The Golden State Warriors' up-tempo style was the most likely reason why backup forward/center Brian Skinner did not play. Skinner, however, has not played in the past two games after playing in each of the previous seven. His minutes, however, have been quite sporadic -- ranging from a high of 20 to a low of two.
ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Baron Davis, Shooting guard Cuttino Mobley, Small forward Al Thornton, Power forward Tim Thomas, Center Chris Kaman. Bench -- Guard/forward Ricky Davis, Forward Marcus Camby, Guard Mike Taylor, Guard Eric Gordon, Forward Steve Novak. PLAYER NOTES:
--F/C Paul Davis played a significant role off the bench in the Clippers' first victory of the season, when they beat the Dallas Mavericks. Davis scored 10 points in 18 minutes and did a good job defensively. However, it seems as though Davis still has not established himself as a regular part of the rotation. Davis was inactive for the game against Golden State, which marked the second time already that he has been one of the two designated inactive players. And although he was suited up when the Clippers played Utah at home, Davis did not see a second of playing time. "I don't know what's going on," Davis said. "(Coach Mike Dunleavy) doesn't say much."
--F Tim Thomas made his first start since the fourth game of the season, likely because of coach Mike Dunleavy's attempt to match up favorably with Golden State's mobile lineup. Thomas has averaged 12.2 points as a starter and 10 points in his role off the bench. However, that bench scoring statistic includes the four-minute scoreless stint that Thomas had against the Houston Rockets, when he sprained his left ankle minutes after entering the game. But Thomas played less than 12 minutes. "That wasn't my call," he said.
--F Al Thornton is not ready to take on the role as the team's go-to player -- not when he only makes three of 13 field-goal tries and settles for too many off-balance and highly contested jump shots. Thornton needs to drive to the basket more often, and when he does, instead of avoiding contact with a dipsy-doodle-type move, Thornton needs to seek out the contact in order to draw more shooting fouls. Free throws not only would give the Clippers two easy points but also allow them to set their defense for the ensuing opposing offensive possession.
MEDICAL REPORT:
--G Baron Davis (sprained ring finger left hand) pulled himself out of a recent practice after someone banged his finger when Davis drove to the basket. The injury, which Davis suffered in training camp, likely will cause him discomfort all season.
