No time to party, Spurs are in town
And next, the San Antonio Spurs.
The Clippers had little time to enjoy their record-setting performance in Saturday’s 87-64 victory over the Indiana Pacers, needing to quickly prepare for tonight’s game against the formidable Spurs at Staples Center.
The Clippers set a mark on defense, holding the Pacers to one fewer point than the Seattle SuperSonics scored against them Nov. 18, 1990. The Clippers rotated well, were sharp in their double-teams and appeared more focused on defense than they have since last season.
“We definitely had defensive control of the game,” Elton Brand said. “Holding Indiana to a Clippers franchise low in points is a great record for us, especially at this time. Some of the guys who log a lot of minutes got some rest.
“The younger guys, who don’t get to play as much, got in and played well. When we can put that type of defense and intensity together for a full game, we are going to be hard to beat.”
San Antonio has routed opponents during an eight-game winning streak. The Spurs, however, still trail the first-place Dallas Mavericks, who have won 15 in a row, by nine games in the Southwest Division.
In their first two games against the Spurs this season, the Clippers suffered 29- and 22-point defeats.
“We need to step up our intensity against them,” Brand said.
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Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley are scheduled to play host to a basketball game April 14 at South Los Angeles High to benefit the underprivileged.
General Manager Elgin Baylor, Brand, Corey Maggette, Chris Kaman and Tim Thomas are among the Clippers expected to attend the second “WeROne Celebrity Street Ball Game.” Actor Mark Wahlberg and rapper Silk have committed to participate, said Eric Smith, Cassell’s associate who helped to organize the event. Tickets are available through Barry’s Tickets: (888) 749-8499.
TONIGHT
vs. San Antonio, 7:30, FSN Prime
Site -- Staples Center.
Radio -- 710.
Records -- Clippers 29-30, Spurs 41-18.
Record vs. Spurs -- 0-2.
Update -- Cassell might sit out his third consecutive game because of a groin injury. Point guard Jason Hart, who bought out his contract from the Sacramento Kings last week, is expected to sign with the Clippers today if he clears waivers.
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