<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CBS Sportsline:</div><div class="quote_post">ATLANTA -- The Los Angeles Clippers have their best start after six games in 20 years, and they are dreaming of an even better finish. "We want to be one of the top teams in the West, and we think we are," Elton Brand said after he scored 23 points to lead the Clippers past the winless Atlanta Hawks 102-95 Thursday night. "The sky is the limit right now," said Sam Cassell, who added 21 points as the Pacific Division-leading Clippers moved to 5-1 for the first time since the 1985-86 season. Asked if he was surprised by the strong start, Cassell said: "I've been saying it all year. It's not surprising me." The Hawks, meanwhile, have lost their first five games for the first time since the 2000-01 season, when they started 0-7. The Hawks stayed close but didn't lead after the first quarter. "I thought we were on the verge, but a loss is a loss," said Joe Johnson, who led the Hawks with 24 points and set a season high with 10 rebounds. Advertisement Johnson said the Hawks "don't know how to win." "It's tough right now," Johnson said. "We're in a nasty funk. Somehow, someway, we have to find a way to get a victory." Coach Mike Dunleavy said his Clippers were wary of overlooking the Hawks, especially after also beating Atlanta 92-77 Saturday in Los Angeles. "I was really worried about this game, obviously, playing a team that has not won yet," Dunleavy said. "I knew they were going to come out and play hard. They gave a great effort and the longer you let them stay around, hang around, the more confidence builds, the more opportunity they have to win." Added Dunleavy: "They're a young team but I expected us to win because we have more talent than they do." Corey Maggette, playing in his second game since returning from a strained left hamstring, added 17 points in only 25 minutes. The Hawks were held to 41 percent shooting from the field, including 1-for-9 on 3-point attempts. The Clippers made 48 percent of their shots. Atlanta's Zaza Pachulia also had a double-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds and a team-leading six assists. Al Harrington added 14 points and rookie Marvin Williams had 12. Maggette scored 20 points in Wednesday night's win at Washington, coming off the bench with 10 points in the second and fourth quarters. Again he came off the bench against Atlanta to score 10 in the second quarter as the Clippers led 50-47 at halftime. The Clippers' biggest lead of the first half was 39-29. The Clippers maintained the lead but couldn't pull away. After leading 75-69 at the end of the third quarter, the Clippers' biggest lead in the final period was 12 points. "We're 5-1 but we're not happy," Brand said. "We didn't play to the best of our ability." Brand had seven rebounds, missing a chance to set a franchise record with his 182nd double-double with the Clippers. Brand shares the mark with Loy Vaught. "He's on a nice little roll," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. "You have to pick your times when you double him. ... He's a load. He's a career double-double since he's been in the league. He makes it tough for a lot of teams."</div> Oh man, i don't believe this. Clipps are on a ROLL. Lets see how long they stay on Cloud Nine (Whole Season anyone? ) One can only hope.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ReddMannButt:</div><div class="quote_post">Oh man, i don't believe this. Clipps are on a ROLE. Lets see how long they stay on Cloud Nine (Whole Season anyone? ) One can only hope.</div> Just for future reference, I believe the word you are searching for is "ROLL".
As long as they can, their was an article saying they aren't pleased with the start, which means they wanted to be 6-0 right now. They're saying they want to be one of the best teams in the West, and I like that.
I expected them to be better than last year but starting 5-1 and saying they want to be better is something I certainly didn't expect to see.They seem to have great chemistry and these days that helps to win games.
When they say they could have had a better start, I dont think they were talking about their record. More like how they played in the games. Especially last night, against the Hawks. They played a really sloppy game, so I think they were thinking that they could have played better in the games they won, not only the loss.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ReddMannButt:</div><div class="quote_post">When they say they could have had a better start, I dont think they were talking about their record. More like how they played in the games. Especially last night, against the Hawks. They played a really sloppy game, so I think they were thinking that they could have played better in the games they won, not only the loss.</div> Agreed. In every game the Clippers have allowed their opponent back into the game. They just need to do a better job of playing great for an entire 48 minutes.
It's a good time to be a Clippers fan right now. Awesome 5-1 start. Now let's see how they do in the next 4 games against Philly, the rising Bucks, lakers and GSW. All 4 are legit playoff teams (with the exception of Lakers so far).
Could this be the year Elton Brand gets some All-Star love as a Clipper? The way the rest of the team is going, Cassell or Mobley could have a shot too.
I predicted this before the season. I swear I saw Cassell scoring at will, hitting jumpers in the clutch. Cuttino spotting up behind the 3pt line, slashing to the rim. Brand playing solid, rebounding, scoring and defending. Maggette effortlessly getting to the free throw line. Kahman doing the dirty work. The Clippers have really solid team this year. They're better than Phoenix, and Sacramento.
I know It's early but the Clippers should win the pacific. As long as Cassell stays heathly and stays consistant no reason why It won't happen. Brand is playing like an MVP.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">I know It's early but the Clippers should win the pacific. As long as Cassell stays heathly and stays consistant no reason why It won't happen. Brand is playing like an MVP.</div> That's what I've been saying to my roommates all month long! However they're from Norcal, so naturally they think the Warriors will end up winning it... I say no way. Regardless, we got a little $40 bet on who's gonna come out on top: Clips or Warriors. Anyone else wins the Pac and the bet is off =( Next game: This Friday vs Lakers.. Go Clippers!! Btw, good thing I drafted Brand in mid 2nd round for my fantasy team and Cassell SECOND TO LAST Round!!
One problem the Warriors have is they depend too much on the outside shot. They live and die by It and don't have as much of an inside presents as some of the other top teams. They are the type of team who can go crazy from deep shooting the ball or get blownout shooting very badly. Feel Elton Brand losing 20 pounds in the summer has really helped his game in driving to the basket and dunking on people's faces. Looks like a new player. But the main factor is the added experience the Clips have added.
I am so happy for the Clippers right now because they have had to go through a lot with good ol Donald Sterling and now they're finally winning now when Livngston comes back they will be even better!
Hey Clips fans, I'm excited about Sunday's game with the Warriors. It seems like this will be a very tough challenge for the W's. It's still too early in the season to be saying the Clippers OR Warriors will win the division...I mean, come on! We're the Clippers and the Warriors...LOL. Wait until 3/4 of the season is through and we'll see where we are. Elton Brand is playing great, but so is Murphy and surprise, surprise, he is actually playing defense. The W's as a team are holding teams to 90.4 ppg while scoring 93.7. The Clippers are holding teams to 94 ppg while scoring 99. Needless to say, it's gonna be a good one!
Hahah it's alright Kensaku. I've hated my life all along (cause the Clippers were losing) up until this year. The clips are definitely playing exceptionally good ball. I just pray that they can somehow keep this up... We got a legit shot at being the Pacific champs and getting the 3rd seed for the playoffs!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kensaku:</div><div class="quote_post">You guys killed the Warriors...I hate my life.</div> lol, their's no need for that, we're a good team, don't feel bad losing to the Clips.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting og15:</div><div class="quote_post">lol, their's no need for that, we're a good team, don't feel bad losing to the Clips.</div> I'm impressed with the Clippers, but the Warriors are feeling the exact same way...confident and expecting to win. I am anxious to see the next game.
