Like the pickup, considering the desperate need, the cost, and his performance to date. He does scare me when hes got the ball in his hands like Lin did. It feels like he could forget hes an NBA basketball player at any moment.
Cheered? He blew up Jerry West's cell phone begging to trade the entire Clippers team to get his son back after tonight's performance.
Rivers has no idea what to do when Harden is off the floor and our other guys stand there and leave him to improvise. He starts dribbling, and the results are ugly. But: The man loves to play defense. He's a spiteful b*stard. He's smart, has quick feet, and is excellent at keeping his balance. He doesn't remind me of Lin. He reminds me of Elie.
@Roomba quicker than I. Cleverly disguised 'Post sexy photos of Austin Rivers' @KingCheetah @Os Trigonum
There are lots of guys that can shoot better than Rivers... lots of guys that can pass better... and even lots of guys that can score better. The difference is the Rivers has some dog in him. He has an enormous pair of balls and is gritty and not only can play in big moments, but wants to be out there with the game on the line. Not many real dogs around.. Mario Elie was a dog, same with Derek Fisher and Robert Horry and Cedric Maxwell. They may not start the game and they may not be penciled in the line up late in the game going into the game.... but by the 2 minute warning; there is no way in hell they aren’t going to be on the court busting ass and making plays. Just like Derek Fisher, Austin Rivers can be a punk. Just like Danny Ainge; Rivers can run his mouth .... but at the end of the day you respect that they have some dog in them.
Harden would give the ball up Lin just like he does Austin Rivers. Lin would give the ball right back. Lin deferred to Harden too much and that was one reason why he didn't work here. Lin's whol deal was Iso's and he didn't want to iso.
Guys that have “it” can tell when another guy has “it” and Harden knows Rivers gets it.... Lin never had “it” and never had the level of respect from Harden than Rivers has right now. Away from the game Harden would likely rather spend lunch with Lin... and pop Rivers in the lip... but on the court, it’s a different story.
