LA Clippers gaining ground for playoffs knock off shorthanded Bucks (1/23/07)
LA Clippers gaining ground for playoffs knock off shorthanded Bucks (1/23/07)
Written by Todd Elliot
The LA Clippers are gaining ground on the playoffs and the Milwaukee Bucks were no match last night (1/23/07) at the Staples Center. LA won 115-96 in a mismatch of a game. While the Clippers are playing better utilizing their full lineup and trying to get back to the chemistry they had last year, the Bucks are reeling. Milwaukee was missing ex-Clipper Bobby Simmons (out for the year with a stress reaction to his right heel); leader scorer and all-star Michael Redd (left patellar tendon strain, out a few more weeks); up and coming Mo Williams (AC joint strain to his left shoulder- out another week or so) and first round draft pick who was traded for point guard TJ Ford via Toronto, Charlie Villanueva (right shoulder tendinitis- out also another week or more). The Bucks did have ex-Clipper, Earl Boykins (5’5” and the shortest player in the league but as quick as they come with a deadly outside jump shot; undrafted Charlie Bell, who is their best player at this time; First pick in the Draft Andrew Bogut from Utah University and born in Australia. He was in foul trouble the whole night and never got in a rhythm. Besides that, they were pretty shorthanded against the Clips.
Elton Brand had another great game with 25 points in the first 3 quarters before being rested for the 4th. He is regaining his MVP form of last year while Mobley, Maggette and the rest of the team played well. The Clippers keys in my opinion depend on 2 other players. Chris Kamen, who played so well in the past but is struggling this year after signing a huge contract extension and point guard Sam Cassell, the team leader but oft injured guard who is not getting any younger. Shaun Livingston is their point guard of the future and adding key minutes as well as Tim Thomas and Quinton Ross. Coach Mike Dunleavy who also signed a contract extension has high hopes for this team this year and the future with many promising players as long as they keep them. There was speculation that Maggette would be part of a package for Iverson but that didn’t materialize. The 6th man of the year is averaging 15 pts and 6 rebounds and trade bait only if the right deal comes along.
Next up for the Clippers is New Jersey at the Staples on January 25th. The Nets are under-achieving and will be shorthanded missing star Richard Jefferson (out indefinitely with a bad knee). LA will be vying to get to the .500 mark vs. New Jersey and are playing with a lot of confidence now.
More information, scheduling, stats and ticket info can be seen at www.laclippers.com