From Deseret News archives:
Clippers even series
Cassell leads Los Angeles past Phoenix in Game 4
After spending only 35 seconds on the court in the final period of Game 3 in the Western Conference semifinals, the 36-year-old point guard knew he'd get an opportunity in Game 4.
He got his shot, all right, and buried the Phoenix Suns.
Cassell made two 3-pointers down the stretch, including the clincher with 27 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Suns 114-107 on Sunday night to even the best-of-seven series 2-2.
Game 5 is Tuesday night in Phoenix.
Cassell played only 35 seconds in the final period two nights earlier, when the Suns edged the Clippers 94-91.
Coach Mike Dunleavy has said repeatedly since then that he didn't second-guess that decision, and Cassell concurred.
"I'm going to be a head coach in this league some day. Coaching is a feel," Cassell said. "I don't blame Coach Dunleavy. I knew in Game 4 I was going to be in the fourth quarter a lot. I didn't even worry about Game 3."
Cassell began the final period on the bench, but returned with 7:19 to play.
Cassell, who entered the postseason with more playoff experience than the rest of his teammates combined, finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.
He scored only six points in Game 3, when he was usually guarded by the taller Shawn Marion. It didn't seem to matter who defended Cassell in this game, especially in the second half, when he scored 18 points.
Three-pointers by Vladimir Radmanovic and Cassell gave the Clippers what appeared to be a safe 106-93 lead with 5:54 remaining. The Suns then scored 11 straight points to move within one before Elton Brand made an 18-foot jumper with 56 seconds remaining and, after Tim Thomas missed a 3-pointer, Cassell hit his big shot.
"Last year, we would have lost at the end," said Brand, who had 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. "Sam brings swagger, Sam brought swagger tonight. We need to have it every game."
The Clippers won without starting center Chris Kaman, sidelined because of a sore right shoulder. Kaman, injured in Game 3, suited up and was available, according to a team spokesman, but never left the bench.
But the Clippers won anyway.
"Sam Cassell hit the big shots down the stretch," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Sam can get off on anybody. Sam's been around for a long time."
Phoenix star Steve Nash was held to eight points and 11 assists. He shot 3-of-11, and didn't make a field goal after halftime.
Corey Maggette had 18 points and 15 rebounds, Radmanovic scored nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, and Shaun Livingston added 11 points for the Clippers.
Raja Bell led the Suns with a career playoff-high 33 points — two more than his regular-season career best.
