LA Clippers hang on vs. Washington to gain momentum as season is near ending (3/07)
The Clippers came up with a big win versus the Washington Wizards (111- 105) to win their fourth game in a row as the playoffs are approaching. This was the second game in a row for both teams. The Clippers held Gilbert Arenas “Agent 0” to 9-25 shooting. Arenas who played locally at Grant High School in Van Nuys has improved his game to a super-star level this season. Even though Arenas had 30 points he really did not play one of his better games. He had many of those points to bring Washington close but in the end it was too late. New starter Cory Maggette led a balanced attack with 29 points. They played again without Sam Cassell who has missed five out of the last eight games because of back spasms. Jason Heart who was picked up as a free agent recently and Daniel Ewing have filled in admirably at the point guard position while Cassell has been out. The Wizards played without all-star forward Caron Butler who was out with a left knee injury. The first half was pretty even but the Clippers came out strong in the third to take control of the game. The Wizards made a late run but fell short in the end. Washington had a chance at the end as they pulled within two points with about 35 seconds to go but committed a questionable intentional foul to send Maggette to the free throw line. Maggette made both free-throws which basically put the game out of reach for the Wizards. Antoine Jamison had 23 points but had to leave the game near the end with a leg injury. Cutino Mobley and Chris Kaman have picked up their levels while Elton Brand has remained steady.
The Wizards are trying to hold off Miami for first place in their division and they have been struggling on the road lately. The Clippers have been playing much better as a team lately although they have underachieved this year. The Clippers are gaining momentum with this win and after their last three wins on the road. They face the tough Houston Rockets on Wednesday, March 28th. The Clippers improved to 34-36 and still in 8th place, the last position for the playoffs. More information or future tickets at www.nba.com/clippers
