L.A. Times on The Q

[Buddha]

Ross Proves to Be a Force on Offense
By Jason Reid and Mike Bresnahan, Times Staff Writers
May 19, 2006


Quinton Ross can score.

The Clippers swingman usually does his best work on defense, but Ross was a catalyst on offense for the Clippers in their 118-106 victory Thursday night over the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.

Ross scored a career-high 18 points in a nine-for-14 shooting performance from the field. He was the biggest story of the first half as the Clippers took a 62-50 lead into the break.

"He's got offense," Coach Mike Dunleavy said. "He shoots a good medium-range jumper and has a good post-up game. It was good for him to come alive tonight."

At halftime, Ross had already scored 16 points — on eight-for-10 shooting — to set a personal record. His long jumper to beat the final buzzer of the second quarter ignited the crowd, prompting fans seated along the left sideline to high-five Ross as the teams headed to the locker rooms.

"If we're going to pick a poison out there, somebody who has to beat us, it's going to be Quinton Ross," Phoenix guard Raja Bell said. "He came through tonight. Good for him."

The Suns assigned point guard Steve Nash to guard Ross, and Ross scored consistently against Nash in the low post.

The Clippers tried to capitalize against Nash inside in Game 5, but Corey Maggette couldn't get into rhythm on offense against the smaller player.

Ross fared much better.

"It's a challenge every night to try to shut him down," Ross said. "On offense, I just tried to go right at him."