Cassell returns to bench
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ATLANTA — Point guard Sam Cassell returned to the active lineup but did not play in the Clippers’ 86-74 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday at Philips Arena.
Cassell acknowledged his heel injury had not completely healed, but the team’s vocal leader returned to the bench because Corey Maggette was out because of a foot injury.
Coach Mike Dunleavy needed the 13-year veteran, and Cassell played the role of cheerleader during another disappointing Clippers road loss.
Cassell has played in 23 of 34 games this season. The Clippers have missed his leadership and scoring.
The Clippers have appeared listless in dropping to 15-19 overall and 3-13 as a visiting team. They are 1-3 on a six-game, 10-day trip and last in the Pacific Division, which was not what Cassell expected.
“It’s not about Xs and O’s,” Cassell said. “Sometimes, I wish Mike would just come in here and write on the board, ‘Play hard!’ That’s what it’s coming down to now. Intensity, passion, sacrificing, communication, all the things that are involved with having success, that’s what we need.
“In the course of the game, we act like we’ve never played the game of basketball before. I’m not where I need to be at right now (physically), but I can’t wait much longer. I’ve got to get out there for my ballclub.”
Cassell said it’s harder to push his teammates if he’s not contributing.
“The ballclub is missing leadership, missing direction, missing
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