There was a certain pop to Austin Rivers' step on Wednesday night, as the newest Denver Nuggets point guard faced his former team, the New York Knicks. Rivers came off the bench and exploded for 25 points in 28 minutes to help bring the red-hot ‘Bockers back to earth with a huge 113-97 rout.
After the game, Michael Porter Jr confirmed that Rivers had mean intentions all evening long.
“He's talked to me extensively how difficult it was for him in New York,” the Nuggets youngster said, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “So he told me coming into tonight how aggressive he was going to be and he was trying to get those dudes back.”
The journeyman started the season as a member of the Knicks and played 21 games with the team, including two starts. His quick stint in New York was rather unimpressive and was ultimately cut short after he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three-team deal. Rivers was immediately waived by OKC before he found a new home with the Nuggets just a few weeks ago.
With a very crowded backcourt in New York, Austin Rivers couldn't really do much for head coach Tom Thibodeau. The nine-year vet has proven that he can definitely be a great addition to any team if given the opportunity, and he's making the most out of this latest one in the Mile High City.
So far, this is Rivers' most impressive game in nine outings wearing a Nuggets uniform. With Jamal Murray out for the rest of the season, look for Rivers to keep getting his minutes as he tries to fill in the void for Denver.
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