Once news broke that Elton Brand would miss most of the season with an Achilles injury, everyone (including myself) pretty much wrote the Clippers off. But after four games, the team is undefeated and is sitting alone in first place in the Pacific division.
How is this happening?
Well, for one, Corey Maggette is fulfilling expectations, averaging 19.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, while shooting 50% from long range. Chris Kaman is having a career year, posting 16.8 points, 16.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. I thought he’d step his game up, but I wasn’t expecting him to step it up like that.
Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas are both providing scoring – 18.3 and 16.0 ppg, respectively – while Sam Cassell is leading the team as only he can.
Lastly, the competition hasn’t been all that good. When removing the losses to the Clippers, their opponents are a combined 4-11. The Clippers visit Detroit tonight and host the Cavs on Sunday, so it will be quite the feat if they’re still perfect on Monday morning.
