Dunleavy Searches for Extra Gear

Coach Mike Dunleavy has admonished the team after poor performances recently, questioning whether the Clippers could “get it together” in time for the postseason.

It’s only because he cares, Dunleavy said.

“Unless something happens, we’re probably going to make the playoffs, but the mental aspect of it is ... it’s something we’ve got to be ready for,” said Dunleavy, who guided the Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers to the playoffs.

“We’ve defended really well during the regular season, overall, but how you have to defend in the playoffs changes,” Dunleavy said. “That gear changes for the playoffs, and we haven’t experienced that yet. It’s time to accelerate the learning process.

“I’m trying to help them get the right mind-set now. I’m trying to get them to understand that, the closer you get to the playoffs, this is the way it is. You’ve got to be sharper, you’ve got to be stronger and you’ve got to be tougher.”

Co-captain Sam Cassell agreed.

“Mike is doing what he has to do,” the point guard said. “Mike is trying to make this basketball team understand that no matter what we’ve done, no matter the strides we’ve made as a basketball team, we’ve got to take it to a whole new level once the playoffs start.”

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Forward Elton Brand is among the finalists for the NBA’s sportsmanship award.

The seven-year veteran was selected as the Pacific Division representative for the award, whose winner is selected in a vote of NBA players. The award is scheduled to be presented during the postseason.

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TONIGHT

at Phoenix, FSN West, ESPN, 7:30

Site -- US Airways Center.

Radio -- 1150, 830.

Records -- Clippers 43-30, Suns 49-24.

Record vs. Suns -- 1-2.

Update -- Phoenix could clinch its second consecutive Pacific Division title this week. All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire, who has played in only three games this season, is sidelined again because of knee problems. He had surgery in October.