Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy doesn't think too much should be read into the decision to remove Al Thornton from the starting lineup.

Rasual Butler replaced Thornton in the starting lineup on Monday night.

"You also have to take into consideration the personnel he's playing against," Dunleavy told the Los Angeles Times. "He's had four pretty rough customers: [Ron] Artest in the first game, Grant Hill in the second game, [Andrei] Kirilenko the third game, and then [Shawn] Marion in the fourth game.

"All those guys, other than maybe Grant Hill, are bigger and stronger than he is. I think it's too early to jump the gun on it."

Thornton is averaging 8.2 points and 4.8 rebounds on 33.3% shooting this season.