Clippers are putting it together at the right time
Only nine games left on the schedule, and it seems the Clippers are intent on extending their season.
They continued to push forward with the postseason in mind, sprinting to a 20-point first-quarter lead Saturday night in a 99-86 victory over the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers in front of 18,864 at the Rose Garden.
With the victory, the Clippers (36-37) moved percentage points ahead of the Denver Nuggets for the Western Conference’s seventh playoff berth. They’re two games ahead of the Golden State Warriors for a postseason spot and within 2 1/2 games of the No. 6 Lakers.
The Clippers have two games remaining with their co-dwellers, including Wednesday night at Staples Center.
Off until facing the Lakers, the Clippers said they’re putting it all together at the right time.
“It’s going really well,” said Elton Brand, who scored 21 points. “A miss here or there in the Houston game [on Wednesday], and it would be seven in a row us. We’re playing well, we’re in tune, and we’re doing what we have to do to get a playoff spot.
“And it’s not just eighth. Now, we’re in seventh, and we’re going to try to keep winning as many games as we can.”
Against Portland, the Clippers had a 31-point lead, completed a 2-0 trip and won for the sixth time in seven games.
A night after ending a losing streak in Sacramento at 17 games, the Clippers got off to a fast start against the Trail Blazers, who are without standout forward Zach Randolph (hand surgery) for the rest of the season and lost forward LaMarcus Aldridge during the game because of an irregular heartbeat. Aldridge was treated for dehydration at a local hospital and released Saturday night, the Trail Blazers said.
The Clippers, who played without injured forward Corey Maggette, shot 76.5% from the field in the first quarter (58.1% overall) en route to a 38-18 lead.
Cuttino Mobley scored 18 of his game-high 25 points in the first half to help put the Clippers ahead, 65-39, at halftime. Quinton Ross had 17 points in one of his best performances on offense this season.
The Clippers’ attention waned in the second half, but the Trail Blazers (29-44) pulled to within only 13 points.
“We came out in the first quarter the way we were hoping to, we continued it through the second quarter and then defensively we let down,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “We got a big lead and we let them come back. In the fourth quarter, we played like we had to play just to keep the game out of reach.
“Overall, I’m pleased with our effort. Like I’ve said, we’ve been playing well for a while now. I talked to the guys prior to the game, and I told them this is all about us. It’s not about anybody else, it’s about us reaching our peak by playoff time.”
The Clippers are listening, players said.
“We’ve been playing with energy and concentration,” said Chris Kaman, who had nine points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. “We’ve just got to keep playing the same way we’ve been playing.”
Said Ross: “We’re kind of rolling right now. As long as we stay focused, and keep that same intensity, we’re going to be all right.”
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KEYS TO THE GAME
* Shooting. The Clippers made 76.5% of their shots in the first quarter and 58.1% for the game.
* A fast start. The Clippers led by 20 points after one quarter and 26 at halftime.
* Focus. With a playoff berth at stake, it appears the Clippers aren’t messing around.
-- JASON REID
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