Clippers vs Jazz: Austin Rivers has been the missing link
Austin Rivers would’ve been huge for the Clippers vs Jazz series early on.
Austin Rivers could be the only other player who can save the Clippers.
However, Rivers’s apparent departure might wreak havoc over the course of the first round series.
His constant absences have been due to anything from hamstring injuries to ejections along with Doc Rivers back in December due to profane altercation with the official Orr.
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Rivers was also absent from Game 3. Their victory in game 3 was possible because of Griffin’s active role without the need of Rivers’s contribution.
Unfortunately, the luck of the Clippers fell as Griffin injures his toe during game, leaving the team without him and Rivers.
Rivers, as a leading contributor for the team, has been notable in the past tournaments. He averages 12 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in the 2016-17 season. He also has career average of 8.4 points, 2.1 assists, and 2 rebounds.
Although not nearly as outstanding as say Griffin, Rivers has caused great steers into the positive direction for the Clippers in the past regular season games.
The Clippers might or might not fare well without both Rivers and Griffin.
They also gained wins in the regular season competing against teams such as the Jazz once again (Game 1) and the Spurs. The Clippers have balanced chance of gaining a possible second victory or a potential loss without the two main victory contributors, Rivers and Griffin.
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Rivers’ constant absences throughout the series will make it seem as though the Clippers will be suffering big time. But only the other teammates will determine the actual outcome.
It’s do or die for a team that hasn’t won a title with this core. Austin Rivers knows that pain more than anybody else on the team.