Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy says win over Lakers is just one more victory

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The Clippers made a point at practice today of not basking in the warmth of having beaten the Lakers for the first time in more than 2 1/2 years.
Although the Clippers defeated the reigning NBA champions, 102-91, at Staples Center on Wednesday night, the Clippers remain two games under .500 as they prepare for a home game against the Miami Heat on Sunday. Still, the Clippers have won three consecutive games.

‘If we feel any bit good about ourselves, about being around L.A. and listening to people tell you, ‘Wow, you guys beat the Lakers, you’re great,’ that is not accurate,’ Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

‘We beat the Lakers, and that was good; we are not great,’ he said. ‘We’re still a team that’s fighting to get to where we need to be.’

And forward Craig Smith, who scored key points off the bench to help lift the Clippers over the Lakers, said it was crucial for the Clippers to build on that victory. ‘We really can’t afford to come off these big wins and fall back with a tough loss,’ he said.

-- Jim Peltz