Off Guard with Austin Rivers - podcast cover

Off Guard with Austin Rivers

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
NBA veteran, Austin Rivers, is joined by one of his oldest friends, Pausha Haghighi, to give you that true insider’s perspective from someone who’s actively playing in the league on anything and everything happening in the National Basketball Association. They hit on the biggest headlines and stories going on in the Association and of course, sprinkle in some of the best stories and memories from Austin’s extensive career.
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Episodes

Debunking James Harden Playoff Myths and Attributes Of a Great Scorer

Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on what makes for a great scorer, AAU culture, and the reaction to their mount rushmore list. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 11, 20251 hr 13 min

Chris Paul Returns to the Clippers and Mount Rushmore Talk

Austin and Pausha return to react to summer news they missed. The two discuss Chris Paul signing with the Clippers, the restricted free agent market, and Luka Doncic’s revamped physique. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 28, 20251 hr 14 min

Flagg’s Summer League Debut and the Rise in 20-Point Scorers

Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s summer league debut, the state of the Western Conference, Devin Booker’s extension, and the rise in scoring in the NBA. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 10, 20251 hr 11 min

Michael Porter Jr. Traded, and a Wide-Open Eastern Conference

Austin and Pausha return to react to day one of free agency. The two discuss the Michael Porter Jr. trade, how they would rank the teams in the West, and why Atlanta can make a surprising run in the Eastern Conference. Note: This pod was recorded before Damian Lillard was waived and Myles Turner signed with the Bucks. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...

Jul 01, 202559 min

First-Round Observations and How the Celtics Are Pivoting

Austin and Pausha return to react to the first-round selections of the 2025 NBA draft and the latest trades and discuss how they affect the arms race in the Eastern Conference. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 26, 202556 min

OKC Wins the NBA Title, and Kevin Durant Gets Traded to Houston

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder’s 103-91 championship-clinching win over the Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the seismic Kevin Durant trade to Houston. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 23, 202559 min

Pacers Force a Game 7, and the Lakers Have a New Ownership Group

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 108-91 Game 6 win over the Thunder to force a Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals and discuss the Lakers' new ownership group. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 202556 min

OKC Takes a 3-2 Lead, and Desmond Bane to Orlando!

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 120-109 win over the Pacers in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the shocking Desmond Bane trade to Orlando. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 17, 20251 hr 5 min

The Pacers Take a 2-1 Lead, and What Are the Knicks Doing?

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 116-107 Game 3 win in the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the latest in the Knicks' coaching search. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 12, 202547 min

OKC Roars Back! Thunder Take Game 2.

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 123-107 victory in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 09, 20251 hr 3 min

Hali Does It Again! Pacers Steal Game 1.

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 111-110 Game 1 win in the 2025 NBA Finals. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 06, 20251 hr 5 min

OKC-Indy Finals Preview and Predictions. Plus, Knicks Fever Takes Over the NBA!

Austin and Pausha jump into a Finals preview, but before that, they address the impact the Knicks' run had on the NBA and the city of New York (4:44), and discuss Pascal Siakam receiving the conference finals MVP over Haliburton (21:43)! Then, they discuss where this Finals matchup between the Thunder and the Pacers ranks among past years, debate how the lineups measure up against one another, and share their predictions (35:10)! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes...

Jun 02, 20251 hr 9 min

OKC’s Potential New Challenges, Minnesota’s Missing Pieces, and Finals Predictions

Austin and Pausha revisit the conversation about simplifying the game and Austin shares how these conference finals have shown us the direction the NBA is moving in (1:28). Then, they break down the Pacers’ type of play and discuss what type of star Tyrese Haliburton has been (12:44). Later, they preview potential challenges the Pacers might pose (if they close out the Knicks) against a dominant OKC (30:57), before addressing what pieces Minnesota might need to progress forward as an organizatio...

May 29, 20251 hr 3 min

Haliburton Makes Basketball Poetry, SGA Foul-Baiting, and the New Age NBA

Austin and Pausha are back to recap both Game 1s of the conference finals! They jump into the Thunder-Wolves series to discuss how Minnesota can approach Game 2, address SGA’s foul-baiting, and talk through Mike Malone’s media responsibilities with the series (1:12). Then, they hit on the show that was the Knicks-Pacers matchup! They react to Haliburton’s ridiculous almost-game-winner, Aaron Nesmith’s insane 3-point shots that kept them alive, and discuss the new age of basketball that includes ...

