Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy desperately is trying to put a positive spin on the current situation the team finds itself in.
Following their loss in Phoenix, Dunleavy had praise for the way the team played in the second half, when it outscored the Suns 49-44. Nonetheless, it was the Clippers' sixth consecutive loss and there appears little relief in sight. Not when the upcoming schedule features in order -- Detroit, Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans and then Phoenix again. All those games come in an eight-day period.
There is no definitive time table on the return of center Chris Kaman and only a tentative return date for forward Zach Randolph. That has left nearly all of the heavy inside offensive and defensive work for Marcus Camby.
It is quite conceivable that the Clippers' losing streak could strike 11 consecutive games before the Atlanta Hawks come to Staples Center on Jan. 14.
And it's not as if the Hawks are easy pickings. Atlanta is 21-10 and right behind first-place Orlando in the Southeast Division.
Before their heartbreaking last-second loss to New Jersey, the Hawks had won six consecutive games and nine of their previous 10.
Meanwhile, the Clippers currently own the NBA's longest losing streak and are one defeat away from tying last year's longest skid of seven losses in a row.
It likely will get bleaker before it gets any better.
SUNS 106, CLIPPERS 98: The outmanned Clippers got 16 points and four assists from newcomer Fred Jones but it was not nearly enough to overcome the Suns.
