857: Habitual Offender with a Long Record

Rivers knew exactly where the Clippers' strengths lay. Of course, he could also see their greatest weakness.

Matt Barnes was currently the Clippers' weakest link. Worse still, Rivers could not find a more suitable starting wing than Barnes.

With Dudley and Caron Butler gone, the Clippers' wing depth was extremely thin this year. Off the bench, only Turkoglu and Crawford could fill in at the three.

Yet the Turkish Turkoglu was long past his prime, while Crawford was a pure scorer. Relying on their wings alone, the Clippers had no way to defend Link.

If Barnes were really left one-on-one with Link, Rivers figured Link could put up another 60 points.

Naturally, Rivers would not turn a blind eye to that. That was why he had prepared a deluxe "double-team package" for Link today.

"The moment he drives, everybody collapses toward him! Get physical, and make him understand what pain feels like! I know Link is an excellent passer. But I believe the rest of the Grizzlies can't match our offense!"

Before the game began, Rivers once again stressed to his players how they would contain Link today.

Put simply, they would force Link to pass. They would rather let him give the ball to someone else than let him score easily.

Rivers believed that the Clippers' offense was bound to be more potent than that of the rest of the Grizzlies.

Completely shutting down the Grizzlies was impossible. But if they shut down the Grizzlies' strongest offensive weapon, then buried them with superior offense, Rivers believed that was the only workable approach.

Everyone nodded solemnly. Chris Paul, especially eager for victory, was practically rubbing his hands together.

Making others feel pain was his specialty!

Amid the cheers of the Grizzlies fans, the game officially tipped off.

The Grizzlies and