Austin Rivers recently told TMZ that there will be “fireworks” when the LA Clippers play the Houston Rockets next season.
With the Rockets acquisition of Chris Paul, you can expect some interesting games between the LA Clippers and Houston Rockets. There’s been lots of speculation about the relationship between CP3 and the two Rivers’, especially Austin. They both have already shot down rumors that Chris left because of them, but that doesn’t mean that everything is peachy between both parties.
Austin said it best, that there will “definitely be a lot of fireworks” when they play against each other.
The two teams will almost certainly play on Christmas Day, if not on opening night. It’s even more probable now that the Rockets have acquired Luc Mbah a Moute. So much of both team’s identity has been altered thanks to the other. The Clippers have plenty of new pieces, 4 of which were Rockets players. The Rockets have one of the best point guards in Chris Paul, and an elite defender in Luc. So it’s basically the Los Angeles Rockets vs the Houston Clippers.
Almost everyone expected the Clippers to take a different shape this offseason, but no one could’ve predicted it would happen this way. It’ll be weird seeing CP3 in a different jersey, and we’re already seeing the fallout of his decision.
Blake Griffin took a subtle jab at Chris with his #loyalty post. Meanwhile, CP3 is at a Kendrick Lamar concert with James Harden singing along to the song “Loyalty”. Factor in the growing rift between Chris and Doc, and you should expect some animosity. But hopefully things won’t get too bitter or personal.
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Although Austin Rivers doesn’t think it’ll be quite like when Kevin Durant returned to OKC, you can imagine that it’ll be the same dynamic. Fans haven’t taken CP3’s departure nearly as badly, but emotions will still be high.
“Business and basketball are two different things. They say don’t take it personal, but everybody does,” says Austin.