Atlanta overcame a great game by Howard, beating LA Clippers 103-98. "It's a team sport," said losing coach Bob. "If we had another couple players like Howard out there, we'd have won this game easily. But we didn't, so we didn't." Bob has been under fire lately, and the lackluster performance by his players (save Howard) certainly doesn't improve his job security any.

The normally-quiet Howard was less than satisfied after the game. "I feel betrayed - like I did my best and my teammates didn't. I don't know if it was coach's fault for not getting the team up, or if the other players just all had an off day at the same time. But this was a close game, we had our chances, and we didn't execute when we needed."

Atlanta was led by Jackson (33 points, 20 boards, 2 assists, 3 blocks), Wright (18 points, 6 boards, 5 assists, a block), Calloway (6 points, a steal). LA Clippers was led by Howard (33 points, 1 assists), Celaya (15 points, 8 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks), Lee (5 points, 9 assists, 4 steals).

box score Atlanta roster LA Clippers roster