Matching Up Against the Utah Jazz
This match up will be interesting, as three of the four games played this year were low scoring and defensive minded. Austin fits this role perfectly, as a defensive pest and someone who can keep the Clippers scoring load up. Austin Rivers has played extremely well this series and has actually been a bit of a problem for the Jazz to contain.
Rivers played all four games against the Jazz this year very efficiently. In fact, he has not had a bad game all season facing Utah. Rivers finished with positive efficiency rating in each and every one of those games.
In game one, Rivers was on fire, shooting an exhilarating 8-11 (73%) from the field. He led all scorers with 19 points and 2 assists, while coming off the bench. The LA Clippers won that game 88-75 at home.
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In game two, the Clippers were actually without Chris Paul due to injury, so Austin got the nod to start. His 15 point night made him second highest scorer as he and Blake Griffin lead the way to victory. Rivers also showed his range going 3-4 (75%) from deep. Clippers won 88-72 in Utah.
In game three of the series he had the most minutes off the bench, logging 26 minutes of play. He went 6-11 (55%) from the floor scoring 15 points yet again. Although this was their only loss, Austin managed to still be one of three players finishing with a positive efficiency rating. (Chris Paul and J.J. Reddick being the others.) Jazz won 114-108.
Finally, in game four, Austin scored 11 points shooting yet another efficient 50%. Another (+) efficiency game opposing Utah. Clippers win and clinch the playoff berth in this game 108-95.
Austin matches up favorably with Utah. He will defend their guards well and that is very important. Utah’s guards, especially George Hill and Rodney hood, are responsible for their success this season. It is guaranteed that Austin will disrupt some of their offense for at least one game in the opening round.