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Maggette, Clippers top Bobcats; Livingston injured

Feb 27, 2007 - 7:38 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- With Shaun Livingston out, the Los Angeles Clippers banded together.

Corey Maggette scored 25 points and Cuttino Mobley added 16 to lead six players in double figures as the Clippers survived an injury to their promising young guard in a 100-93 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

Elton Brand had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles (27-29), which won its second straight contest after a four-game losing streak to tie New Orleans for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

"We're pleased about our win but it came at a big price," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "It's obviously a big loss for us. (Livingston) was playing well, but I think our guys saw it and got a little bit of a shockwave and at halftime heard what the results were. It took a toll on us a little bit but our guys came back."

A third-year point guard, Livingston is considered the future of the Clippers' organization and has been compared to some of the game's great floor generals because of his size and uncanny court vision. However, he has battled injuries and inconsistent play during his young career.

It got worse on Monday. Driving to the basket on a fast break, Livingston took an awkward step and dislocated his kneecap with 8:10 left in the first quarter.

"Injuries are a part of this game, but that was tough to see," Clippers guard Sam Cassell said. "Hopefully, things are better than they look. It was tough to absorb. I saw his knee pop out. Wow, it was tough to see."

Clippers' team doctor Steven Shimoyama popped the knee back into place on the court, and Livingston was taken off on a stretcher. He went directly to the hospital to undergo tests.

"I had to put traction on his knee and pull his shinbone forward," Shimoyama said. "Then, I simultaneously put pressure on the inner side of his knee to get it back in the correct position. In other words, I needed to pop it in place. It popped into place on the first try.

"It alleviated nearly all of his pain. When it was dislocated, he was in a lot of pain. The prognosis is still uncertain because we don't yet know the exact extent of his injury."

A 14-year veteran, Cassell will get the majority of the minutes with Livingston sidelined.

"Sam is a warrior," Brand said. "He might be old but he can play. He's done it for us time and time again, and it looks like he is going to have to do it again."

Without Livingston, Los Angeles shared the ball well and were led by Maggette, who shot just 3-of-9 from the field but hit 19-of-20 from the free-throw line. Mobley was 5-of-13 from the floor for the Clippers, who shot 43 percent (30-of-70).

"It was definitely a somber mood around the locker room," Brand said. "But some of the guys are really going to have to step up. We have to take it upon ourselves."

A game-time decision with a strained groin, Gerald Wallace had 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Bobcats, who shot 44 percent (35-of-79). Charlotte played without star forward Emeka Okafor, who has a strained calf.

"It has to be a team effort because Emeka's such a big piece of our team," Bobcats guard Matt Carroll said. "Without him in the game underneath blocking shots and getting almost 20 rebounds a game, all of us have to step up and start rebounding the ball."