Off Guard with Austin Rivers

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

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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

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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: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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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 one involving Devin Booker to the Pistons (27:05). Lastly, Austin gives his three reasons why this 2025 Duke team is actually likable (39:22)!

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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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

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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

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With the reveal of the March Madness brackets, Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi discuss some of the major changes college basketball has undergone since Austin’s Duke days, namely the evolution in recruiting, NIL, and the transfer portal (00:00). Then, Austin tells the story of how he selected Duke over Florida before talking through age discrepancies in the current college product. Later, the guys lay out reasons why Oklahoma City is beatable in the playoffs, and why they think the referees may change the way they treat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander come playoff time (17:08). Plus, Austin explains why he’s not convinced by the Cavaliers just yet before closing the show with a story about the time he played a game without wearing the proper … uh … equipment (38:17).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Troy Farkas

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Austin and Pausha open by discussing the Cavs' 15-game win streak and how they made the leap this season (2:21). Then, they discuss how the Most Improved Player award is voted on (22:46) before previewing a potential Knicks-Pistons first-round matchup and talking about what goes into hitting a game-winning shot (36:20).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Stefan Anderson

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Austin and Pausha revisit the Jokic-SGA MVP conversation and emphasize how tired they are of voter fatigue (4:20). Then, they discuss which teams could have the competitive edge in the playoffs, with teams like the Lakers and Nuggets right behind OKC.

Later, they dive into Stephen A.’s comments about Bronny and LeBron, and Austin discusses why things went south (34:00). Then, they talk through Harden’s recent comments about coaching and predict how this could be the trend (44:44).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Austin and Pausha react to Malik Beasley’s untimely comments on guarding James Harden after The Beard dropped a 50-piece on the Pistons (1:22). Then, Austin argues where Harden ranks among the likes of Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and Russell Westbrook (6:40).

Later, they weigh the arguments for Jokic or SGA as MVP (25:05). They then run through a few stand out moments from the week, including LeBron hitting the 50K-point mark and the Celtics duo of Payton Pritchard and Derrick White putting up 40 points each in the same game (31:05).

Finally, five-star high school recruit Nate Ament joins the show to talk about his upcoming college decision, his time playing ball with Austin, and how he remains grounded through it all (46:11).

Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi

Guest: Nate Ament

Producer: Erika Cervantes

Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.