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April 25, 2006
JOE STEVENS: Corey clarifications and, yowsers, an insurmountable lead
Before I delve into the "We are the Champions'' type of feelings that Clipper fans must have with their heroes up an insurmountable 2-0 lead over Denver, I must clarify a couple stories I've written about Corey Maggette.
To say that Corey's playing time is not an issue with the team is inaccurate. The guy was the leading scorer last year, and he's played 14 and 17 minutes in the first two playoff games for a total of 31 minutes. He averaged 36 minutes per game in the previous two seasons.
I wrote a couple stories pointing out his diminished time, and those were not prompted by comments by him. They were prompted by merely noticing the diminished time. A few readers felt the stories questioned his character, and that was not their point. He is sincere about wanting to do everything he can to help team chemistry, and the first story on the subject caused a lot of stress to him. But one cliche says that winning heals all wounds, so, well, the Corey issues aren't quite the biggest issues in Clipperland nowadays.
The biggest issue is, voila, the team is up 2-0 and is on its way to winning the first playoff series in Clipper history. I jest, of course, when I say this lead is insurmountable. But if they can shut down Carmelo Anthony again, like they did in the first half in Game 2, maybe it could be.
OK, in my last entry, I tried to ask readers who they thought was most instrumental to the Clippers' turnaround. One response, from someone named Slav, gave that honor to Elton Brand. One response? The low turn-out saddened me. The drops on this blog are my tears.
Let me use this entry as more of a Clipper enthusiast's public service. If there were any questions you'd want to ask any of the Clippers, what would they be? If they are interesting enough, I just may use them and come back with responses for y'all.
Posted by Joe Stevens at April 25, 2006 12:48 AM
Comments
I wanted to ask Elgin a question. How does it feel to work so hard for so long on creating a valid contender and finally getting the credit you deserve? Do you go home and look in mirror and pat yourself in the back while calling yourself the man?
Posted by: jason at April 25, 2006 08:55 AM
It's sad to me, with the magic surrounding the Clippers this year, that Earl Boykins is so close to enjoying that magic but, really, so far away. Bring back Boykins!
Posted by: chris at April 25, 2006 02:14 PM
I am a big Chris Kamen fan. Noticed his playing time was less than usual in game two. Hope he get more minutes in Denver.
Posted by: Anne Warner at April 26, 2006 08:44 AM
First, I think you have to give the turnaround nod to Sam Cassell. Brand has always been a quiet stud, but Sam gives the team a swagger that it never had.
The rumor was that he was a locker room cancer in his heyday, but now all the noise seems to indicate that he is a veteran good influence leader.
I have always been a huge Maggette fan, as his physical talents are obvious. When he wants to be he can and is often the best player on the floor.
However, the playoffs are all about tightening up your rotation to play a 7 game season. Corey was out and the Clippers were still rolling.
Changing the rotation at playoff time can be a disaster (just ask Cleveland Fans if they are happy to see a struggling Larry Hughes back in the starting lineup). Kenyon Martin isn’t understanding this at all! Corey needs to recognize and accept this dynamic.
Finally, I would like you to ask Sam if he thinks he's the key to the turnaround. He just might be honest enough to admit that he is.
Posted by: Carlos at April 26, 2006 09:41 AM
I have a spread photograph that was in a past Sports Illustrated magazine of one of Elton Brand's hands, actual size. It is, literally, more than twice the size of one of my hands. He truly is physically gifted.
David Robinson always said the essence of playing good basketball is the ability to catch. Besides the leap, the essence of rebounding is the catch. And Elton has a pair of mitts on him that are phenomenal.
Posted by: Steve Warner at April 26, 2006 10:22 AM
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Posted by: airlinickq at February 25, 2007 10:26 AM
hawaii cruises small ship
Posted by: airlinickq at February 25, 2007 10:26 AM