'You playing the whole second quarter, because I need you to sweat that s*** out' - Lou Williams reveals Doc Rivers pushed him to play drunk

NBA players, although some of the best and most dedicated athletes in the world, have a reputation for knowing how to relax and have fun—sometimes even during the season. 

One of the stars who knew how to kick back was Lou Williams. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner was frequently spotted at nightclubs and other "adult establishments," often leaving behind hefty tabs during his activities.

Drunken Lou

However, one of Lou-Will's previously unknown adventures involved playing a game while drunk. This happened because, the night before, he unexpectedly stayed out "until the lights came on," even though he knew he had an early game against the New York Knicks at The Garden.

"I got to the arena, and I'm fuc**** drunk as hell. Mind y'all I come from the bench so I got about eight minutes to get my sh** here," Williams began narrating in the recent episode of the Underground Lounge. "Doc Rivers calls my number, I turn the ball over twice immediately. I had to make a business decision—either I'mma look drunk out there, or I'mma go tell somebody the truth. And I'mma go sit the f*** down and deal with my suspension."

"Sweet Lou" chose the second option and decided to tell the head coach the truth about his situation and why he wasn't playing up to his usual standards. However, what Rivers did at that moment left him more speechless than playing under the influence of alcohol ever did.

"He looked me straight in my eyes and said, 'You playin' the whole second quarter, because I need you to sweat that sh** out, because I'mma need you in the fourth quarter.' I had 25 in the fourth," the retired guard concluded.

Williams loved playing under Rivers

Although the specifics Lou shared make it impossible to pinpoint the exact game, it's highly likely he was referring to the matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Knicks on March 24, 2019. The "Underground GOAT" finished that game with 29 points, including 15 (not 25) in the fourth quarter. Any confusion in numbers can probably be attributed to the presence of alcohol in his bloodstream.

The Clippers' head coach at the time was Doc, and while he may not be the most popular tactician in the Association today, this was an interesting way to handle a player who was necessary but initially unable to perform.

Williams played under Glenn for four years and even credited the one-time Coach of the Year for reviving his career after he came to the City of Angels. Rivers put him in the best possible position to succeed, allowing him to play his game within the system.