I know what you are saying, but there have been plenty of times this year where the clips have come back in the 2nd half by playing shutdown defense. I was watching the game on TV and the announcers were talking about how the clips have a really hard time matching up against 2 teams in the league. Houston and Miami. I was only half-paying attention, but I can only assume that it is the matchup difficulties presented by shaq/yao. They played houston twice in the last 2 weeks. They lost both games. And all 4 halves in those 2 games went over. I think houston is just tough for the clips to defend, and that's the bottom line. 16-6 now last 22. Until friday, lakers showdown. Peace out.