Game 15 Recap: Timberrrrrrr

LA CLIPPERS 91 defeat MINN TIMBERWOLVES 87

TIMBERWOLVES     29     22     22     14          87

CLIPPERS               28    20     24     19          91

Following a big win over the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers couldn’t shake a team that was on a 12-game losing streak. Coach Mike Dunleavy said “The ‘Wolves would be tough to beat because they play hard and they play with pride. They are trying their hardest to end the losing streak” Although expected to beat a team like the T’Wolves, the game was tight throughout. Al Thorton and Chris Kaman carried the Clippers through the first half. But again the Clippers defense was giving up too high a shooting percentage (+52%) to the woeful Wolves.

Al Thorton started the season slowly as he was trying to adjust to his lighter playing weight. You would think losing weight would help make you quicker or more explosive but Thorton needed to get used to a different energy level and get that up to NBA levels. He has definitely done so as this was Thorton’s 5th straight solid game. Thorton led the Clippers with 31 points on 11 of 16 from the field and making all 9 of his free throws. Thorton also pulled down 10 rebounds with 6 of them on the offensive end. Chris Kaman chipped in with 15 points and 7 boards and Marcus Camby had another steady performance of 12 points and 18 rebounds.

With Baron Davis struggling, coach Dunleavy pulled Davis early in the 3rd quarter after making consecutive turn overs. Davis had not scored to that point and Sebastian Telfair came in and helped turn a five point deficit into a 81-77 lead. Telfair played well against his former team scoring 17 points and putting in the Clippers only two 3-pointers. Although Davis was in danger of going without a field goal for the first time in 468 games (since playing for the Charlotte Hornets against the Timberwolves in 2002), he put in his only basket on a layup to help seal the victory. Davis shot 1-10 and had 6 assists. Eric Gordon did not play but has been practicing with the team and may play in their next game against the Pacers. The Clippers (6-9) are on a 2-game winning streak and go on a short 2-game road trip against the Indiana Pacers (5-6) and Detroit Pistons (5-9).

The Timberwolves played hard and have been losing by an average of 15 points on this 13 game losing streak. They were led by rookie sensation Jonny Flynn with 17 points and 5 assists and Ryan Gomes with 15 points and 6 boards. The only steady Timberwolve this season has been Al Jefferson who had 13 points and 13 boards but also had 8 turn overs.

• With this win Dunleavy nets his 200th win as the Clipper coach (200-307). Two more wins will get him to the 600 win plateau for his career.
• It was good to hear Clipper broadcasters Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith back after a game suspension for off-color comments on Grizzlies’ center Hamid Haddadi. Lawler has always been a great play-by-play announcer and he and Smith make any Clipper broadcast an enjoyable and funny experience. The pair missed calling a great win over the Denver Nuggets.
• The Clippers have put together a Holiday Package Ticket Promo which includes games against the Celtics, Cavaliers and the world champion Lakers. The package also includes a Blake Griffin figurine and a signing session of your choice with Blake Griffin, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman or Eric Gordon. Buy this Clipper Ticket Package now!

Tags: Al Jefferson, Al Thorton, Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Clippers Ticket Promo, Eric Gordon, Hamid Haddadi, Johnny Flynn, Marcus Camby, Mike Dunleavy, Mike Smith, Ralph Lawler, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair