The confidence of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Austin Rivers

Toughness

Back in 2016, the “Lob City” era Los Angeles Clippers were rolling. They went up 2-0 in their first round matchup against the Portland Trailblazers. The Trailblazers took game three and a big game four awaited on the horizon.

All-NBA performers, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin suffered injuries in game four that would force them to miss the remainder of the series. It was Austin Rivers’ time to show what he was made of. Time to show why he’s always been one of the most confident humans in every arena he enters.

Rivers was okay in the game five108-98 loss. But his true moment of toughness occurred in the first quarter during game six. He caught an inadvertent elbow to the eye from then Trailblazers forward, Al-Farouq Aminu. The sharp elbow hit required 11 stitches. With a band-aid plastered over his left eye, Rivers was not down for the count.

Returning to the game in the second quarter, Rivers had his best game of the series. Filling up the stat sheet with 21 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. With quick jab steps and an explosive first step, Rivers was able to attack the Trailblazers in the pick and roll relentlessly. Using his quickness to get to the rim and use his floater or shoot his wide-legged mid-range jumpshot.

The Clippers ultimately lost this game but Rivers garnered the respect of his peers. Getting back up to compete after being knocked senseless to the ground will earn a solid reputation in the NBA quickly.