Mobley Steps Up Effort

Swingman Cuttino Mobley says he doesn’t mind playing against bigger forwards, and Coach Mike Dunleavy asked Mobley to increase his efforts on defense because starting small forward Corey Maggette is sidelined indefinitely.

However, Dunleavy also has expressed concern about the effect of the heavy workload on Mobley. The seven-year veteran is an integral part of the team’s offense, and he has also become the linchpin of its defense.

“You’re always concerned about guys having to play more physical situations than usual,” Dunleavy said. “It’s one thing during games when you’re switching, but playing a guy for the most part the majority of the minutes is a concern.

“You’re playing somebody bigger. You’re having to be more physical, you’re having to expend a whole lot more energy.”

In the Clippers’ 102-93 victory in overtime against the Utah Jazz on Monday, the 6-foot-4 Mobley guarded 6-9 forward Andrei Kirilenko and 6-7 swingman Matt Harpring.

Kirilenko, with Mobley defending, missed a shot along the right baseline with three-tenths of a second remaining in the fourth quarter. Mobley scored 17 points.

“My legs are dead, so I’ve got to use my mind a little faster, but I don’t complain,” Mobley said. “As long as I’m out there helping, it’s all good. And even when Corey was healthy, I’d still guard [the small forwards]. When we played the Lakers and Corey was healthy, I guarded Lamar [Odom].

“When we played Indiana, I guarded Ron [Artest], so it’s not a problem for me. It’s really not even about your strength, it’s all about your technique and your intelligence. And the bottom line for me is that whatever Coach wants me to do on the court, I’m going to do.”