Austin Rivers' Buzzer Beater vs. Utah
The shot that silenced the arena and saved the 2017 Clippers' season.
One of the most electrifying moments in Los Angeles Clippers history occurred on April 16, 2017, during Game 3 of the first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz. With the series tied 1-1 and the Clippers facing elimination at home, Austin Rivers stepped to the free-throw line with seconds remaining. His subsequent three-point buzzer-beater not only secured a dramatic victory but also shifted the momentum of the entire series, becoming an instant classic in franchise lore.
- Event
- Austin Rivers' Playoff Buzzer Beater
- Opponent
- Utah Jazz
- Series Context
- 2017 First Round, Game 3
- Result
- Clippers Win (95-86)
- Key Player
- Austin Rivers
- Significance
- First playoff win for the Clippers in Los Angeles since 1984
Lore & Background
Austin Rivers, often criticized for his inconsistency during the regular season, received the ball in the corner after a chaotic scramble. As the clock wound down, he rose up from the baseline, releasing a three-pointer that seemed to hang in the air forever before swishing through the net as the buzzer sounded. The shot was more than just points; it was an exorcism of the franchise's long-standing demons. It proved that this new-look Clippers team could deliver under pressure, galvanizing the fanbase and setting the stage for a historic series victory.
In Their Own Story
The hum of the Staples Center crowd faded into a deafening silence as the shot left Austin Rivers' fingertips. The orange sphere arced high against the bright arena lights, tracing a perfect parabola toward the rim. For a heartbeat, time seemed to suspend; every fan held their breath, eyes locked on the net. Rivers didn't celebrate immediately; he simply watched the ball fall, knowing he had just altered the destiny of his team.
Reader's Guide
The series began with a Clippers victory in Game 1, but Utah responded by taking Game 2 at home. Entering Game 3, the stakes were incredibly high for Los Angeles, as losing would put them down 0-2 and on the brink of elimination. The game was a defensive grind throughout, with neither team able to pull away significantly in the final minutes. With under ten seconds left, Blake Griffin drove into the paint but was met by Utah's defense, forcing him to kick it out to Austin Rivers in the right corner. Rivers caught the ball, set his feet, and launched a deep three-pointer as time expired. The shot drained perfectly, giving Los Angeles a 95-86 victory. This moment served as the definitive turning point of the series. It energized the Clippers' bench and fanbase, allowing them to win Game 4 at home and eventually force a decisive Game 7. Rivers' heroics transformed him from a regular-season question mark into an undisputed playoff warrior in the eyes of the fandom.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time since 1984 that the Clippers won a playoff game at the Staples Center.
- Austin Rivers became the second son of a Hall of Famer (after his father, Derek) to hit a clutch three-pointer in the playoffs for the franchise.
- The shot propelled the Clippers to win the series 4-2, their first-ever playoff series victory since moving to Los Angeles.
- Prior to this game, the Clippers had never won Game 3 of a first-round series at home against Utah.