It shouldn't take the Clippers too long to dismiss that wrenching loss Monday night in Denver.
The reason: The Miami Heat arrive Wednesday night at Staples Center.
That means there's virtually no time for the Clippers to commiserate over their last-second 116-115 loss to the Nuggets, perhaps their most disheartening defeat of the season.
But that's one of the strengths that coach Doc Rivers brings to the team. He doesn't dwell too long on wins or losses, instead pushing his players to focus on the next game and the next opponent.
And when that opponent is the two-time defending NBA champion Heat, the Clippers will have to be prepared or face the consequences.
Former Clipper Randy Foye hit a 28-footer at the buzzer to hand the Clippers a heartbreaking defeat Monday at Pepsi Center.
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They can cling to this: They've beaten the Heat fives consecutive times at Staples, a streak that dates to Dec. 9, 2007. On their home turf this season, the Clippers are 20-3, a mark surpassed by only the Indiana Pacers (23-2) and Oklahoma City Thunder (21-3).
The Heat have won five of their past six games, including a 102-96 victory over the Detroit Piston on Monday night, after slogging through a January stretch in which they dropped four of six. They play their next six games on the road -- two coming after the All-Star game -- where they're only 14-9 this season.
Here are four factors that could turn out to be pivotal in Wednesday's game:
Spend $500+ on tires & services at participating American Tire Depots & get 2 free #Clippers tix to an upcoming game. *While supplies last
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) February 5, 2014
1. Dwyane Wade. The Miami guard is heating up after scoring 30 points against the Pistons and 22 two nights earlier against the New York Knicks. Wade, who made 23 of 34 shots in those games, scored 29 on 13-of-22 shooting in a 102-97 win over the Clips on Nov. 7, giving defensive fits to J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford.
2. Blake Griffin vs. LeBron James. Statistically, Griffin won their first meeting, scoring 27 points and adding 14 rebounds to James' 18 and 5. But James is such an amazing all-around player, Griffin will have to match him step for step in order to neutralize his skills. James almost registered a triple double Monday, finishing with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists.
3. Spread the floor. The Clippers enjoy their best success offensively when they make their outside shots and open the court. They'll need Redick to be on target from long distance early and Crawford to do the same off the bench. A strong game from Jared Dudley, who has struggled with his shot, could give the Clippers a lift.
4. Defense. It's something Rivers has preached all season, but against an elite team like Miami, defense is critical. Nothing was more aggravating Monday than the Clippers' inability to box out against the Nuggets. They gave up 17 offensive rebounds, four on free throws that Denver converted into baskets. Against the Heat, who average 104 points a game and shoot a league-leading 51 percent, every rebound will count.
