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Clippers First Playoff Series Victory Named One of Los Angeles’ Top Sports Moments of 2006

L.A. Clippers forward Elton Brand was selected as “Sportsman of the Year” and the Clippers first ever playoff series victory was named one of Southern California’s top sports moments of 2006 at the 2nd annual Greatest Moments in Sports Awards, presented by the Los Angeles Sports Council.

The achievements were honored at a star-studded awards presentation held Sunday, January 21 at The Beverly Hilton and televised live by FSN PRIME TICKET.

Sportsman of the Year honoree Brand raised his game to another level in helping lead the Clippers to their best season ever in Los Angeles and their first playoff berth in nine years.

Brand has a reputation as a true sportsman based on the way he comports himself, both on and off the court. He is as consistent with his service to the community as he is with his points and rebounds. A tremendous competitor, he is also a media favorite in the locker room.

In other award presentations, L.A. Lakers star Kobe Bryant’s remarkable 81-point game last season was named Southern California’s top sports moment of 2006, center Lisa Leslie of the L.A. Sparks was named “Sportswoman of the Year.” Ned Colletti, general manager of the L.A. Dodgers, and Anaheim Ducks General Manager Brian Burke were chosen “Co-Sports Executives of the Year.”

  1. Kobe Bryant scores 81 points (January 22).
  2. USC-Texas Rose Bowl classic (January 4).
  3. Dodgers hit 4 consecutive homers (September 19).
  4. UCLA stops USC, 13-9 (December 2).
  5. UCLA reaches Final Four (April 3).
  6. Clippers win first playoff series (May 1).
  7. Jered Weaver wins 9 straight to begin career (August 18).
  8. Ducks set NHL record for best start (November 9).
  9. Lisa Leslie scores 5,000th career point (June 24).
  10. Tiger Woods wins 6 straight PGA events (July 23-October 1).

Eighteen other awards also were presented to each of the major local teams and universities – plus Golf, Horse Racing, Motor Sports, and Tennis – recognizing their individual greatest moment of the year. Those winners were determined by on-line fan balloting conducted by the L.A. Sports Council on its website, www.lasports.org. Voting took place from Dec. 18 thru Jan. 8 and approximately 10,000 ballots were cast.

Separately, a blue-ribbon media panel chose the overall Top 10 moments and ranked them in order of importance. The panel also selected the Sportsman, Sportswoman, and Sports Executive of the Year. The panel was comprised of representatives from the local print and electronic media and was chaired by noted local sports historian Rich Perelman.

For the purposes of these awards, the concept of a moment is loosely defined. It can be a specific instant in time (such as a winning goal, hit or shot), an individual or team milestone, an upset victory, a remarkable game, a special event, or a career achievement. Nominated moments must have taken place in the local area or have involved a local athlete or team.

The Greatest Moment of the Year for the Los Angeles Clippers as determined by fan voting:

Clippers Win First Playoff Series – The Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets, 101-83, at Staples Center to win their first playoff series since moving to California in 1978. The 4-1 series win put the Clippers into the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time (May 1).

The Greatest Moments event is a fundraiser for the non-profit Sports Council, which will utilize the proceeds to further its mission of promoting economic development through sports in Southern California. For further information, please visit the Sports Council website at www.lasports.org.