May 22, 20251 hr 10 min

What’s at Stake for SGA and Conference Finals Predictions

Austin and Pausha jump into today’s show by recapping Game 7 between Nuggets and OKC. They highlight Aaron Gordon’s next-level competitiveness while playing through his hamstring injury (4:48). Then, they discuss the stakes for each team heading into the conference finals (14:35) before breaking down the Thunder-Timberwolves matchup out West. Later, they touch on the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference finals (36:11) and share their predictions! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Er...

May 19, 20251 hr

Flowers for Julius Randle, Potential SGA-Ant Face-Off, and the Knicks’ Game 6 Pressures

Austin and Pausha jump into the Round 2 play, giving their sympathies to Jayson Tatum for his Achilles injury (1:25). Then they break down all the pressure that falls on both the Knicks and Celtics as they head into Game 6 in New York (6:07). Then, they discuss the Timberwolves, who are heading into the conference finals, and give flowers to Julius Randle for his playoff play (15:45), before they preview what an Ant-SGA showdown could look like (25:55). Finally, they break down the projected fin...

May 15, 202559 min

OKC’s Redemption Win, Knicks Pressure, and Our Draft Lottery Thoughts

Austin and Pausha kick off the week by addressing the monstrosity that was Cleveland’s Game 4 loss to the Pacers (1:18). They then break down OKC’s big win over Denver and explore where the series could go next (21:48). Austin places his bet on the Knicks-Celtics series and unpacks what a Game 5 win would mean for both teams (24:55). Later, they revisit their top picks for Cooper Flagg with the NBA Draft Lottery finally here (1:00:22), and speculate on where Giannis might land if he leaves Milwa...

May 12, 20251 hr 23 min

Austin’s Haliburton Admission, Brunson’s Elite Closing, and the Game Plan for the Steph-less Warriors

Austin and Pausha recap the absolutely ridiculous Round 2 games so far, with Austin starting off by admitting that he was wrong about Tyrese Haliburton (3:07). Then, they dive deeper into the Pacers-Cavs matchup and discuss what Cleveland needs to do to turn things around. They also hit on the Knicks-Celtics series, praise Jalen Brunson’s elite clutch-time play, and predict who will take the series (26:14). Later, they talk Warriors-Timberwolves and break down the game plan for the Warriors with...

May 08, 20251 hr 27 min

The Ant-Man and Randle Show, Our Luka Demands, and Where the Bucks and Giannis Go From Here

Austin and Pausha recap more Round 1 plays, starting with the Timberwolves closing out the Lakers (3:35). They recap the groove that the Timberwolves are settling into and highlight the Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle duo. Then, they address the Lakers side of things and state a few demands they have from Luka Doncic heading into the offseason (17:53). Later, they debate whether or not the Warriors can win it all, and what it would mean if Steph got his fifth ring (30:18). Then, they address t...

May 01, 20251 hr 7 min

KAT’s Absurd Shot-Making, Ant Man’s Playoff Performance, and Flowers for Aaron Gordon

Austin and Pausha recap this weekend’s slate of Round 1 playoff games and discuss the Knicks-Pistons series, with an emphasis on KAT’s shot-making (7:17). Then, they talk through the Rockets’ potential in the series after losing Game 3 with Jimmy Butler out for the Warriors (9:52), before discussing which pieces the Suns and Bucks might need to pick up in the offseason (16:00). Lastly, they hit on the Timberwolves-Lakers series with a breakdown of Ant’s impressive playoff performance (38:36), an...

Apr 28, 202555 min

Can the Warriors Survive Without Jimmy? Plus, Breaking Down the Other Game 2s.

Austin and Pausha are back to recap Game 2, Round 1 of the playoffs! They kick things off by reacting to the Warriors-Rockets series, discussing how an injured Jimmy could affect Golden State’s playoff chances moving forward, and sharing how Jonathan Kuminga could adjust his game to make an impact on the series (1:52). Then, they hit on the Pistons-Knicks matchup and review both Kawhi and Cade Cunningham’s playoff performances (28:17). Later, they discuss Cleveland-Miami (40:06), Bucks-Pacers (4...

