| At Least For One Night, Sam’s The Man For Clippers Authored by Graham Flashner - November 3, 2005 - 7:35 pm
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Then he went out and walked the walk, pouring in 35 points, handing out 11 assists, and giving the Clippers what they haven’t had in years: a floor leader unafraid to take the big fourth-quarter shots.
The Clippers won despite Corey Maggette and Shaun Livingston being sidelined by injury, and despite falling behind 16-4 to start the game. After three quarters, they trailed 75-64. At that point, the Clippers looked no different from the team that hasn’t made the playoffs in 11 years.
And that’s when the 36 year-old Cassell decided to back up his words, giving the Clippers a tantalizing glimpse of what could be in store for the rest of the season. Led by Cassell’s 15 points, the Clips roared past the Supersonics in the fourth quarter, 37-18. Though the Sonics became last year’s surprise team due to their fearsome trio of three-point shooters, it was Cassell who supplied the daggers, hitting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc to snuff out any comeback hopes.
Those who say that one basketball will not be enough amongst Cassell, Cuttino Mobley, Maggette, and Elton Brand were wrong for at least one night.
Mobley never was a factor, shooting 3-14 and scoring 9 points, but Brand had 15. Rookies Daniel Ewing (8 points) and James Singleton (14 points on 7-8 shooting) also benefited from Cassell’s passes. And Quinton Ross, known mainly for his defensive skills, contributed a big 10.
But back to that fourth quarter. With 2:15 remaining and the Clippers clinging to a 90-89 lead, Cassell stepped behind the arc and drained a three, pushing the lead to four. Then, with 1:43 to go, he grabbed the inbounds pass, planted himself with his back to Ron Murray, calmly backed him down to the foul line, then rose up to hit an 18-footer that gave the Clippers a 6-point lead.
Granted, it was only one game. But if there’s ever a year for the Clippers to be hopeful, it’s this one. Their backcourt of Cassell and Mobley is the strongest they’ve had in years. Ewing and Singleton may be two of the most promising rookies off the bench in years.
Most significantly, the Clippers are rising in a conference that’s suddenly looking vulnerable. The Phoenix Suns, without Amare Stoudemire for at least four months, may struggle to stay in the middle of the pack. The Sonics, living and dying on the perimeter, will not take anyone by surprise this year. The Lakers are rebuilding. The Sacramento Kings are disappearing. It remains to be seen if teams like the Grizzlies and Nuggets can repeat last season’s success.
If there was ever a year for the well-traveled Cassell to lead the Clippers to the promised land of basketball beyond April, this could be it. |
