Defensive switch

LOS ANGELES – Ask Corey Maggette what he does best and without hesitation the he will say: "I can score the basketball.''

But it was other aspects of his game that the Los Angeles Clippers swingman brought to the forefront Saturday afternoon that were just as instrumental in the Los Angeles Clippers' 103-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

A critical offensive foul that Corey Maggette goaded Al Harrington into committing during a critical juncture of the fourth quarter was one of several defensive gems Corey Maggette provided.

Corey Maggette's five assists, two below his season high, and two on productive fast-break passes to Tim Thomas, were other contributions.

Corey Maggette also had a big helping hand in the Los Angeles Clippers' rebounding domination, with eight rebounds, all on the defensive end. And, yes, he did score the ball, finishing with 18 points.

All around, it was Corey Maggette's most complete game of the season, coming two days after the NBA's trading deadline passed and it became clear the favorite Los Angeles Clippers target for trade rumors would remain for the duration of the season.

Los Angeles Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy called Corey Maggette's performance as a carryover.

"Corey had a great day in practice yesterday (Friday)," Dunleavy said. "He was playing very similar to how he played today. Defensively, he did a terrific job."

Corey Maggette was contagious in a good way because his teammates caught the defensive bug, too. Golden State came into the game as the league's second-highest scoring team, behind Phoenix, with a average of 106.1 points per game.

The Los Angeles Clippers moved past Golden State back into the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference. It was the Los Angeles Clippers' first victory at home this month and snapped a four-game losing streak.

"I wouldn't say this was a relief," the Los Angeles Clippers' Quinton Ross said. "We're just trying to get into the playoffs. Hopefully, this was a step in the right direction."

One of their chief adversaries is Golden State, which was coming off home victories over New York and Memphis that had boosted the Warriors a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers. The Warriors had scored more than 100 points in 38 of their previous 55 games, and had averaged 115.4 points in their previous five.

But with the aid of an inside eraser, the Los Angeles Clippers cut off that scoring spout. Power forward Elton Brand was pressed into starting at center because Chris Kaman still was sick with the flu and bronchitis. Elton Brand tied his career high with eight blocks and also had 31 points and 12 rebounds.

Tim Thomas had a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double before back spasms in the fourth quarter put him out. Guard Cuttino Mobley, still feeling the effects of a strained groin muscle, scored 15 points, and Shaun Livingston, starting in place of the still ailing Sam Cassell, had a career-best 14 assists to go with 14 points.

Shaun Livingston said his intention was to try to put the Los Angeles Clippers' in up-tempo mode as much as possible in an effort to get some easy baskets. The Los Angeles Clippers had 12 fast-break points, beating Golden State at its own game.

"It's tougher when the other team can see your plays coming," Shaun Livingston said. "You want to get out in the open court as much as you can."

The Los Angeles Clippers have today to practice and get more rest for the injured before Monday's game against Charlotte.

"This team is banged up but guys are tying to gut it out," said Sam Cassell, who was limited to 15 minutes because of a strained abdominal muscle. Sam Cassell only scored two baskets but typically, they were momentum scores, coming during a 7-0 spurt late in the third quarter.

Mobley said the aches and pains have to be endured right now.

"If you don't pay the bills, the lights go out,'' Mobley said.

"If we don't get as many of our people out there that we can, the lights will go out in early April."

 

 

 

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