LA Clippers: Austin Rivers’ Defense is Key Against the Jazz

After falling to the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the LA Clippers are searching for ways to better defend Joe Johnson. Austin Rivers might be they key.

The LA Clippers couldn’t contain Joe Johnson in Sunday’s loss in Utah. The forward scored 28 points, including 11 straight in the late 4th quarter, leading the Jazz in a comeback. It was similar to his heroics in Game 1 of the series, in which he hit a buzzer beater to seal the victory. How can the Clippers stop “ISO Joe”? Austin Rivers could be the answer.

Rivers has yet to step onto the court during the postseason. He has a left hamstring strain, but is close to coming back. His availability for a pivotal Game 5 is looking positive. If he’s able to go, his defense could be the boost the team needs to stop Joe Johnson from taking over.

Austin Rivers set out to be a top defender in the league this season. To the naked eye, his improvement is evident. There’s a reason Bill Simmons gave him a nod on his Second Team All NBA vote.

The numbers may not back it up, but this is due to playing alongside lineups consisting of Jamal Crawford, Paul Pierce and Mo Speights. Even the best defender in the league couldn’t make up for all the shortcomings there.

This season, Rivers compiled some defensive highlights, including this moment against Steph Curry:

So, what defensive benefit will Austin provide against the Utah Jazz, specifically Joe Johnson?

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Options?

Luc Mbah a Moute has been the Clippers’ best defender this season. However, last night, he was abused by Joe Johnson late game. Luc managed to get good contests on his shots, but Johnson’s shots just kept falling. One might argue that Luc couldn’t have done any better. The old phrase, “Good offense beats good defense” comes to mind. There’s one factor many are forgetting though.

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Gordon Hayward was not in the game. Hayward, who left before the start of the second half with food poisoning, is the Jazz’s best scorer. In a normal late game situation, Luc would most likely have been blanketing Hayward. This leaves whom on Joe Johnson?

Your options are:

1. J.J. Redick
2. Jamal Crawford
3. Paul Pierce
4. Wesley Johnson
5. Austin Rivers

I know who I’m taking out of that group every. single. time.

Yes, Joe Johnson is bigger than Austin Rivers. He would likely post Austin up and try to back him down, forcing a double, in which he could kick the ball out for an open three as he did last night. But, what if I told you Austin, despite his size, is a solid post defender?

The Case

The Post

NBA.com sheds some light on Austin’s performance. This season, Rivers was posted up on 9.5% of plays. (For reference, Blake Griffin was posted up on 9.8%, DeAndre Jordan 7.7% and Luc Mbah a Moute 11.43%). During those 9.5% of plays, Austin gave up 0.69 points per possession (PPP). The only players on the team to give up less were DJ and Alan Anderson, who only played in 30 games.

This may not mean a lot to you at first glance, but Austin is a solid post defender. He ranks in the 89th percentile in the league. Players only scored on 36% of post up plays when he was the defender.

He may not have the strength and size to prevent being pushed down low, but his movement and ability to defend without fouling (he only fouled on 7% of post ups) allow him to play solid defense.

Even though he is listed at 6’4″, Austin has a wingspan of 6’7″ and a standing reach of 8’0″. This length helps him to bother shooters, even if they have him backed down. Austin’s length and size could also benefit the team if they decide to double team.

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Several times towards the end of the game, Joe Johnson was doubled, kicked the ball out and it swung around for an open three. The length and speed of Austin could help immensely on the closeout, since players couldn’t seem to recover quickly enough. It would have to be an improvement over Jamal Crawford running around aimlessly.

Isolation

In isolation situations, Rivers was not as good. He was scored on 38.5% of the time and allowed 0.75 PPP. This ranked him in the 79th percentile. However, he was only put into isolation plays 7% of the time this season. Luc, who fared much better, allowed 0.61 PPP.

So yes, Luc is the better defender in an isolation situations, which are common when facing Joe Johnson. But, it’s not like Austin is too much worse. With Luc mainly focusing on Hayward, Austin can effectively guard Joe Johnson and present him with a challenge he has yet to face this series. Austin’s quickness could bother Johnson, especially if he has to put the ball on the floor. Nothing is more annoying to a bigger player than a smaller guard moving and poking at the ball.

Why not try?

So, with the series currently tied at two wins apiece, what harm will it cause to try Austin against Joe Johnson in Game 5? The LA Clippers obviously have no solutions thus far and with Blake Griffin going down to injury, they are short handed. I think no one outside of Doc Rivers wants Paul Pierce to soak up minutes, so Austin is by far the best bet.

When it comes to crunch time in Game 5, expect Austin Rivers to be on the court and expect him to get a key stop.