Once More, With Feeling

The Clippers last made the playoffs in 1997, but they came close three seasons ago. A deep, talented team led by Elton Brand finished 39-43, five games out of eighth place in the Western Conference.

But the good times were fleeting, Brand said, because most of the players believed they were only passing through town.

“This feels different,” Brand said of the Clippers’ 10-6 start. “We started off 0-3 that year and we had to play catch-up. We had some good streaks, but this feels different, from the aspect there’s more control. I’m contractually obligated [through the 2008-09 season]. Corey [Maggette] is too.

“Guys are coming up for deals and they feel like, ‘Hey, I can play and I can get what I deserve here. It’s not like I have to audition for another team or something like that.’ They know that if they play well and we keep winning, they’ll be satisfied. And that’s a big difference.

“That year, nobody had ever gotten [long-term Clipper deals]. ... Now, since guys are getting paid and they’re starting to see the commitment to winning, they’re buying in.

“It’s more about team. It’s more about winning.”

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While the Clippers have heated up, winning their last five games, Chris Wilcox has cooled down.

His playing time reduced since the Nov. 25 return of Chris Kaman, Wilcox has averaged 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 21.6 minutes while shooting 43.2% over the last five games. In the first 11 games, he averaged 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 32.8 minutes and shot 54.4%.