With Elton Brand out until after the new year the Clippers needed someone to provide muscle in the paint and Chris Kaman has stepped up….big time! Kaman has played in 13 games so far this season and he has averaged 38.1 minutes, 18.6 points, 13.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.5 blocked shots per game. If Kaman can keep up this pace until Brand can return the Clippers will probably make the playoffs.

The Clippers will be without Corey Maggette for the next 2-3 weeks due to a hamstring injury. Maggette has played in 8 games (all starts) this season for the Clippers and he has averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. This will hurt the Clippers a little bit but Ruben Patterson is capable of putting up some numbers.

The Clippers won this game because of their defense as they held the Knicks to only 9 points in the third quarter and the Knicks only shot 34.6% from the floor in this game. Chris Kaman was a beast in the paint as he scored 14 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked 4 shots. Corey Maggette (13 points), Sam Cassell (13 points) and Tim Thomas (12 points) all pitched in on offense for the Clippers in this win. The Clippers are now 5-2 on the season.

The Clippers didn’t play any defense in this game as the Cavs shot 50.6% from the floor and the Clips were outscored 31-20 in the 4th quarter to fold up like a tent in this game. Sam Cassell led the way with 28 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Corey Maggette had a stat sheet stuffer with 25 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Chris Kaman also had a solid game with 21 points 8 rebounds and blocked 3 shots. The Clippers are now 4-2 on the season.

The Clippers only shot 35.1% from the floor and they were outrebounded 53-33 in this game which was the reason for the big loss. Chris Kaman continued his outstanding play of this season as he scored 25 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 2 assists. Corey Maggette also had a solid game with 19 points and 6 rebounds. The Clippers are now 4-1 on the season.