Sam Cassell said before the game he thought he would be wearing a Mavericks uniform this season. "I think it was close," Cassell said. "Real close."

Minnesota was shopping the point guard and finally dealt him to the Clippers for Marko Jaric.

"The Bill Duffy Timberwolves wouldn't allow me to go to Dallas," Cassell said, alluding to the fact the agent has worked several deals with Minnesota. Cassell played for the Mavericks in the mid-1990s.

Cassell, by the way, believes the Clippers will challenge for the playoffs this season. "It's better here than people think," he said. "All we need is an attitude." Which makes it a perfect fit for Cassell.