Breakin' Out The Mojo

:: Around The Cooler Archives ::

By Dave Callanan, Clippers.com
Posted: 11:15 am PST | December 8th, 2005
Fan Feedback: (2 comments)

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When you arrive at STAPLES Center rockin' a style like this, you're pretty much announcing to the world that you came to play.

Wow, the Clippers and Knicks may have played one of the worst hockey games possible on Wednesday night, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm through three quarters. Goodwill among men was also rampant, as both LA and NY did their best to give the game away during the 3rd, but neither could capitalize on the other's miscues.

Thankfully, the Clippers managed to pull things together in the 4th and mounted an impressive run to grab their 13th win of the season. Walter McCarty answered Coach Dunleavy's call in the final period by nailing a momentum-changing 3PT FG that still has me fired up 14 hours later. His play also lit a fire under the big guns of Cat Mobley, Sam Cassell and of course, Elton Brand, which spelled trouble for Larry Brown's crew. Chris Kaman also got into the act, nailing a big late game shot of his own off a broken play with the shot clock winding down.

It may not have been LA's prettiest win of the season, but to follow the philosophy of Coach D, a win is a win. We'll take it.

Now if I had a game ball to give away, I would immediately put it in the huge mitts of Elton Brand for his 24 points and 11 rebounds. However, EB wouldn't be adding it to his hardware case just yet, as he'd have to pass it along to Sam Cassell for his leadership and double digit assist total and then on to Cuttino Mobley for his outside shooting and pregame attire (nattily pictured above). Once those three are recognized, it would move to Walter McCarty for providing a vital spark off the bench to key LA's 4th quarter rally. Walter would be more than welcome to hang on to it for a few minutes and take pictures, but after the photo ops are done, the Wednesday night game ball must find its final resting place in the rightful hands of Clippers Corporate Sales Account Executive, Greg Morrison.

Why does a guy like Greg Morrision deserve such a lofty honor over such impressive on-court performances? Easy. During Wednesday's second half, G-Mo sacrificed himself for the good of the organization, as the Clippers seemed to draw positive vibes whenever he stood in a specific area of the LAC office. Like a lucky antenna, he patiently dealt with my constant screams of "Don't move, G-MO! Don't. Even. Move." as the Red and Blue erased a 12 point deficit en route to the victory. G-Mo joined with me in believing in the power of the LACs, and for that---he gets a game ball. Atta boy, Morrison!

(Unfortunately, however, I don't actually have a game ball, so all of the above is moot.)

While I am quite certain my in-game rituals rank high on the lunacy scale, I left STAPLES Center wondering what other LAC fans do to will their team to victory in tight situations. I simply can't fathom a win like Wednesday's triumph over the Knicks taking place without the help of the ClipperNation. However, I quickly remembered that such personal mojo adheres to the same code as Fight Club. The first rule is - you do not talk about your in-game rituals. The second rule is - you DO NOT talk about your in-game rituals. Hence, I'll let that one drop, but nonetheless send out thanks to all the craziness that no doubt occurred between 9 and 10:30pm last night.

A big weekend awaits as a Pacific Division showdown with the molten-lava hot Suns come to LA on Saturday, and the owners of the NBA's best record, the Pistons, are on deck for a Sunday night STAPLES Center matchup. Neither game will be easy by any stretch of the imagination, but I can assure you that our beloved LACs will come to play.

Go Clippers!


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