Clippers 115 - Sonics 101

by Steve Perrin on Nov 4, 2007 6:26 PM PST in News

In the first 6 minutes of the Clippers 115-101 victory over the Sonics on Sunday afternoon, Chris Kaman had 4 points on 2 for 2 shooting, 5 rebounds, and a pretty assist for a Quinton Ross and-one. In three touches on the offensive end he accounted for 7 points, and he had collected most of the available rebounds. He handled the double team, he protected the ball. It was a good start.

Although he went cold and missed 5 of his next 7 shots, he ended the game with three statistics that no doubt pleased the Clippers coaching staff greatly - 15 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 0 turnovers. As for his offense, with Corey Maggette (27), Tim Thomas (20) and Cat Mobley (17) carrying the load and six Clippers in double figures for the second time in two games, 10 points was just fine.

Kaman's going to face stiffer competition than Andris Biedrins and Nick Collison this season, just as the Clippers are going to have to play better teams than the Warriors and Sonics - and soon. But as long as the league gives you the gift of a soft opening schedule, you have to take advantage of it and build a little momentum. I mean, it's not surprising that Portland is 0-3 with road losses in San Antonio, New Orleans and Houston, nor is it surprising that the Clippers are 2-0 with two home wins. But I'd rather be 2-0 than 0-3, and if everyone is predicting a horrible season for you, starting 2-0 is especially satisfying.

Less than a week into the season, you get some really funny statistics. Like for instance, the Los Angeles Clippers leading the NBA in points per game with over 117 (it helps to face the two worst defenses). Or Chris Kaman second in the NBA in rebounding behind Marcus Camby. Here's the thing - by the end of the season, the Clippers will be in the middle of the pack in scoring. But Kaman has a real chance to be a top five rebounder.

Before I get back to this game, I want to put a really big asterisk on the 2-0 start. The Clippers have played two games against two REALLY BAD DEFENSIVE TEAMS. The fact that the Clippers offense has looked good probably has a lot more to do with the opposition than anything else. So let's try not to get too excited just yet.

But the offense has looked good. In fact, for much of this game they were getting wide open looks; just not making them. Consequently, it was still a 2 point game entering the 4th quarter - the Clippers were shooting just over 40% at that point despite the good looks. Suddenly the wide open shots started falling. LA made 14 of 23 shots in the final period, including 5 three pointers, and blew the Sonics out of Staples Center.

Other observations:

A nice line for Maggette. 27 points on 13 shots, 13 for 14 from the line, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
The Clippers were exactly 7 for 18 on three point field goals for the second time. With makes from Cassell, Dickau, Thomas and Mobley today, they have now gotten threes from six different players. Thornton is also willing and able to take the three, which gives them 7 deep threats. I'm still getting used to this idea after three seasons at the bottom of the league in three point shooting, but ... ME LIKEY!
Cat Mobley is officially the Houston scoring Cat. I'm not sure why. He says he feels better than he has in a long time after off-season elbow surgery. Or maybe it's just the fact that he's in scoring mode for the Generic Clippers (No Brand). But he's so much more aggressive. He wants the ball. He wants it bad.
Sam Cassell got on the floor for loose balls not once but twice in this game and got both of them for his team. I think he wants to win.
The training camp signing of Dan Dickau has already paid dividends. Brevin Knight caught an inadvertent elbow from Cat in the third quarter just after replacing Cassell. Rather than being forced to come back with the almost 38 year old Cassell, or insert a rookie into the game, MD^sr went to the 5 year vet and the Clippers kept rolling. Dickau was on the floor as the Clippers stretched their lead fro 2 to 11.
According to the box score Ruben Patterson had six steals. I was surprised at that number, but he was certainly active. Six steals in 20 minutes. Wow.
The Clippers had only 12 turnovers for the game, and frankly, at least two of those were bad calls.
Kevin Durant is pretty good. Turns out, Jeff Green is too.

The Clippers now go on the road for three games against Eastern Conference teams and we'll find out more. Kaman will have to face Ben Wallace. The Clippers will have to face a team that plays defense. And they'll have to do it away from the enthusiastic fans in Staples. But for now, 2-0 is a pretty good feeling.

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Very Impressed

with Jeff Green. I knew what Durant could do but hadn't see alot of Green. What an athletic duo they are going to have going forward. Luckily Swift only looks like Portland Walton and has none of his talents.

Patterson continues to do all those things you hated him for when he was on the opposition.

Not much playing time yet for Thornton and we have a beastly week coming up. These two wins were big.

by Phil Gurnee on Nov 4, 2007 9:34 PM PST reply actions

by the way...

