Kaman leads Clippers past Grizzlies

Nov 8, 2:22 am EST

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LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Clippers didn’t have to face longtime tormentor Allen Iverson(notes) with the Memphis Grizzlies in town. That helped keep their modest winning streak alive—along with a missed 3-point shot by Rudy Gay(notes) at the final horn.

Chris Kaman(notes) had 26 points and nine rebounds, and Los Angeles beat Memphis 113-110 on Saturday night for its third straight victory—equaling the Clippers’ longest winning streak of last season.

Craig Smith(notes) had 18 points for the Clippers, whose 19 wins last season included consecutive victories over Portland, Houston and Oklahoma City—the first one coming in double overtime on the road. They then lost 15 of their next 17.

“We scraped it out tonight and we got some stops down the stretch,” Kaman said. “It was good to get another win. We’ve just got to keep building on this. I’m happy where we’re at right now, but we’ve got to continue to play hard and try to get some more wins.”

Iverson, who has played in only three games for his new team after injuring a hamstring, received permission from team owner Michael Heisley to return home to Atlanta and attend to personal business.

Iverson’s departure temporarily diverted his teammates’ attention from the controversy the four-time NBA scoring champ and 10-time All-Star set in motion because of his new status as backup point guard on coach Lionel Hollins’ 1-6 club.

According to a team spokesman, Iverson participated in a walkthrough at the team’s hotel in the morning and then hopped a flight in the afternoon after he and personal manager Gary Moore met with Heisley. Hollins spoke to him briefly before he left, but would not elaborate on the conversation.

“It’s a personal issue that they asked for permission to go attend to,” Hollins said. “It was granted, and it’s indefinite. I have no other information.”

During a play stoppage with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter, a fan sitting within earshot of the Grizzlies bench yelled: “Hey, Lionel, we paid to see A.I.”

“I understand star power, and that’s to be expected,” Hollins added. “I wouldn’t mind even talking about Allen’s star power if it was about the game and his performance during the game, versus what Allen has said and what he will or won’t do.”

Gay, who averaged 28.6 points in his three games against the Clippers last season, led Memphis in this one with 33. Marcus Williams jumped up a notch on the depth chart with Iverson away, getting seven points and six assists over 17 minutes. Starting point guard Mike Conley(notes) played 31 minutes, finishing with 16 points and six assists.

“It’s tough when you have somebody in the rotation and get used to it, and then somebody goes out of the rotation,” Conley said. “You have to get used to a whole different routine. But we have to adjust and get past it.”

Zach Randolph(notes), who averaged 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Clippers in 39 games last season after he was acquired from New York, had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Memphis in his return to Staples Center. Randolph was traded to the Grizzlies in July for Quentin Richardson(notes)—who was subsequently dealt to Minnesota and then to Miami.

Tied at 82 after three quarters, the Grizzlies got a three-point play from Williams to take a 93-88 lead with 9:06 left. Baron Davis(notes) picked up his fifth foul on the play, but the Clippers tied the score 99-all with 5:33 remaining after Chris Smith made a pair of layups 19 seconds apart—the second one after Randolph missed a 20-footer at the other end.

The Clippers made only one field goal after that—a 3-pointer by Rasual Butler(notes) with 3:13 left—but maintained their lead by making 11 of 16 free throws. Gay had a chance to tie it, but missed a 23-footer at the horn.

“At that point, you’ve got to scramble and try to get a shot. And we did,” Hollins said. “It was the best look we could get—a wide-open 3-pointer. And it was the guy we wanted.

“I just told the guys it’s the little things that separate winning and losing. We had our chances to make plays, but we had some turnovers and a couple of lapses on defense. In close games, you try to take advantage of your possessions. You’ve got to keep pounding it and grinding it until you get when you want.”

NOTES: Clippers small forward Al Thornton(notes), who scored a career-high 39 points against the Grizzlies on March 28, 2008, came off the bench for the third straight game after starting the first four as a starter in the first four games of the season. He finished with six points in 17 minutes, after playing four scoreless minutes in Friday night’s 118-90 win at Golden State. Thornton started 67 of 71 games last season.

Updated Nov 8, 2:22 am EST
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29 Comments

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  1. Richard Y
    29. Posted by Richard Y Mon Nov 9 8:49am EST

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    I agree with mhikedelima , the coach should also motivate his players and install proper communication with them. I have read news about Portland Andre Miller's dissatisfaction at first but now coach Nate's action made the team whole again. Playing 3 guards on their team seems effective for now and Miller now found his rhythm. I would expect that coach Hollins can also find ways to integrate Iverson to their team with effectiveness. It's sad that Iverson has been in this situation right now 'coz I think he's still a great player. Why not give him a chance to play him with what he wanted, maybe it would work.
  2. Joe T
    28. Posted by Joe T Mon Nov 9 2:08am EST

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    @Sfenton Hes not playing until hollins is out.
    I wonder how many more losses until that happens?
  3. Bob W
    27. Posted by Bob W Sun Nov 8 5:19pm EST

