Numbers Tell Story, but Goals Remain

It seems the Clippers break new ground with every victory.

The Clippers (41-28) last won at least 40 games in the 1992-93 season, and have reached the mark only seven times in their 36 seasons.

They are also assured of finishing with at least a .500 record for the first time since the 1992-93 season, and only the fourth time since the franchise moved from Buffalo, N.Y., to California before the 1978-79 season.

Coach Mike Dunleavy, however, is focused on the playoff picture.

“There’s no hard number [of victories] that I’m pushing them to, I’m pushing for total excellence every game,” Dunleavy said. “I think we know that we can compete with everybody, but in order to beat everybody you have to play at a high level.

“You’ve got to become consistent at it, and that’s our next step. That’s our biggest next challenge.”

*

It took a while, but the Clippers have become comfortable with their new standing.

“We’re now at a point where guys know how good this team is, and how good it can be,” guard Sam Cassell said. “At the start of the season, guys were just beginning to understand, but we’ve done a lot to get where we are now.

“It’s different. This is a different team from those teams in Clipper history.”

*

Cuttino Mobley, who sat out the last two games because of a sprained right ankle, is expected to play tonight. Mobley is averaging 15.7 points and 4.6 rebounds.

TONIGHT

vs. San Antonio, 7:30, FSN West 2

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150, 830.

Records -- Clippers 41-28, San Antonio 54-16.

Record vs. Spurs -- 1-1.

Update -- San Antonio is tied with Dallas for the best record in the Western Conference. Elton Brand scored a game-high 30 points as the Clippers defeated the Spurs, 98-85, on March 7 at Staples Center.