The protective boot on Austin Rivers' right foot was entirely in bounds throughout the Houston Rockets' possession late in the LA Clippers' emotionally charged win the night of Chris Paul's first game against his former team.
Rivers, wearing a gray suit, stood with his hands on his belt and barked, as he'd been doing much of the night, especially after emotions escalated late in the fourth quarter and the Clippers sealed the win. Rockets small forward Trevor Ariza, the player closest to Rivers, had heard too much by the time he turned to Rivers with 1 minute, 3 seconds remaining and shared some harsh words.