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    Rudy Gay's foot was on the line in the final. Even if he made it, the shot wouldn't have tied the game.
  4. Hugh H
    26. Posted by Hugh H Sun Nov 8 3:01pm EST

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    Grizzly's management used AI for what they needed. They sold the season tickets with him on the menu, now that the fans have paid for the season pass, the star on the ticket is gone. Sorry...no refund!
  5. Joseph
    25. Posted by Joseph Sun Nov 8 7:59am EST

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    my Grizzlies are falling apart....this is rough. Play some damn defense please.
  6. mhikedelima
    24. Posted by mhikedelima Sun Nov 8 7:52am EST

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    "I think that's probably the worst part of all this," Iverson said after the loss to the Lakers. "That while all this is going on, we have never talked to each other. That's probably why it's at this point right now. We've just never had a conversation, so it's probably going to always be hard for me and him to see eye-to-eye, because we've never even talked to each other. Obviously that's what you do if you're trying to accomplish the same goal."

    When asked before Saturday's game to respond, Hollins bluntly: "If Allen wants to talk to me, my door is open. I talk to him during the game before the game and after the game.

    ------------------------

    Hollins is very arrogant and clueless. His job is not only to give guys their minutes, most of all to bring out the best in his players. He should motivate his players so they can perform at best. Hollins has failed as motivator and as a coach. He has the tools in his hands but what has he done with it? The lineup has change, for better or worst is up for grabs. Fact is they are losing. why wont he use all his cards. He's just too arrogant to accept variable change. Whats worst that can happen if they try something else. He has a bigger ego than A.I.
  7. mhikedelima
    23. Posted by mhikedelima Sun Nov 8 7:51am EST

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    "I think that's probably the worst part of all this," Iverson said after the loss to the Lakers. "That while all this is going on, we have never talked to each other. That's probably why it's at this point right now. We've just never had a conversation, so it's probably going to always be hard for me and him to see eye-to-eye, because we've never even talked to each other. Obviously that's what you do if you're trying to accomplish the same goal."

    When asked before Saturday's game to respond, Hollins bluntly: "If Allen wants to talk to me, my door is open. I talk to him during the game before the game and after the game.

    ------------------------

    Hollins is very arrogant and clueless. His job is not only to give guys their minutes, most of all to bring out the best in his players. He should motivate his players so they can perform at best. Hollins has failed as motivator and as a coach. He has the tools in his hands but what has he done with it? The lineup has change, for better or worst is up for grabs. Fact is they are losing. why wont he use all his cards. He's just too arrogant to accept variable change. Whats worst that can happen if they try something else. He has a bigger ego than A.I.
  8. Arn
    22. Posted by Arn Sun Nov 8 7:48am EST

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    hollins is an idiot. if the grizzlies are winning then he has a valid reason for not inserting a.i. in the starting lineup but since they are losing, he should have tried using iverson not only as a starter but let him play extended minutes especially in the 4th quarter. the guy has been in the league for so long and he deserves at least the benefit of the doubt to prove his worth.
  9. Ason T
    21. Posted by Ason T Sun Nov 8 6:46am EST

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    Why am not surprise to what happen to the overated selfish son of a bietch player the loser iverson, its about time the memphies drop this facking black neigger!!!!!
    hope that maj nidal malik hasan shoot iverson in the head!!!!!
  10. sam spade
    20. Posted by sam spade Sun Nov 8 5:50am EST

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    Dude, I said this last week after his Twit. The Grizzlies and Lionel knew this when they signed him. He jnew this when he signed. Nobody wanted him. I said he was on the team until they sent him home. It was going to be sooner or later. for all of the good young players that the Grizzlies have and Lionel, it's great that it was sooner. He's through.
  11. kienan k
    19. Posted by kienan k Sun Nov 8 5:42am EST

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    Kaman's offensive game is so underrated. Coming into the league he had tremendous footwork and was strong with his off hand, now he's extended his range and seems to be better at using his massive size to gain position down low. It's not a popular opinion, but I think his offensive game is much better than Bynum's.
  12. Barry
    18. Posted by Barry Sun Nov 8 5:00am EST

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    yeah right kalil, don't go all militant muslim whacko terrorist on us and start shooting a........well, you know!!

