Brand, out because of back, cites concerns
Because of back spasms, Elton Brand sat out Monday’s 92-74 loss to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace.
Brand, who received treatment during pregame warmups, was on the inactive list for the final game of the Clippers’ seven-game, 12-day trip -- their longest of the season -- so he could not have played if his condition had improved during the game.
Rookie forward Paul Davis replaced Brand on the active roster. Brand is listed as day to day.
“He had back spasms in our last game,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Coming into tonight, I just decided to shut him down if he didn’t feel good. He came out and tried it for a couple of minutes, shooting around, and it just didn’t feel good.”
The Clippers finished the trip 2-5 and dropped to 25-27. They play host to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday at Staples Center and then begin the All-Star break.
Before the season, Brand figured the Clippers would be among the Western Conference’s top teams and in contention for the Pacific Division title at the break.
The Clippers, however, are considered one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams. They have revised their goals, hoping to qualify for the playoffs.
Brand has continued to express optimism about the Clippers, but the co-captain acknowledged he has concerns.
“You have to be concerned, because we’re almost at the All-Star break and we’re still playing this way,” said Brand, selected second-team All-NBA last season.
“Just when it looks like we’re about to turn a corner and get it turned around, we keep slipping back again. We’re still making mistakes we shouldn’t make.
“We’ve talked a lot about it, about focusing and doing the things we need to do to win, but we just can’t seem to get it figured out. For the most part, we have the talent and we have the athleticism to compete with a lot of teams and win. Those things aren’t really our problems. What is our problem? That’s the question.”
*
KEYS TO THE GAME
* Elton Brand sat out because of back spasms. Remove the leading scorer from the lineup and watch the Clippers lose.
* Shooting. The Clippers made only 32.4% of their shots from the field. That usually won’t get it done against the talented Pistons.
* It was the last game of the trip. The Clippers were tired, frustrated about their performance and eager to return to Los Angeles.
-- JASON REID
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