Game 15: Los Angeles (2-12) VS Denver (9-5)

[NYCF]

Last play was totally emblematic of what this team is all about. First off, it was pretty apparent that our so-called "superstar" pulled a Brand and wanted nothing to do with taking the final shot with the game on the line. Wasn't this exactly the type of situation that he was brought here for (i.e., to at least try to get the win). He completely punked out on that one. Another question is, WTF was our 6'11" center doing camped out above the 3 point line with 4 seconds to go and his team down by 1? My suspicion is that he pulled a Kaman and loafed down the court on the very last possession of a one point game. Totally inexcusable. Shouldn't he have been camped under the basket in position for a tip-in or offensive rebound.

Regarding Hughes's decision not to call a timeout. Can't fault him for that, particularly the way this pathetic team executes out of time outs (especially in key late-game possessions). Apparently, his philosophy is to wing it and not let the defense get a chance to get set. I can't argue with that call. At least he tried something different.

[NYCF]

Another question is, WTF was our 6'11" center doing camped out above the 3 point line with 4 seconds to go and his team down by 1? My suspicion is that he pulled a Kaman and loafed down the court on the very last possession of a one point game. Totally inexcusable. Shouldn't he have been camped under the basket in position for a tip-in or offensive rebound.

Suspicion confirmed. I just checked the replay. Camby totally loafed down the court on the last possession.

[dockingsched]

looking at the replay not only was swinging it to gordon a better option, zach randolph had his man pinned under the basket with no one else in position to help. all camby had to do was pass it straight in front of him since zach created a direct line for camby to feed him the ball.

[jgustav1]

Yes, the Clippers only needed a 2 pointer to win the game so there was no need for Camby to any further away from the basket than 20 feet. He can hit an open 20 footer from the top of the key but not a 3 pointer. Davis got himself caught in the air and was lucky to hit anyone with a pass, what a pathetic sequence in the last 10 seconds of a close game again.

[ClipperDomination]

I don't know about what you guys think, but I'm getting more unhappy everytime I see Thornton play. He's settling way more often to shoot contested jumpers, where his game is to get to the hole or the FT line. I would actually be open to trade him if the right offer comes along.

[mkwest]

Al has disappointed me in the last couple of games, because I know he is capable of more. He's continued to show inconsistency this season as he did his rookie year, and I think that he should be playing better as a whole than he has. I liked how he was playing in summer league. Even though the competition is a couple notches below NBA leve, he played in attack mode and he was efficient. He was able to get to the line as well. Right now, if his shot is not falling, then he's not really contributing much in the other aspects of the game. I'd love to see him really dedicate himself to becoming a better defensive player. On the offensive end, I'd like to see him be a bit more fluid and decisive as to what he wants to do.

As far as a trade goes, I'd be open to trade anybody if the right deal came up. I'm not writing him off, nor do I want to get rid of him; but if we could upgrade the small forward position long-term and he happened to be a key to that package then I'd definitely consider it.

[PlinkingPanda]

Yeah the last game got to me a bit too with Al. He needs to revise his game a bit and add something more. Everyone in the starting lineup is able to do more than just score for the team.

Kaman can has his low-post, and average mid-range jumper while being able to rebound and block.
Camby has his mid-range jumper and is a beast on the defensive end.
Gordon can his the 3, drive to the basket, and play some pretty good defense.
I don't think I have to say much about Baron.

But it seems all Al can do is just score. He has a nice mid-range jumper and can drive to the basket, but his rebounding is average at best as well as his defense. He's like.. an un-glamorized Durant.

We have enough scorers on the team. It's time he picks it up a bit and contributes elsewhere too.

[scratch21]

thortons defense is horrible i love the guy. but his D needs vast improvement

[playaloc916]

Camby took a three to win the game? Now that just hurts. It seems like most of the close games so far have had my team lose. Sacramento had two opportunities to win the game with the Nets (final possession in the 4th, final possession in overtime), and both the attempts were garbage. Then the Houston wastes their final possession against Indiana and loses by a point. And I didn't even see this game, but I can imagine the frustration just by reading the comments. Out of all the guys on the court, Camby takes an unnecessary 3... Wow.