candid moment of reflection, Rajon Rondo, the seasoned NBA point guard, opened up about a pivotal experience during the 2020 Western Conference Finals. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Rondo faced off against the Denver Nuggets’ rising star, Jamal Murray, in the unique environment of the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida.
What unfolded was a narrative of challenge, respect, and ultimate triumph that added another layer to Rondo’s storied career.
The Bubble Battle: Rajon Rondo vs. Jamal Murray
The 2020 NBA Playoffs were unlike any other, held in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Rondo, the series against Denver was a testament to Murray’s burgeoning talent. “In the playoffs, that’s when to me — Murray went crazy,” Rondo recounted. “That’s when I was like, ‘Oh, this n—- for real.’ He destroyed us. We couldn’t check him.”
Reminder that Al Horford has been playing in the NBA so long that he actually played against Rajon Rondo in college 😂 pic.twitter.com/rJ1ZLKatPe
— Adam☘️ (@CelticsAdam34) May 9, 2024
Rondo vividly described a particular play that left a lasting impression. “Top of the key, I think iso, boom, he go to the cup. He drive left or something. He went up with his right hand. I contest that b—-. He flipped — switched it, threw it up with his left, hit that b—-. I was like, ‘This n—- is — I can’t get him.
Next, who next? I thought I can stop him. We need a big guard on him or something. Come here Bron (LeBron James) — come on.’”
Murray’s Masterclass: A Rising Star Shines
Jamal Murray, then just 22, delivered an unforgettable performance against the Lakers. He averaged 25.0 points and 7.4 assists per game, shooting an impressive 51.8 percent from the floor and 87.5 percent from the free-throw line. Despite struggling from the three-point line, where he shot only 31 percent, Murray’s overall impact was undeniable.
Rondo’s Redemption: Offense to the Rescue
While Rondo struggled defensively against Murray, his offensive contributions were crucial in the Lakers’ success. Coming off the bench, Rondo averaged 7.6 points and 7.4 assists in 21.4 minutes per game. His playmaking prowess was second only to LeBron James, who led the team with 9.0 assists per game.
Rondo’s performance was instrumental in the Lakers eliminating the Nuggets in six games, paving their way to the 2020 NBA Finals. “Murray went crazy on us… but we managed to pull through,” Rondo reflected.
The Final Showdown: Lakers vs. Heat
After overcoming Murray and the Nuggets, Rondo and the Lakers faced the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. Rondo’s versatility was on full display as he averaged 8.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game in the championship series.
His standout moment came in the decisive Game 6, where he scored 19 points, adding four rebounds, four assists, and a steal, helping secure the Lakers’ 17th NBA title.
A Legacy Cemented: Rondo’s Second Championship
The 2020 title was Rondo’s second NBA championship, his first being with the Boston Celtics in the 2007-08 season. Despite Jamal Murray’s impressive individual performance in the Western Conference Finals, Rondo and the Lakers had the last laugh, culminating in a victory that solidified Rondo’s legacy.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey
Rondo’s revelation about guarding Murray offers a glimpse into the competitive spirit and respect that define professional basketball. It’s a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence and the moments of humility that even the greatest athletes experience.
As Rondo aptly summed up, “Murray debatably got the better of me individually, but in the end, we got the title. That’s what counts.”
This in-depth account not only highlights the challenges and triumphs of Rajon Rondo but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of the NBA players who continue to inspire fans worldwide.
