CLIPPERS CAN'T HOLD LEAD AGAIN SACRAMENTO 93, CLIPPERS 89.Byline: Joe Stevens Staff Writer Last season, Staples Center This article has multiple issues: * Its neutrality is disputed. * It may contain original research or unverifiable claims. * It does not cite any references or sources. was the Clippers' home oasis. They looked forward to playing there and finished with a 25-16 home record. So far this season, Staples is not even close to where the Clippers thrive - especially in the fourth quarter. The Clippers lost another fourth-quarter lead at home Wednesday and dropped a second consecutive game 93-89 to the Sacramento Kings before 18,087. The Clippers were down just two points in the closing seconds, but with 15.2 seconds left, they fouled sharp-shooting Peja Stojakovic, who made two free throws to give the Kings a 93-89 lead. Corey Maggette Corey Antoine Maggette (born November 12 1979, in Melrose Park, Illinois) is an American professional basketball player, positioned at small forward for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers. scored a Clippers season-high and career-high 30 points, and Elton Brand Elton Tyron Brand (born March 11, 1979 in Peekskill, New York) is an American All-Star professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Clippers and the USA National Team. had 21 points and 10 rebounds. On Sunday, the Clippers had a 15-point lead late in the third quarter and lost to the Seattle SuperSonics The Seattle SuperSonics (or simply Sonics) are an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Their mascot's name is Squatch. . This time, the Clippers had a modest five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. But they lost it early in the fourth quarter and never got it back. Down the stretch, the Clippers had a chance to get a rebound with 26.9 seconds left and down 89-86, but Corey Maggette and Michael Olowokandi Michael Olowokandi (born April 3 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria), nicknamed The Kandi Man is a Nigerian professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He currently is a free agent. each went for a wide-open loose ball and only prevented each other from getting it. After Bobby Jackson For the football player of the same name see Bobby Jackson (football player). Bobby Jackson (born March 13 1973 in East Spencer, North Carolina) is an American basketball player with the NBA's New Orleans Hornets. made two free throws, Maggette made a 3-point shot to pull the Clippers within 91-89 with 21.3 seconds left, but that was as close as they got. Chris Webber For the Canadian-born former BBL basketball player, see . Mayce Edward Christopher Webber III, better known as Chris Webber or C-Webb (born March 1, 1973, in Detroit, Michigan), is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA.. had 19 points and six rebounds, and Jackson had 19 points to lead the Kings (9-4). The Clippers were in striking distance the entire game, until 3:15 remained when Doug Christie Doug Christie may refer to:
Miller played collegiately at the University of Utah for four years. and a basket by Maggette. Sacramento took its first lead of the fourth quarter, 71-70, when Webber scored over Wang Zhizhi
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Clippers led 68-63 after Maggette scored 13 points in the third quarter. The Clippers led the entire third quarter, except for a brief moment when Jackson made a jump shot to give the Kings a 60-59 lead with 4:53 left in the third. After Jackson's jumper, the Clippers finished the quarter with a 9-3 run, but they missed easy opportunities to extend the lead. For example, Miller missed two free throws with 1:24 left. Although it's early, the Clippers (4-8) have been up and down all season. Typically, over the past two seasons, the Clippers have a winning record at Staples Center, but they are just 1-5 at home. ``I'm concerned now,'' Clippers coach Alvin Gentry Alvin Gentry is an American professional basketball coach, and college basketball player, who has led three different NBA teams. He served as an interim coach for the Miami Heat at the end of the 1995 season, and later coached the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Clippers. said before the game. ``I'm concerned right now and want us to play at the level that we're capable of playing. We're getting there, but we need consistency.'' The Clippers led 46-44 at halftime, and that was a bit of a surprise, considering they had a very cold start. The Kings made them call timeout less than five minutes into the game and jumped to a 27-17 lead with 1:52 left in the first quarter, after Christie made a 3-point shot. But that 10-point lead was the Kings' biggest of the first half. In the second quarter, the Clippers came back as bench players Keyon Dooling and Wang provided sparks. Dooling had seven points and three assists in the second quarter, and Wang had six points, which were the Clippers' final six points of the first half. But perhaps Wang's best, and smartest, play came with 36.7 seconds left in the half. He posted up Webber and induced the Kings forward into his fourth personal foul. The Clippers' first lead came with 3:20 left in the first half when Michael Olowokandi scored on a strong move to the basket for a 40-39 lead. The Clippers never had a long run but whittled down the Kings' lead. CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: (color) The Clippers' Elton Brand (42) grabs a rebound while challenged by Sacramento's Doug Christie on Wednesday. David Sprague/Staff Photographer Box: GAME RECAP |
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