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May 22, 2006
JOE STEVENS: Coulda, shoulda, woulda
By Sam Cassell's mathematics, 100 percent of the population did not expect the Clippers to make it to Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. He is right.
But his teammate, Cuttino Mobley, is also right to say that the Clippers probably should not have been there in the first place, having closed out the series earlier.
Coulda, shoulda, woulda.
What happens if Sam Cassell stays in Game 5 with 3.6 seconds left in overtime instead of rookie Daniel Ewing? The Clippers led by three at that point, but then Raja Bell nailed a 3-pointer over Ewing with 1.1 seconds left to send the game into a second OT. Would Sam have had the know-how to foul?
Coulda, shoulda, woulda.... That's how sports goes.
In other fabulous news, as I walked to the court right before Game 7, I felt hands massaging my shoulders. I immediately thought that it probably was owner Donald Sterling, who loves to massage folks. But in actuality, it was the Suns Gorilla. He had very hairy palms and was quite a masseuse. Good luck in the conference finals, Gorilla.
Posted by Joe Stevens at May 22, 2006 11:32 PM
Comments
At the beginning of the basketball season, all I wanted was for the Clippers to make the play-offs and maybe win a few games in the first round, not getting swept. They made it to the playoffs and won the first round. Although the Clippers met their goals beyond expectations, this final game 7 still hurts. They were so close. This team will continue to improve and hopefully go deeper in the playoffs next season.
Posted by: Karen at May 23, 2006 06:48 AM
I heard you on the radio last night, great job Joe. The Clippers had the look of a loser last night from the opening tip. So did the Spurs and of course the Cavs. I don't know how that happens, but I assume that is part of the experience factor. One team expects to win and the other is happy to be there.
Of course SA has the experience, but I think they felt lucky to be in game seven at all. So far as the Clips and the Cavs go they knew game six was ultimately their game seven.
Do you really think Go knows about your obsession? I hope so. I am picturing the two of you having a cocktail at a posh Phoenix lounge. Of course, he would be drinking a banana daiquiri.
Posted by: Carlos at May 23, 2006 08:30 AM
I did not hear you on the radio, Mr. Stevens, but will try to get the program on-line. Too bad for the Clippers.
But I like something about the Suns, their gorilla! Do gorillas drink banana daiquiris in Phoenix bars?
Posted by: Anne at May 23, 2006 05:10 PM