The Clippers did what they had to in order to stay alive in the Western Conference race — by a barely beating pulse. They beat the Suns 103-99, as Phoenix did rotate their normal lineup, albeit not for as many minutes as usual. The Clippers were banking on a Mavericks win over the Warriors in the other significant game on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, Dallas decided to rest Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Jerry Stackhouse, and Erick Dampier. Meaning, it was like a one-legged man challenging you to an ass-kicking contest. Although the Clippers were hopeful Dallas would battle Golden State on Tuesday night, Elton Brand understood that the Mavs owed nothing to the Clippers:
“They handled their business all season. If they wanted to rest guys, that’s their right … Those guys deserved a rest. It was our responsibility to take care of our own business, and we didn’t do that.”
Precisely. Anyone with a sane mind agrees with Brand on that point. HOWEVA, it’s Mike Dunleavy’s quote that I don’t quite get.
“From what I’m hearing, Dallas didn’t play their guys … Obviously Phoenix played their guys, so it tells you they (the Mavericks) probably prefer to play Golden State than us. That’s what it comes down to.”
Nothing quite like puffing up your chest and trying to find the silver-lining eh Dunleavy? Right … because Dallas really wants to play the same Golden State team to whom they lost three times during the regular season. The same Golden State coached by the man who knows the Dallas organization so well — Don Nelson. That has to be it Dunleavy. Boy you’re really onto something there.
As for the Clips, don’t be surprised if they lose Wednesday night to the Hornets. Why? Chris Kaman makes it sound like their season is already over
“Is Golden State going to lose? More than likely, they’re not … But there’s really nothing we can do about it now.
“What happened is over. We just have to prepare ourselves for [tonight] and then it’s all about next year.”
Yeah, maybe next year won’t be a lost season for the Clippers.
