After previously asking Corey MeGetty where, how often, and how intensly he would like his arse kissed, Mike Dunleavy is now giving hope to Clips watchers that winning may actually really be the goal again in Clipperville:
Cuttino Mobley was scratched because of a sprained right ankle, forcing the Clippers to use their 14th different starting lineup. Corey Maggette made his first start at small forward since Dec. 5 and scored 19 points in 32 minutes.
Maggette had come off the bench in 11 consecutive games after being sidelined for the previous 39 because of a separated ligament in his left foot. He complained to reporters at Friday's practice about not starting and playing limited minutes behind Quinton Ross.
"I knew it was coming," Dunleavy said. "We've had a little disagreement, based on readiness. I think a sign that he's ready would be if he's shooting the ball better from the outside, where he has his legs. He still attacks the rim and does some good things, but he's only shooting 25 percent from the 3-point line -- so further out is where he struggles. "It's my judgment call," Dunleavy added. "It's all about the team right now, and I'm going to play the guys who I think are going to help us win the most right now. So the first thing I want to see from him is a better defensive effort and the ability to keep people in front of him. He did OK tonight, but a couple of games on the road trip, I didn't think he did so great."
Bing bing. Way to go Dunleavy.
