Brand New Game

Well we wanted it... didnt we? After a back and forth series that EITHER team should could have won, another big game seven is set in Arizona to decide if the Clippers or the Phoenix Suns will play in the Western Conference Finals.

Elton Brand has been everything and more for the Clippers. Averaging 30 and 10 for the Clips this series, he has the entire Suns frontcourt sweating in their sleep. Sam-I-Am has been every bit the veteran leader Coach Dunleavy imagined when they signed him. Corey Maggette scores 25 of the bench (13 in the fourth quarter) and continues his ridiculous playoff play. Now former Clipper afterthought (if there was such a thing) Quinton Ross is starting to feel the groove as he went off for 16 in the first half of the Clippers 118-106 win at the Staples Center.

As a team, the Clipshow shot 62% from the field. That is the highest shooting percentage in the playoffs in a decade. Ironinc that with all the banners: Lakers, Kings, Sparks (remember them?) heck even the Arena League Avengers have a banner up in the rafters, but believe us when we say that this is now the Clippers house. The jokes and disbelief that the Clippers, yes, the CLIPPERS are in the playoffs used to be funny. But make no mistake, sleeping on this team is a luxury opponents cant afford (right Denver?)

LAist hopes that EB, Sam, Corey and the crew can go down to the Valley of the Sun and continue what they hope doesnt have a Hollywood ending.

Photo by AP/Jeff Lewis