Clippers Exploit Their Good Nature

Don’t tell the Clippers they’re among the NBA’s biggest surprises, because there’s nothing unexpected about this to them.

The Clippers figured others would catch on soon enough, and they impressed again Sunday afternoon in a 113-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Staples Center.

Forward Elton Brand had another efficient double-double performance, scoring a game-high 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, forward Corey Maggette charged to the basket, guard Cuttino Mobley provided long-range production, center Chris Kaman played a support role and point guard Sam Cassell directed the show.

The combination helped the Clippers (8-2) win their third in a row, build on the best start in franchise history and match the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the Western Conference.

The Clippers are good and getting better -- just ask the Warriors.

“They’re very confident right now,” Warrior Coach Mike Montgomery said. “What happened was a combination of them being very efficient and being very confident.

“They’re a good team, and they really feel like everything is going to work for them. That’s a huge deal.”

It certainly seemed that way Sunday.

Following a familiar pattern, the Clippers put it together in the third quarter, twice taking 17-point leads, and led, 94-79, beginning the final quarter.

The Warriors cut the lead to 98-92 on Mickael Pietrus’ two free throws with 7 minutes 41 seconds to play, and Coach Mike Dunleavy put the Clippers in a 2-3 matchup zone defense.

The Warriors (6-5) went cold -- they missed 28 of 35 three-point shots in the game -- the Clippers reemphasized their power game, turning to Brand down the stretch, and that combination helped them finish well again.

“They’re starting to believe and play like a team that expects to win,” said Warrior guard Derek Fisher, a member of three NBA championship teams with the Lakers.

“They’ve always had talented teams and guys who have been able to be good NBA players. Now, they have good balance to their team. Everyone is playing good basketball and playing together as a team.”

Through the changes, Brand has remained the Clippers’ focal point on offense. On Sunday, he shot 11 for 20 from the field and missed only one free throw in 11 attempts. He has had at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in the last four games.

When Brand grabbed a rebound with 1:45 left to play and was fouled, fans chanted “M-V-P” before he made two free throws to extend the Clippers’ lead to 111-94.

Brand received a standing ovation when he was removed at the 1:17 mark.

“Elton is our horse,” said Cassell, who had 14 points and 10 assists and left to a standing ovation.

“I do my thing, but Elton is the guy it starts with. It all starts with E.B.”

Brand expressed optimism about the Clippers before the season because of the addition of Cassell and Mobley, who had 22 points and made three three-pointers.

Things have started even better than he had hoped.

“We’ve got guys all together for one goal, and that’s just to win ballgames,” Brand said. “You bring in a guy like Sam, you bring in a guy like Cuttino Mobley, and good things are going to happen.

“And our rookies have really stepped up when they’ve gotten a chance. We’re just a cohesive unit right now.”

Mobley thought they would be from the outset.

“I told the guys in training camp we’re a good team,” he said. “We’ve got a nice bench, and we’ve got a nice combination when we’re on the court. Sam, myself, Corey, Elton and Chris -- that’s a nice squad right there.”

It’s all about chemistry.

“The chemistry has been really good,” said Maggette, who had 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

“I know it’s hard for a team to have chemistry so early, but we do. We know what we have to do, we know who the scorers are on this team, and everybody knows their role. It’s great.”