RONDO GETS THE PELICANS FLYING
BT SPORT 1
RAJON RONDO is banking on adversity helping New Orleans to knock the NBA’s defending champions out of the play-offs.
The Pelicans looked ready to fold when they lost the first two games of their best-of-seven series against Golden State in the Western Conference semi-finals.
But Anthony Davis hit 33 points and 18 rebounds on Friday night as the Pelicans hammered the Warriors 119-100 to put themselves back in the hunt.
Jrue Holiday scored 21 points and Rondo provided a staggering 21 assists on their home court, where tonight (BT Sport 1, 8.30pm) they will attempt to level the series in game four.
Rondo said: “We feel we’re a great team. I told these guys before the game started that we really respond well when our back’s against the wall. We have all year.
“I love our fight in this group, and we believe in each other. So, regardless of what people say, we are going to continue to fight in each game and play for each other.”
The Warriors – and Draymond Green in particular – have been trying to get inside people’s heads with trash talk.
But, according to Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry, Rondo is giving as good as he gets. Gentry said: “He’s as hard-headed as they are. He’s an unbelievable competitor and a great team guy. He’s going to stick up for his team-mates. “He’s not going to back down.”