Part of the problem that the Warriors pose is the potent shooting of guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, appropriately nicknamed the “Splash Bros.” While defenses have been trying to find a method to slow this high octane duo down, they have not found a consistent formula.
However, Rockets guard Austin Rivers believes he has the answer. While most people do not think of Rivers as one the elite perimeter defenders in the league, he stated his case to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko prior to to the Rockets game with the Warriors Wednesday night.
Rivers’ strategy first starts with consistent trash talk. Rivers does not have the most popular reputation in the league, and he uses this to his advantage, irritating opponents throughout the game. Additionally, his combination of size and quickness allows him to stay with the likes of Curry but also hold his ground against Thompson.
“I’m quick,” Rivers said with a wry smile. “That’s why I can guard them. And my length, cause I’m 6’4, I bother them a lot of times. I guard bigger guards well too.”
On 92 possessions this season prior to Wednesday’s game, Rivers has allowed 23 points on 10/28 shooting to Curry and Thompson, and has specifically held Curry to 8/23 shooting with three turnovers.
With the Rockets playing like a Western Conference Finals contender, the key to beating the Warriors starts with limiting their All-Star backcourt. If the two teams meet in the playoffs, it will be interesting to see how successful Rivers is in that heightened setting.
