This time, Kaman can’t step it up against Spurs
Center Chris Kaman has played well in the past against the San Antonio Spurs, but he struggled in Friday’s 111-82 loss at the AT&T; Center.
Kaman missed nine of 14 shots from the field and had 11 points with eight rebounds. The Clippers expected more, especially considering Kaman was among the team’s focal points on offense.
Coach Mike Dunleavy called plays for him early in an attempt to help Kaman get off to a fast start and put pressure on San Antonio forward-center Tim Duncan. Kaman missed his first three shots and Duncan had a solid 16-point, 10-rebound outing in the Spurs’ eighth consecutive victory over the Clippers here.
“They’re a team that plays hard, they’re very physical and they’ve got size,” Dunleavy said. “You’ve got to be ready and aware and go at them hard.
“When you get an opportunity, you can’t take extra dribbles around them. You’ve got to punish them when you have the opportunity to punish them. We didn’t do that.”
Corey Maggette started for the first time this season.
The move was made because Manu Ginobili came off the bench for the Spurs, and Dunleavy wanted Quinton Ross to enter the game with Ginobili.
“We just thought it was a better match for Q Ross,” Dunleavy said.
Maggette, who volunteered to be the sixth man, had 12 points and eight rebounds in 36 minutes. He was five for 13 from the field.
“I just went out there and played,” Maggette said. “I just did what I had to do. That’s it.”
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The Clippers are not interested in acquiring Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson, a team source said.
There has been speculation that the Clippers would be among the teams in the bidding for the disgruntled All-Star, but Iverson’s style of play and contract would not be a good fit with the Clippers, the source said.
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TONIGHT
at Memphis, 5 PST, Channel 5
Site -- FedEx Fourm.
Radio -- 710.
Records -- Clippers 9-9, Grizzlies 5-14.
Record vs. Grizzlies -- 1-0.
Update -- Cuttino Mobley scored 24 points to lead six Clippers in double figures Nov. 29 in a 105-90 victory over the Grizzlies at Staples Center.
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