Defense becomes a
concern amid injury-related absences
By Jason Reid, Times Staff Writer
October 23, 2006
Last season, the Clippers
finished first in the league in blocked
shots at 6.13 a game, first in fewest fastbreak
points given up at 9.79 and fourth in opponent
field-goal percentage at 43.5%.
Defense was among the keys
to the best season in franchise history,
and the Clippers say they have the potential
to be even better this season. However,
it might take them awhile to get there.
The projected starting lineup has played
together in only one of six preseason games
because point guard Sam Cassell (strained
left calf) and center Chris Kaman (strained
left hamstring) have been recovering from
injuries. Moreover, forwards Tim Thomas
and Aaron Williams are new to the team and
also have been slowed by injuries.
"You'd like to have
everybody back and out there together so
you can see where you are on defense,"
Coach Mike Dunleavy said. "You go through
your sets and do what you can, but there's
really no way to duplicate being on the
floor and working on those areas where you
need improvement."
The Clippers were 27-1
when holding an opponent under 40% shooting
last season. In the playoffs, the Denver
Nuggets shot better than 40% once in losing
a best-of-seven first-round series to the
Clippers in five games.
"We know it all starts
for us on the defensive end of the floor,"
said All-Star power forward Elton Brand.
"Our defense is why we had the type
of year we did, so it's a concern when we
have a lot of guys out.
"We have a veteran
club, guys pretty much know what they're
supposed to do, but you'd like the injuries
to heal as soon as possible. You want to
have a full complement as soon as you can."
Barring a setback, Cassell
said he might play Wednesday night against
the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.
"I'm coming back soon,
probably Wednesday," he said. "I
know my job, it's easy, I just have to run
my team. I just want to make sure I'm ready
when I come back."
Cassell is beginning his
14th season. In his first season with the
Clippers, Cassell averaged 17.2 points and
a team-leading 6.3 assists.
Backup point guard Shaun
Livingston is averaging 13.6 points and
3.8 assists and shooting 54.3% from the
field. The third-year player worked on his
jump shot in the summer.
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