Game 61: Los Angeles (15-45) VS San Antonio (39-19)

[mkwest]

Los Angeles Clippers VS San Antonio Spurs
Where: Staples Center, CA
When: Monday, March 2nd, 2009 @ 7:30 PM (PST)
TV: FSNPT
Radio: 710 ESPN


Clippers Starting 5

B. Davis - Taylor - Thornton - Novak - Camby

Reserves

Jones - Acker - Skinner - Jordan


Spurs Starting 5

Parker - Mason - Finley - Duncan - Bonner

Reserves

Hill - Hairston - Bowen - Udoka - Oberto

Injury Report:
Los Angeles Clippers

Fred Jones (sore lower back) will play.
Eric Gordon (bruised left shoulder), Zach Randolph (personal reasons), and Mardy Collins (plantar fasciitis, right foot), Ricky Davis (tendonitis) and Chris Kaman (Plantar Fasciitis, left foot) are out.

San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan (right knee tendonosis) is probable.
Emanuel Ginóbili (stress reaction, right ankle) and Ian Mahinmi (right ankle surgery) are out.

20 Questions with Marcus Camby

What emotions were going through your mind when you were presented with the 2007 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award?

Camby: I’ve never been a guy that is big on individual accolades. I pride myself on being a solid team guy, but besides being drafted in 1996, that honor was probably one of my most enjoyable basketball moments. I put in a lot of hard work and pride myself on being a great defensive player, and I’m just thankful and happy the people voted for me. It was a great personal honor and a team honor, so I thank my teammates for making me better. It feels good to have that trophy hanging up at my mom’s house.

You have basically split your career between the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. How different do you think is the play in the two Conferences?

Camby: I think when I was coming up in the Eastern Conference it was more of a walk the ball up the court and play a tough physical style. I remember a lot of heated playoff battles between us (the Knicks) and the Miami Heat. Those were physical games. Being out in the West now, I think it is more up and down and fast tempo. I played in Denver for the last six years and we liked to get up and down the court and run a lot of fast break basketball. You need to adapt to the styles in West like Phoenix and Golden State, they do a lot of running.

In 10 years, what do you see yourself doing and where would you like to be living?

Camby: I could see myself being an elementary school principal. I was an education major in college and that is something that I enjoy doing. Hopefully I get a chance to do that back home in Connecticut.

What is it about that job that interests you?

Camby: I guess it’s just my enjoyment and love for kids. I was an Education Major at the University of Massachusetts, and I had a vice principal in high school who I really wanted to pattern myself after. Even as a high school student, I remember how well liked he was and how much energy he brought to the student body. Inspired by him, I choose to study Education in college.

Clippers.com

[thanumba2clippersfan]

We may not even have enough to take advantage of Ginobili being out? I heard Ralph and Mike say in the broadcast of our last game that Zach's father isn't getting any better. I expected him to not play in this game and we may be missing him in the near future.

I hope that everything works out with ZBO's dad. I also hope that we can pull out a victory tonight.

[mkwest]

I read that his kidneys were shutting down and that he could only communicate by blinking. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[JJ LoDuca]

I haven't heard anything about Zach's dad, but just reading this thread is enough to make me shoot one up to the Big Guy for him.

Like #2, it sucks that we might not even benefit from Ginobili being out. If we get Gordon back for this one though, I think it adds to our advantage since Manu won't be around to guard him. I'll miss this game, but I'll set it to record. I'll read the thread after work and see whether I should delete the recording or not.

[SportsFan215]

Get well soon Z-Bo's dad. Having to worry about Duncan is going to make this game very tough. Hope we can pull it out! Go Clips!

[mkwest]

Gordon is pushing for a return against the Pacers on Saturday.

[illastrate]

Gordon is pushing for a return against the Pacers on Saturday.

They're saying Gordon might be ready for the Memphis game on Wednesday.

[PlinkingPanda]

Gooo team.

Let's hope for the best for Z-Bo and his father as well.

Edit - Ooooh Taylor gets the start.

[mkwest]

Gordon is pushing for a return against the Pacers on Saturday.

They're saying Gordon might be ready for the Memphis game on Wednesday.

I've read that and really hope he is ready to roll on Wednesday. I'm not sure if you caught Gordon's interview before the game, but he mentioned Saturday as a target though.

[JfKnicks126]

Anyone have a link?

[mattfish]

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiice shot from past the half-court line by Fred Jones for 3 to close out the 1st quarter. SWISH! All net.

[JfKnicks126]

Holy crap Fred Jones!!!!

[mkwest]

Bingo!! Fred Jones from out of town!!

26-21 Spurs at the end of 1. Both teams started off with sloppy play. Clips were able to gain a 1 point lead before the Spurs went on something like an 8-0 run. Jones three was definitely needed heading into the 2nd quarter. Thornton needs to turn it around. He is currently 1-7 from the field.

[cinnamon]

Like JJ, I'm taping this one and checking out this thread first thing in the morning to see whether to watch or erase.
Good luck, Clippers.
Send my best to Zach and his family.
Thanks, mkw, for the interesting interview with Marcus Camby. I didn't know that stuff before.

[mattfish]

The game isn't looking good so far, 33-23 with 8 min left in the 2nd. Everyone's shots are falling short.

[thanumba2clippersfan]

we're just not making shots

[mkwest]

Thanks, mkw, for the interesting interview with Marcus Camby. I didn't know that stuff before.

NP. Camby's interview was probably the most interesting out of all of them. Also, a lot of his answers reflect his on the court play.

[thanumba2clippersfan]

WTF back to back 3 point plays for the Spurs

[thanumba2clippersfan]

Painful first half

[mkwest]

49-36 Spurs at the half. Baron and Thornton are a combined 2 of 18 from the field and that pretty much says it all.