Knicks’ Austin Rivers Makes His Mark In History With Record-Breaking Performance Against Utah Jazz

After what Austin Rivers did today, the New York Knicks would probably be thanking their lucky stars for making the decision to get him on board. It is paying off in more ways than expected. And now in their second matchup with the Utah Jazz, the Knicks star put up incredible numbers on the board, enough to make it a record-breaking performance.

Austin Rivers sets the standard

In the first week of January, the Knicks were set to play the Utah Jazz. So when Rivers put up 23 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter, everyone thought they had seen Rivers’ limit. The question popped up: could he get any better than this?

How would anyone have known that it was in his second matchup with Jazz that he would truly show his potential? It seems like Rivers sets his mind on destroying Utah. In just the first half, Austin surpassed his previous 23 points. He went 10-10 from the field and was a perfect 5-5 from the arc, adding to a total of 25 points.

As per ESPN Stats and Info, “Austin Rivers is the first Knicks player over the last 25 seasons to go 10-10 or better in a half. Rivers is also the first player over the last 25 seasons to go 10-10 from the field and 5-5 on 3-pointers in a single half.”

The Knicks lost against Utah Jazz

Unlike last time when the Knicks defeated the Jazz 112-100, they came back as the losers in their second outing against the Jazz with a 108-94 score. This was despite Rivers putting up stellar numbers on the scoreboard.

However, this isn’t surprising because both teams are having very different runs this season. The Utah Jazz has been unbeatable, holding an eight-game winning streak and standing second in the Western Conference.

Jan 26, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; New York Knicks guard Austin Rivers (8) shoots an open jump shot against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks are 8-10 so far, with a two-game losing streak and standing eighth in the Eastern Conference. It is safe to say that the Jazz is just a better team than the Knicks. But this could be one of the greatest offensive halves in the history of the league for Rivers. Can Austin’s fiery form carry the New York Knicks further up in the East?

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