CLIPPERS WATCH PARTY : WOLVES CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT MINNESOTA 108 CLIPPERS 96.Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer At the worse possible time, the Clippers overlooked the Timberwolves. And now look who's in the playoffs. With the crown jewel Crown jewel A particularly profitable or otherwise particularly valuable corporate unit or asset of a firm. Often used in risk arbitrage. The most desirable entities within a diversified corporation as measured by asset value, earning power, and business prospects; in takeover for both troubled organizations at stake, the Clippers were outplayed, outhustled and outworked by a Minnesota team that wanted the postseason more. The Timberwolves clinched their first playoff spot in team history, dropping the Clippers 108-96 Thursday night in front of 15,283 at the Sports Arena. The Clippers continue backing into the eighth spot. Their magic number was reduced to two with Phoenix's 101-99 win over Sacramento at Arco Arena Current arenas in the National Basketball Association Western Conference Eastern Conference . The Clippers drew to within 81-77 with 6:45 left, but like the Houston game, L.A. ran out of gas in the late going. Stephon Marbury Stephon Xavier Marbury (born February 20, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American professional basketball player, currently playing point guard with the New York Knicks. Marbury was an NBA All-Star in 2001 and 2003 and an All-NBA Third Team member in 2003. spurred a 9-0 run and the Timberwolves were celebrating the taste of postseason. ``It feels great,'' Minnesota veteran guard Terry Porter Terry Porter (born April 8 1963 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is a former professional basketball player and coach in the NBA. He played college ball at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and had a 17-year career in the NBA. said. ``This team has worked hard all season. We deserve it.'' Marbury led Minnesota with 29 points and completely control the tempo. Clippers coach Bill Fitch William Fitch (born May 19 1934 in Davenport, Iowa) is a former NBA coach who has been successful in making teams playoff contenders throughout his coaching career. Before entering the professional ranks he coached college ball at the University of Minnesota, Bowling Green State tried four guys on the rookie point guard but nothing worked. He either penetrated for easy hoops, hit threes or set up teammates. It led to 51 percent Minnesota shooting, the second straight game the Clippers have allowed an opponent to shoot better than 50 percent. ``There's no comparison,'' Fitch said on Marbury and Darrick Martin Darrick David Martin (born March 6, 1971 in Denver, Colorado, United States) is an American professional basketball player, currently with the NBA's Toronto Raptors. Martin has became known as a solid veteran who provided quality minutes as a reserve, maintaining a career free . ``Different players, different teams.'' Besides Rodney Rogers Rodney Ray Rogers (born June 20, 1971, in Durham, North Carolina) is a retired American basketball player who last played power forward for the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers. Rogers played college basketball at Wake Forest University from 1990 until 1993. , who led the team with a season high 30 points, the Clippers shot 30 percent, including an 0-for-9, one-point effort by Malik Sealy Malik Sealy (February 1, 1970 – May 20, 2000) was an American professional basketball player from 1992 until his death in an automobile accident. Sealy played eight seasons in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Detroit Pistons, and the Minnesota . The Clippers began horribly, spotting the Timberwolves an 18-3 lead in the first five minutes. It was the Clippers who talked about taking charge from the beginning and holding destiny. However, 20 percent shooting and terrible defense set the precedent. Fitch quickly inserted Brent Barry Brent Robert Barry (born December 31, 1971 in Hempstead, New York) is an American professional basketball player currently with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs. He is known by his nickname, "Bones", and stands 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m). and Terry Dehere, both wanting more quality minutes. The two guards, who play well together off the bench, spurred a 25-6 Clippers run for a brief lead. Rogers became more involved, finishing the half with 15 points while Dehere, sometimes the sparkplug spark·plug tr.v. spark·plugged, spark·plug·ging, spark·plugs Informal To inspire or energize (an endeavor, for example). , added 10. Despite Sealy's awful night, Dehere didn't return until the fourth quarter and he couldn't save a team slumping at a terrible time. The key became stopping Marbury and Fitch couldn't do it with Darrick Martin. Marbury's allowed the offensive freedom Martin has not received yet from Fitch. Marbury led Minnesota with eight assists, setting up Garnett and Gugliotta with easy baskets. ``He's fast, and can shoot,'' Martin said. ``He presents matchup problems.'' Like the Clippers, Minnesota did not take the playoffs for granted. Although many around the league have penciled the Timberwolves in the postseason, you would have to have as much bad luck as Minnesota to understand why they weren't celebrating just yet. The Timberwolves have been the laughing stock of expansion teams. While Orlando, Charlotte and Miami are perennial playoff teams, the lowly Timberwolves are still waiting for their first winning season. One game under .500 with five to play, they have a chance. The Timberwolves lost six of 10 and have relinquished their sixth spot to Phoenix. It was difficult to assume any postseason berth with their history and Atlanta, Miami and Utah on tap, the Timberwolves wanted to clinch ASAP (chat) asap - As soon as possible. . ``This game is just as big for them as it is for us,'' Clippers and ex-Timberwolves guard Martin said before the game. ``Hopefully, they can hold their celebration party just one more day.'' No this time. The Clippers' goal now is to avoid the dramatic in this situation. With Houston, the Lakers and Seattle in the final three games, L.A. prefer not heading on the road to clinch. Not that it's not possible to clinch at Houston or Seattle. But really, the Clippers don't want to chance being stopped by Barkley or Kemp. ``You know, Murphy's Law,'' Clippers coach Bill Fitch said. ``We've had injuries and a lot of adversity. Right now, this is the playoffs. If we win then we get to the second round. That's what I've told the guys.'' Clippers notes: Rogers started the game despite spraining an ankle against Houston on Tuesday. Fitch went with Charles Outlaw at center over Lorenzen Wright. Wright quickly replaced Outlaw after the first-quarter Minnesota run. CAPTION(S): Photo, Box Photo: (Color) The Clippers' Malik Sealy, rejecting a shot by Minnesota's Doug West, was more dejected de·ject·ed adj. Being in low spirits; depressed. See Synonyms at depressed. de·ject  ed·ly adv. with his 0-for-9 shooting performance in the loss to the Timberwolves. Michael Owen Baker / Daily News Box: CLIPPERS BOX |
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