Court Coverage: The Clip Show exceeds expectations
By David DuPree, USA TODAY
Team of the week
Los Angeles Clippers: Have won four in a row — all at home — capped by Saturday's 101-91 win against Phoenix, halting the Suns nine-game winning streak. The Clippers have sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division. After a win against Cleveland on Dec. 3, they extended the streak this week beating New York and Miami. During the four-game winning streak, Elton Brand has averaged 29.5 points and 11.3 rebounds; Cuttino Mobley 18.0 points and Sam Cassell 16.8 in the balanced attack.
"Our guys are playing hard and doing a great job defensively," said coach Mike Dunleavy. The Clippers were tied with San Antonio (going into Sunday night's game against Detroit) for the best home record in the league, 9-1. "You can't come in here thinking you're going to win," said Mobley. "It's not the old Clippers."
Elton Brand has noticed a reversal of fortune for the Clippers this season thanks to his performance and those of Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley.
By Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
Stepping up
Allen Iverson, Philadelphia: Had 42 points and 12 assists in Saturday's 107-95 win at New Jersey in the battle for first place in the Atlantic Division, a day after he had 43 points and seven assists in a win against Charlotte. He's averaging 38.0 points in his last nine games.
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas: Averaged 31.3 points and 8.8 rebounds as the Mavericks won four games this week and five in a row overall, including victories at Chicago, Indiana and Memphis.
Thrills, spills and chills
Pippen's number retired:Scottie Pippen became the fourth former Chicago Bull to have his jersey (No. 33) hang from the rafters at United Center during an emotional ceremony on Friday at the Bulls-Lakers game. Among those honoring Pippen were former Bulls coach Phil Jackson and former teammates Michael Jordan, Horace Grant, Toni Kukoc and Dennis Rodman.
Officer Shaq: Add the Big Law Enforcer to Shaquille's long list of monikers as the Heat center was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve police officer last week. O'Neal was also a reserve officer in Los Angles when he played for the Lakers. As a reserve officer, he will be able to carry a gun, wear a badge and make arrests.
LeBron on for naught: Cleveland's LeBron James had a high scoring but winless weekend with 32 points in Friday's 109-100 loss to New Jersey and a league season high 52 in a 111-106 Saturday setback at Milwaukee. His career high is 56, set last season, also in a loss, 105-98 at Toronto.
This week's big game
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio Spurs: While everyone waits for the Clippers to come down to earth, they keep soaring. Their biggest test to date could be Tuesday when they play at San Antonio. The Elton Brand vs. Tim Duncan matchup pits two early MVP candidates.
This week's best matchups
Kevin Garnett vs. Tim Duncan: When it comes to making your teammates better, no two are better at it than these two. Their personal matchup continues Thursday when San Antonio plays at Minnesota.
LeBron James vs. Carmelo Anthony: Here they go, head-to-head again and both have their games in high gear (Denver at Cleveland, 8 ET, Thursday, TNT).
By David DuPree, USA TODAY
Team of the week
Los Angeles Clippers: Have won four in a row — all at home — capped by Saturday's 101-91 win against Phoenix, halting the Suns nine-game winning streak. The Clippers have sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division. After a win against Cleveland on Dec. 3, they extended the streak this week beating New York and Miami. During the four-game winning streak, Elton Brand has averaged 29.5 points and 11.3 rebounds; Cuttino Mobley 18.0 points and Sam Cassell 16.8 in the balanced attack.
"Our guys are playing hard and doing a great job defensively," said coach Mike Dunleavy. The Clippers were tied with San Antonio (going into Sunday night's game against Detroit) for the best home record in the league, 9-1. "You can't come in here thinking you're going to win," said Mobley. "It's not the old Clippers."
Elton Brand has noticed a reversal of fortune for the Clippers this season thanks to his performance and those of Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley.
By Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
Stepping up
Allen Iverson, Philadelphia: Had 42 points and 12 assists in Saturday's 107-95 win at New Jersey in the battle for first place in the Atlantic Division, a day after he had 43 points and seven assists in a win against Charlotte. He's averaging 38.0 points in his last nine games.
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas: Averaged 31.3 points and 8.8 rebounds as the Mavericks won four games this week and five in a row overall, including victories at Chicago, Indiana and Memphis.
Thrills, spills and chills
Pippen's number retired:Scottie Pippen became the fourth former Chicago Bull to have his jersey (No. 33) hang from the rafters at United Center during an emotional ceremony on Friday at the Bulls-Lakers game. Among those honoring Pippen were former Bulls coach Phil Jackson and former teammates Michael Jordan, Horace Grant, Toni Kukoc and Dennis Rodman.
Officer Shaq: Add the Big Law Enforcer to Shaquille's long list of monikers as the Heat center was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve police officer last week. O'Neal was also a reserve officer in Los Angles when he played for the Lakers. As a reserve officer, he will be able to carry a gun, wear a badge and make arrests.
LeBron on for naught: Cleveland's LeBron James had a high scoring but winless weekend with 32 points in Friday's 109-100 loss to New Jersey and a league season high 52 in a 111-106 Saturday setback at Milwaukee. His career high is 56, set last season, also in a loss, 105-98 at Toronto.
This week's big game
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio Spurs: While everyone waits for the Clippers to come down to earth, they keep soaring. Their biggest test to date could be Tuesday when they play at San Antonio. The Elton Brand vs. Tim Duncan matchup pits two early MVP candidates.
This week's best matchups
Kevin Garnett vs. Tim Duncan: When it comes to making your teammates better, no two are better at it than these two. Their personal matchup continues Thursday when San Antonio plays at Minnesota.
LeBron James vs. Carmelo Anthony: Here they go, head-to-head again and both have their games in high gear (Denver at Cleveland, 8 ET, Thursday, TNT).