OC Register SANTA BARBARA ? The Clippers want to become more offensive to opponents this season ... with their defense. Smothering, harassing, trapping, stifling - the Clippers intend to make it difficult for foes to score. Coach Mike Dunleavy has put together his defensive concepts and philosophy in his two seasons at the helm. The Clippers ranked 12th in opponent field-goal percentage and 12th in points allowed per game last season. But Dunleavy said he believes he potentially has his best defensive group this season. He has a pair of shot blockers down low in center Chris Kaman and power forward Elton Brand and solid perimeter defenders in guards Cuttino Mobley and Shaun Livingston and swing men Corey Maggette and Quinton Ross. "I think that all great defenses start with the premise that you protect your paint," Dunleavy said. "You take away the easy baskets, take away layups, second-chance shots and force the other team to shoot contested shots. "From there, based upon your talent level, you can become more aggressive in denying catches on the wings, swings of the ball, trapping pick-and-rolls and using different types of presses." Dunleavy said he thinks the Clippers' defensive ranking will improve. "I fully expect that," he said. "Last year was better than the first year, and I think this year we should have an improvement because we have a decent number of guys that know the concepts. And when they know it, it's easier to pass along to the guys that don't know it." Mobley thinks the Clippers have the capability to be one of the league's top-five defensive teams. "We're long, we're quick and we have really good anticipation," Mobley said. "We just have to get used to talking now, rotating faster and we'll be fine." Source
