The Morning After: Clippers slip and fall to Jazz 96-92

April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) and guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The return of Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers played his first game since March 29, missing 10 games due to a hamstring injury. As expected, Austin spent his game 5 shaking off rust and and re-acclimating himself to live play. He shot 0-4 from the field, ultimately putting up 2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist in 18 minutes

For most of his minutes played, Austin was assigned to Gordon Hayward, pushing Luc Mbah a Moute to guard Joe Johnson while he was on the floor. Hayward ended up dropping 27 points, most of which fall on those two Clippers’ player’s shoulders.

In game 6, it’ll be important for Austin to bounce back and become the gutsy, unpredictable player we know him to be.