<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">EL SEGUNDO ? Shaun Livingston has missed the past two games because of a sprained right ankle, and his status for Tuesday's game against Milwaukee is questionable. But whenever the Clippers' third-year guard returns, his role will be different from what it has been since December. With veteran point guard Sam Cassell seemingly over his bout with plantar fasciitis, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy has reassembled last season's most successful lineup. That unit of Cassell, Cuttino Mobley, Quinton Ross, Elton Brand and Chris Kaman was 24-12 as a starting group. They are 7-3 this season. Livingston had started 24 consecutive games before sitting out the past two. But upon his return, he will come off the bench with sixth man of the year candidate Corey Maggette and versatile forward Tim Thomas. Cassell and Brand have been re-enacting the two-man potency that made the Clippers one of the league's top half-court offenses last season. Ross is the team's best defender and has boosted his scoring output. He is averaging 16 points over the past three games. "Everything is subject to change," Dunleavy said. "But obviously, when (Livingston) comes back, he'll be coming off the bench." Cassell took off eight consecutive games when his foot became too painful for him to continue. He scored 31 points off the bench in his first game back and has started the past five games. In those six games, Cassell has averaged 19.5 points and 8.5 assists. Cassell said the key component to the old-new lineup is Ross. "We've got to get Q Ross on the court because he's our best defender," Cassell said. "And why not have your best defender on the court? He's our all-purpose guy, and he gives us that edge that we need. He understands the responsibility that comes with starting. He's got to make open shots as well as be the top-notch defender that he is." Eventually, Livingston, 21, will succeed Cassell as the Clippers' floor leader. But that time has not come. "It's a lot of responsibility being a starting point guard in this league, and now that Shaun's gotten a whiff of it, he knows for a fact that he can do it," Cassell said. "And one day he's going to be a full-time starter." Livingston said the return to being a reserve won't bother him. "It's cool," he said. "The team has a good chemistry and a good flow and momentum going right now. I'm definitely willing to work with that and just come in and contribute. Hopefully, I'll play well enough to stay out there."</div> Source
Isn't this embarrissing. I mean, it would be for me. Being a starter for 20 games or so and now, when I'm on the bench, the team is playing much better. I think that Livingston has to work with his shot, MUCH.