Apr 24, 202558 min

The Playoff Learning Curve, the Russell Westbrook Experience, and Our Biggest Takeaways from Game 1

Austin and Pausha recap Game 1, Round 1 of the playoffs starting with the blowout that was Memphis-OKC (1:42). Then, they jump to the Celtics-Magic series and Austin makes his case not to overreact (10:55), before hitting on the Miami-Cavs (18:27) and the competitive Knicks-Pistons series (24:04). Later, they discuss the learning curve the young Rockets team is experiencing against the veteran Warriors (30:58). They then break down the Timberwolves-Lakers series (36:42) and Pacers-Bucks series (...

Apr 21, 20251 hr 7 min

Round 1 Playoff Predictions: ANT-Luka Rematch, “Playoff Jimmy,” and the Greatest Showman—Steph Curry

Austin and Pausha are back to discuss their playoff predictions, starting with the Rockets-Warriors (4:32). They break down Houston’s deep bench vs. Golden State’s postseason experience with Steph and “Playoff Jimmy.” Then, they jump to the rematch between Luka and Anthony Edwards in Timberwolves-Lakers (27:37). Finally, they share who they think should be COTY and which players they’re most looking forward to watching in the playoffs (43:35). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: E...

Apr 17, 202553 min

Regular Season Recap, Playoff Preview, and Our Case for Dyson Daniels as DPOY

Austin and Pausha kick the week off recapping the unpredictable 2024-25 season. They discuss KAT’s impressive year with the Knicks (2:17), how the Detroit Pistons have become a serious team in the East (10:04), and of course, the Luka trade and Malone Firing (30:18). Then, they offer their early playoff predictions (38:20), make their case for Dyson Daniels as Defensive Player of the Year (47:52), and share their thoughts on coaching attire (52:26). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Produ...

Apr 14, 20251 hr 3 min

Luka’s Emotional Return to Dallas and the Suns’ Nightmare Season Comes to an End

Austin and Pausha react to Luka Doncic’s incredibly emotional return to Dallas, which culminated in him dropping 45 points against his former team (4:00). Then, they revisit the Phoenix Suns’ disappointing season, as they didn't even make the play-in—despite a stacked roster on paper (17:51). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 10, 202547 min

NBA Sets New Precedent Following Denver’s Firing of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth

Austin and Pausha react to the shocking news that head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth have been fired by the Denver Nuggets. Austin shares his own experience in the locker room with the Nuggets and Coach Malone and discusses why this could have happened, what this means for Nikola Jokic, and the precedent this move sets this late in the season. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto ...

Apr 08, 202538 min

Duke Upset Reactions, Cooper Flagg’s Best NBA Fit, and a Clouded Western Conference

Austin and Pausha are back following the Final Four tournament and react to the Duke upset resulting in Houston taking on Florida in the championship game (1:05). They highlight top players and shout out Walter Clayton Jr. for Florida (9:35), and then discuss which teams in the NBA Cooper Flagg might fit well with (22:52). Later, they talk through the West and discuss where teams rank and which matchups would be ideal for teams like OKC and Houston heading into the playoffs (48:14). Hosts: Austi...

Apr 07, 20251 hr 16 min

Pistons-T-Wolves Brawl, Grizz in Shambles, and Reasons Why This Is Duke’s Most Likable Team

Austin and Pausha discuss last night’s brawl between the Pistons-Timberwolves and wonder whether or not teams need a player similar to Isaiah Stewart (2:27). Then, they react to the Grizzlies’ oddly timed decision to fire Taylor Jenkins so close to the playoffs and firmly in the postseason picture (11:58). Later, they revisit the Most Improved Player conversation and share their arguments for Austin Reaves after holding his own with the Lakers (18:18). They then address a few rumors, including o...

Mar 31, 20251 hr 10 min

LeBron-ESPN, Tiers Backlash, and Did NIL Kill Cinderellas?

Austin and Pausha open by recapping his Guard Tiers list and LeBron’s trip to Pat McAfee (3:18). Then, they discuss the impact of NIL and this year’s NCAA tournament (39:44). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 27, 20251 hr 3 min

March Madness Memories, Guard Tiers, and the Clippers' Surge

Austin and Pausha open by recapping their take on the NBA’s lack of veteran players and their favorite March Madness moments (1:07). Then, they discuss Cade Cunningham’s rise and how he fares among the elite guards in the NBA (30:06). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 20, 202549 min
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