Clipper Effort All for Naught Against Suns

The answers slowly fall into place for the Clippers, though not all are welcome--the reality that Friday’s loss to Portland dropped them from playoff contention the most recent example.

That means another trip to the lottery. The lone unknown is whether they’ll have one pick or two, depending on how Cleveland finishes.

Elimination comes at a time when the Clippers are playing well, a 115-108 loss to Phoenix Saturday night before 12,888 at the Sports Arena providing additional proof.

What this recent upswing does for the future of Don Casey with six games remaining is the next big matter. Though his role as coach remains in jeopardy, there are hints Casey’s option will be picked up and he will be asked to remain with the Clippers in some capacity next season.

Team officials continue to say that no decision will be made until after the season. It also appears that rumors spreading almost nonstop throughout the Midwest that Oklahoma Coach Billy Tubbs is being lined up as Casey’s replacement are way off base.

By picking up the option year on Casey’s contract before June 1, the Clippers would, if nothing else, assure stability. This also will allow them to interview candidates and still retain Casey, who has drawn praise from coaches and players around the league, in case other options fall through.

No one in the organization is saying Casey is gone for sure. He has a slim chance to be retained. A positive finish, which has developed, would help.

Casey has said his top priority is to remain coach, but he would not be adverse to remaining in another capacity. Beyond that, he doesn’t know what to say regarding his future.

“Historically, nothing is discussed until after the final game,” Casey said. “I can’t change the modus operandi in that regard.”

Apparently not for his team, either.

A night after a good effort fell short at Portland, the Clippers faced another of the NBA’s top teams and gave no indication that they are simply playing out the schedule or, more important for Casey, have unrest in the ranks.

Phoenix led, 40-33, after the first 12 minutes, 22 of the points having come from Tom Chambers. That was two shy of the single-quarter franchise record for an opponent, set in 1982 by Adrian Dantley.

Though down by nine in the second quarter, the Clippers, despite shooting 40%, trailed only 60-54 at halftime. It was still close at the end of the third quarter, 86-80.

Slowly, the Suns (50-25) pulled away. Their cushion reached a game-high 13, 104-91, on Dan Majerle’s three-point basket with 6:47 remaining.

“We’re going to finish the season strong as a team,” said Clipper center Benoit Benjamin, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds. “We are going to play hard until the end, and that shows a lot of character. A lot of teams might be giving up.”

At least Chambers cooled down. He finished with a game-high 33 points, but only 11 in the final three quarters. Kevin Johnson added 24 points and 17 assists.

Charles Smith led the Clippers (29-47) with 30 points.

Clipper Notes

The lottery is May 20. If it were held Saturday, the Clippers would have one spot and get the No. 12 pick overall with Cleveland’s choice. . . . Ken Norman wore a pad to protect a bruised right hip, suffered Friday at Portland. The Clippers’ second-leading scorer was originally listed as questionable, but started. . . . Danny Manning had 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers before fouling out with 4:44 to play.

Charles Smith, after having his time limited at Portland in the first half of the back-to-back games, had restrictions removed for Saturday. Smith said his sore left knee has improved. . . . Smith was named winner of the inaugural most improved player award by the Clippers Booster Club.