CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: STERN GETS PUT ON THE SPOT.Byline: JOE STEVENS Staff Writer PHOENIX -- NBA NBA abbr. 1. National Basketball Association 2. National Boxing Association NBA (US) n abbr (= National Basketball Association) → Basketball-Dachverband (= commissioner David Stern
The commissioner made himself available to reporters and was asked questions on a variety of subjects, including the Clippers' turnaround and if Kobe Bryant Kobe Bean Bryant (born July 23 1978) is an American All-Star shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. ``tanked'' Game 7 of the Lakers' first round playoff series against the Suns. About the Clippers' turnaround, which includes winning a playoff series for the first time in an NBA record 30 years, Stern said, ``The Clippers have had a dry spell, shall we say. Yet the fans have supported them in increasing numbers over the years, and I am delighted for the fans.'' In the past, Stern was not quite as positive about the Clippers' situation. Was there a time when he thought the Clippers should move to Anaheim? ```Yes, there was time, some number of years ago, where I actually was encouraging them to consider that,'' he said. ``But it shows you what I know. They're doing great at 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. , and I think it's terrific.'' In response to a question about Bryant giving up in Game 7, Stern stuck with the status quo [Latin, The existing state of things at any given date.] Status quo ante bellum means the state of things before the war. The status quo to be preserved by a preliminary injunction is the last actual, peaceable, uncontested status which preceded the pending controversy. of his responses. He was diplomatic. ``I take Kobe and Phil (Jackson) at their word, that they were trying to get the frontcourt involved in a more aggressive way,'' Stern said. --Nash's mentor: Sam Cassell Samuel (Sam) James Cassell (born November 18, 1969 in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays point guard for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers. can take credit for helping many players develop their NBA careers, and Nash is another that can be added to that list. In the 1996-97 season, Cassell started the season with Phoenix before being traded to Dallas and New Jersey in the same year. Nash was a rookie with the Suns that season, and he credited a lot of his development to playing with Cassell. ``When he came in, Steve was trying to figure out this whole thing,'' Cassell said. ``When they put him in the game, he'd have layups, and then he'd try to make dramatic passes, I'd say, `The next time you have a layup, take a layup.' -- Once he figured out what Steve Nash could do, he was successful.'' --Being smart: Shaun Livingston, the Clippers' 20-year-old backup point guard, loves the fastbreak. But against Phoenix, he said he understands how important it is to pick his spots. ``You got to do what's best for the team,'' Livingston said. ``They thrive off turnovers and missed shots. That's the biggest key. Some of the plays can be momentum plays. You can try to make them, but they have to be the right plays.'' CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: DAVID STERN NBA commissioner said, at one point, he encouraged the Clippers to consider a move to Anaheim. Box: NBA PLAYOFFS |
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