Rookie Report: Anthony Davis Hurt, Austin Rivers Struggles Again from the Floor

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Published: November 2, 2012

The Hornets first win of the Anthony Davis era was bittersweet as Davis left the game for good in the second quarter to be tested for a concussion. Austin Rivers yet again struggled from the floor, going 0-4.

 

Utah Jazz 86 Final

Recap | Box Score

88 New Orleans Hornets
Anthony Davis, PF 14 MIN | 4-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 8 PTS | +6Obviously the story of the night for Davis is whether or not he suffered a concussion following an Austin Rivers elbow to the face. Prior to that the big man was having a solid game on both ends. If he’s ok, I’ll give him an A. Other it’s an F for Failed to stay healthy, the most crucial component of any player grade all year.
Austin Rivers, SG 29 MIN | 0-4 FG | 2-2 FT | 2 REB | 6 AST | 2 PTS | +8Frankly he seemed overmatched versus NBA starters yet again and was lucky that the Jazz didn’t exploit his matchup with Hayward early on. Defensively he was definitely focused, but struggled to find his way around screens at the pace required in the NBA. Additionally he gambled for a few balls that were just out of his reach, which led to a few open shots for the Jazz. Monty subbed him out with 7:10 to go in the fourth in favor of Roger Mason, and it wound up working as Mason caught a clutch rebound and made both clutch free throws.

Offensively he again struggled to connect, but had a far superior game this time around in terms of distributing. While I don’t think he’s ever going to be what any of us would deem a traditional point guard, he’s showing progress in keeping his head on his swivel and seeing more than just the most obvious of passes.

The question for Rivers will be this– Can he find a way to make his shots this year?

If not, it’s going to be a mentally challenging year for a rookie not used to anything but success.

Darius Miller, SF 11 MIN | 0-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 2 AST | 0 PTS | -14Darius had a nice block midway through the 3rd as well as a couple quality passes that led to assists. Miller looked a bit slow on a few rotations, but I think with time they’ll be fewer and more far between.
Brian Roberts, PG 5 MIN | 1-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 2 PTS | -7After catching the ball on the wing and making a move the basket, Roberts found himself wide open on the way to the hoop. Much like Squeaky Johnson did last year when he found himself open for his first NBA shot, he seemed surprised. Also like Squeaky, he connected for his first NBA field goal and points. There was nothing fantastic about Brian’s performance tonight, but it appears that he’s capable of filling in at the point guard position when need be. With Gordon out 4-6 more weeks, that need may arise more often than anyone anticipated.

Five Things We Saw At The Arena

  1. I attended Buzzfest at Champion Square for the first time. The only permanent picture of a basketball player displayed is Michael Jordon. It feels like a Saints party, and I can’t imagine that it will ever see the popularity that parties in front of the Arena enjoyed.
  2. At one point Tom Benson and his wife were standing directly in from of my line of sight to the floor. C’mon, Benson! Who do you think you are?Oh, wait…
  3. Before the game Monty said that he had nothing to add to the news about Gordon’s knee that came out earlier today. He’ll miss 4-6 more weeks, but won’t need surgery.
  4. Eric Gordon was not in the Arena, as he was likely either still in Chicago or on his way home from the doctor he visited there.
  5. After Ryan Anderson makes a three-pointer there isn’t anything that runs around the Arena in triplicate. That makes me sad.

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