Cassell Enjoys Finish but Spurns Solo Act

It was time to rest and reflect Thursday for Sam Cassell, who needed a break.

The Clippers’ new veteran point guard took it easy at practice after a 41-minute, 35-point, 11-assist performance in Wednesday’s 101-93 victory against the Seattle SuperSonics at KeyArena.

“We had an EZ Chair out there for him ... and somebody feeding him grapes,” Coach Mike Dunleavy joked.

But Cassell might have deserved it.

The 12-year veteran, who turns 36 on Nov. 18, scored 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Clippers rallied from a 13-point deficit.

“When we were down by 13 points in the fourth quarter, a lot of people around the world probably thought the old Clippers would have packed that game in, but that’s not the case right now,” Cassell said.

“We’re going to play hard for 48 minutes. Some nights it’s not going to go our way, but we’ll still give ourselves a chance to win.”

Although Cassell has a reputation for making clutch shots late in games, he said he wouldn’t have to carry the Clippers every night.

“I made some shots, but I don’t want to have to do what I did yesterday all the time,” he said. “I’m not here for that, you know what I’m saying?

“I can score, I know that. But I don’t want to put that burden on myself where I’m the guy who has got to come through in the fourth quarter.

“I took some difficult shots and made some difficult shots, that’s my nature, but we have some solid pieces. I know my guys are going to come through for me.”

*

TONIGHT

vs. Atlanta, 7:30, FSNW

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 1-0, Hawks 0-1.

Record vs. Hawks (2004-05) -- 2-0.

Update -- Forward Corey Maggette (strained left hamstring) is not expected to play in tonight’s home opener.

Tickets -- (213) 742-7550.