A father-son moment broke out at the end of Houston’s 102-93 victory over the Clippers on Wednesday night in Texas, but not the kind you’d think.
With the Rockets up by eight points with one minute and 31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Clippers coach Doc Rivers began arguing with official Tony Brothers at half court about a ruling he’d made against Los Angeles regarding a challenge.
Rivers’ son, Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers, came over and began signaling for the referees to give his father a technical foul. They obliged — and then gave him a second which led to his ejection from the game.
Austin Rivers was really laughing and calling for his dad to get a tech 😆 pic.twitter.com/WPtypgVN4p
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 14, 2019
After the game, the younger Rivers was asked whether he liked seeing his father get tossed.
“I did,” he said. “I knew it was coming. I could see it. I’ve seen that look before — many times. Once he starts blinking his eyes fast, and he starts [imitates Doc getting mad], that’s when I know he is about to level up. So I just started telling Tony to get him. They got him. He’s out of here.”
And the 27-year-old guard didn’t leave it there.
Welp…. thanksgiving is going to be weird….
— Austin Rivers (@AustinRivers25) November 14, 2019
In the game itself, Houston’s James Harden went off for 47 points despite being pestered by L.A.’s Patrick Beverley for much of the evening. His teammate Russell Westbrook added 17 points for the Rockets, who won their fifth straight game.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists and Lou Williams chipped in with 20 points off the bench.
Though he has yet to play this season, Clippers forward Paul George may make his return to the court following shoulder surgery as soon as tonight.
Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.