Rockets newcomer Austin Rivers has made a positive impression on his teammates since his Christmas Day debut. Jettisoned from the Suns after being traded by the Wizards, Rivers appears to have found a solid fit in Houston.

Rivers is averaging 32 minutes through two games with the Rockets, and he has reached double-digit point totals in both outings. Despite his noteworthy contributions to the box score, coach Mike D’Antoni explained to The Athletic’s Alykhan Bijani that Rivers’ relentless style has been the biggest addition.

“He definitely gives us some grit,” Coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He’s a tough guy. He’ll hit big shots and he’s not afraid of the moment. There’s a lot of good things you got to have for a good team.”

Coupled with James Harden’s impressive streak of games, adding Rivers has helped Houston overcome the absence of Chris Paul. The Rockets have won eight of their last nine games, and have climbed out of the Western Conference’s cellar to secure an overall record of 19-15