I love the "Generic Clippers" phrase. I sense that other writers will use it in the near future (I'm not a writer, but I'll be using it...)

by gfngfgf on Nov 4, 2007 10:02 PM PST reply actions

I like the makeup of the team

Any squad that has a bunch of familiar names is likely to play well. Most NBA fans have probably heard of Cassell, Mobley, Maggette, Thomas, Kaman, Knight, Patterson, and Dickau (due to the funny name). Each of these guys has a reputation. It is a nice mix. They are a lot deeper than people realize. Once Brand and Livingston return they will be a team that can play virtually any style. And they built this quietly.

You have to love the hustle so far. Ross and Mobley have always played hard, and the additons of Patterson, Knight and Dickau certainly contribute to the increased energy level. Throw in Cassell diving for loose balls and Kaman being so active on the glass...the teams plays a way more fun style than previous years. The Kaman and Thomas inside-out game is working surprisingly well. Corey is doing his efficient scoring routine as always. And Cat is playing like a savvy vet a both ends.

I am encouraged about the season, as are Ralph and Mike. 2 down, 80 to go.

by mp on Nov 5, 2007 9:36 AM PST reply actions

Trying not to be excited

Seems like there's a fair amount of doom and gloom about beating two teams that don't play much defense, but the weekend result still seems very positive.

--Clips are healthy. That is, of course, aside from EB and Liv. Cassell is healthy, and already playing limited minutes, which will keep him healthier longer. With a back to back coming up, and the second game against a surprising uptempo team (Indiana), it should be interesting to see how the minutes are doled out. Kaman is healthy and active, Maggette is healthy and picking his spots, not forcing things. Patterson's pinkie and Thomas' back don't seem to be bothering them. The list goes on.

--I like Brevin Knight. A lot. He would have been an obvious starter and would have played big minutes on a lot of Clipper teams in the past, before Cassell arrived. He keeps the ball moving, plays pesky, bothersome defense, and he doesn't make mistakes. That being said, the comebacks at the end of the 2nd quarter in the first two games can't be tied to Knight I don't think, but they're odd. It would be good to see the Clips hold onto a 2nd quarter lead and go in to the locker room with a nice advantage at halftime. And Knight should also receive props for running things smoothly in the 4th against GSW.

--Let's not forget that GSW is in the division, and a projected playoff team. Their tough early schedule and the Jackson suspension will dig them a very nice hole. And Richardson was a great player who was very complementary to BDavis, and they're going to miss him.

--I didn't watch either game, and I like the Lakers beating Utah and even beating Phoenix, but we don't need the Lakers to be good, obviously. They got both teams on back-to-backs, but those are huge road wins. Maybe the Lakers are better without Odom--I definitely think they should have traded him to get some guys to make Kobe happy, and I don't think Kobe and Lamar will ever be a good fit. Farmar is quick and energetic and doing well with Bynum off the bench. It'd be good for something to go wrong with these guys before they build too much confidence, but they're probably saying the same thing about the Clippers.

--Mobley seems energized, extremely effective, very focused in his role. What a surprise. Yes, he's healthier, and it's the beginning of the season. But you point out how Mobley is a nice fit with Knight, while Ross and Cassell work together too. But, ummm, this never made any sense last year? I really liked the comment last week about how no one from the Clips has ever taken any responsibility for last year's debacle. The approach and rotation this year seem to provide the obvious answer, but it would be nice to hear somebody articulate exactly how last year's horrendous decisions and blatant mistakes have paved the way for an effective approach here at the start of the season.

Go Clips!

by zhivclip on Nov 5, 2007 10:39 AM PST reply actions

That

was me (that the Clips should take responsibility for last year). Winners take responsibility.

The next few games will be highly entertaining. Go Clips.

by Jax on Nov 5, 2007 6:44 PM PST up reply actions

okay it's early

but it's great to see the team playing well together as everyone has said. i was doubtful that this team could come together this quickly and work well together. yes the opponents were not the best but it doesn't matter that it was seattle as much as it mattered that in the 3rd quarter maggette came down in a 2 on 1 break and GAVE UP THE BALL. he got an assist on a fast break! that kind of team work was absent in the first 3/4 of last season. and kaman was going after rebounds like he was dennis rodman. he seems lighter, quicker with more bounce in his step. last season turnovers killed the clippers on many a night. thank you brevin. there is definitely a difference between the great teams and the good ones. the great ones though only play great in spurts and just good enough the rest of the game. it's like watching federer play tennis or valention rossi (a few years ago) race motorcylcles. the best are only better than everyone else in the key moments and it's those key moments that carry them beyond the hustle and energy of merely good teams. that said, if the team continues to work hard and pass the ball they will be a joy to watch regardless of the record.

by cabezadeknuckle on Nov 5, 2007 10:45 PM PST reply actions