    GO CLIPPERS!
  13. <i>codyrc14</i>
    17. Posted by codyrc14 Sun Nov 8 3:38am EST

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    Lets be honest you over-hyped LA Stripper fans. Kaman is not the 7 footer you want on a playoff team. he's just off to a hot start and is nothing more than a 21st century John Konkack. If he keeps it up, he will be traded to a contender team, which wont happen.
  14. Meng M
    16. Posted by Meng M Sun Nov 8 2:54am EST

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    Whether AI starts or not he should be getting his minutes. People might think he's selfish but I say its the opposite. He actually wants to play on a team that have no chance on making the playoffs. On a different note I can't wait to see Blake Griffin play. Kaman is a beast, Gordan is coming along and I don't understand why Al Thornton isn't getting any playing time. Hopefully this sad franchise can resurrect itself.
  15. JR
    15. Posted by JR Sun Nov 8 2:41am EST

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    Lionel is too arrogant. Memphis is NOT winning, I see no reason why you would not try playing A.I. more. If you're goal is to win games and sell tickets, A.I can help you out.
  16. Don
    14. Posted by Don Sun Nov 8 2:27am EST

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    Here's what gets me....even if Iverson is relegated to sixth man, first off the bench....why aren't the grizzlies (and also the pistons when they tried it) giving him the minutes of a true sixth man off the bench. Look at Jason Terry, Manu Ginobli, hell even Jamal Crawford. Thats what you are trying to sell Iverson as on your team and you are giving him 5-15 minutes less than other sixth men around the league. I'd be pissed too knowing the resume I have, especially when it means watching my team piss away wins so the 1st-3rd year players can grow and learn. Conley, Stuckey, Mayo can learn just fine from the bench and in practice and scrimmage. Why throw them out there as starters and expect wins when you have an All-Star player who is in top 20 all time in points riding the pine who when on the court (cause thats actually where players skills should be criticized) shows no sign of having lost his touch??? Start Iverson, along side Mayo, with Gasol, Randolph, and Gay (who is an absolute beast and deserves his spot more than anyone on the Grizzlies) and see a team that is not gonna blow games but be competitve 48 mins. Don't play a future hall of famer 15-21 mins and sit him in the 4th quarter when a game is to be decided and expect the atmosphere to smell like daisies. You're kidding yourself if you think what the Grizzlies are doing is going to make them better...it's not. BTW, Memphis fans better appreciate Rudy Gay while you have him...because he'll be gone sooner rather than later...to a franchise that actually has a goal of winning.
  17. SalvadorL
    13. Posted by SalvadorL Sun Nov 8 2:17am EST

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    I like the Clippers. Kaman has some nice post-up moves and Baron Davis is an exciting player to watch. I love the Clippers' play-by-play announcer Ralph Lawler. Too bad you can't hear him on the radio anymore; only on TV.

    It might be too much to ask for, but I hope the Clippers will be able to compete with the Lakers this year. At least, they should improve markedly.

    Go Clips!
  18. aypi
    12. Posted by aypi Sun Nov 8 2:00am EST

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    Hollins shud have started iverson. who says kids cant develop if they come off the bench.? who is this mike conley anyway?
  19. who the hell?
    11. Posted by who the hell? Sun Nov 8 1:59am EST

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    The Memphis organization screwed this one up. There was a reason why nobody was picking up AI - it's because he does what he wants, not what the team requires of him. In other words, unless you plan on making AI the center of your team's attack, you might as well stay away from the crybaby. Didn't AI claim to understand his role when he signed with the Griz? Didn't he understand why nobody was picking him up? There are more than a few teams that could use some fire power off the bench - Dallas, Phoenix, Cleveland, etc - all playoff teams, all needing a nice boost off the bench, but why did none of them even consider bringing in the Answer? The fact is, there are plenty of guards who can shoot 40%, turn the ball over, and hog the ball - but how many are willing to play some defense and do what the coach demands? AI is exciting, but his attitude and style won't mesh with a winning team. Most teams have an established lineup and wouldn't want the headache of bringing in a headcase who has the potential to upset the chemistry. As demonstrated, AI is not about the team. Seriously, he thinks leaving Memphis will make him more attractive?
  20. kahlil m
    10. Posted by kahlil m Sun Nov 8 1:52am EST

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    The Clippers should be moved to alaska or wyoming. As a matter of fact, seattle needs a team again. Those perennial losers should be banned from playing in the nba and moved to the d league.
  21. Tukes T
    9. Posted by Tukes T Sun Nov 8 1:50am EST

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    Iverson is the greatest scorer since Michael GOAT Jordan, and probably the most athletic player since Jordan too.
  22. marlon alexander l
    8. Posted by marlon alexander l Sun Nov 8 1:42am EST

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    hollins is dumbass. why will you not play AI extended minutes if you're team is already losing. just a couple of reasons why the grizzlies really suck. first they "donated" gasol to the lakers, then now they get iverson but bench him, when he is still not past his prime and capable of exploding. wonder if this team really wants to win or they are just using AI for the $$$$$$$$
  23. d
    7. Posted by d Sun Nov 8 1:25am EST

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    The Clips, albeit against Memphis, showed some moxie with this win. Hopefully, the next stop is .500.
  24. emthomasjr
    6. Posted by emthomasjr Sat Nov 7 9:59pm EST

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    We need this win!
  25. Don
    5. Posted by Don Sat Nov 7 9:37pm EST

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    Calling it...1-6
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Top Performers

 Top Performers
 Memphis
R. Gay Rudy Gay
11-20,  33 Pts
6 Rebs, 2 Assists
 LA Clippers
C. Kaman Chris Kaman
8-16,  26 Pts
9 Rebs, 4 Assists

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