In This Game, Clippers Hit All the High Notes in 131-97 Rout of Jazz

Inescapable images of their previous game against the Utah Jazz had to be on the Clippers’ minds going into Saturday night’s rematch. Forty-point losses aren’t forgotten, at least not until redemption has been attained.

The Clippers did just that before a pleasantly stunned Sports Arena crowd of 7,059, beating Utah, 131-97, in what turned out to be an astonishing 74-point turnaround from the first meeting between the teams.

Perhaps the worst thing the Jazz could have done on Dec. 7--a game that will live in infamy?--was humiliate the Clippers, 131-91, on another Saturday night at the Sports Arena. This time, it nearly was a complete reversal, with Utah turning in a Clipperesque performance and the Clippers finally showing the ability to blow out a team.

The 34-point victory was the Clippers’ most lopsided victory in eight seasons, since they were known as the Buffalo Braves. The Clippers’ only other blowout win this season was a 25-point win over Sacramento in early December.

“I’m not a vindictive person, but it was awfully nice to get back at a team that beat you so bad before,” Clipper Coach Don Chaney said. “It’s great to be out there and have fun and get everything accomplished.”

What made this win even more satisfying and surprising to the Clippers was that it was accomplished with the team significantly shorthanded and hurting.

Leading scorer Marques Johnson was out with a thigh bruise. Junior Bridgeman left for good two minutes into the game with an injured right Achilles tendon. Cedric Maxwell played with a stomach virus, Benoit Benjamin had an ailing ankle and Norm Nixon had hurt feelings.

Even Nixon, who said again Saturday that he expects to be traded after the season, put aside his concern about his status and enjoy the blowout win.

“You know,” Nixon said, smiling, “I didn’t even remember that (40-point loss).”

Other Clippers did.

“Yeah, you remember when they beat you by 40 points,” Maxwell said. “More than anything, we thought about what they did to us. It felt good. I think they are a very good team, and it helps our confidence and spirits.”

The Clippers dominated the Jazz in every aspect. They had a nine-point first-quarter lead, lost it, got most of it back by halftime and buried the Jazz in the second half.

All told, eight Clippers reached double figures. But the standouts were Maxwell (24 points off the bench), Benjamin (13 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocked shots) and reserve guard Lancaster Gordon (22 points, tying his career high).

There were no standouts for the Jazz. Even Adrian Dantley’s game-high 34 points were somewhat meaningless, many coming after the music stopped for the Jazz.

Coach Frank Layden had the right idea. He made an early exit, leaving his bench with eight seconds left and stopping by to shake Chaney’s hand before ambling off to the locker room.

“Hey, (the Clippers) got to get a break once in a while, too,” he said.

Chaney definitely will agree with that. For once, he didn’t wince when the box scores were passed out. The Clippers shot a respectable 55%, outrebounded the Jazz, 48-38, and forced 23 Utah turnovers.

“This was by far . . . the best play we’ve had,” Chaney said. “We were active, tough defensively, pushed the ball up the floor and seemed in sync.

“It’s great. All the pressure eases off you when you have a big lead. It becomes enjoyable. When the shoe’s on the other foot, it hurts. I know how Frank feels. I’m an expert at that feeling.”

Saturday, Chaney felt especially good about the play of Benjamin and Gordon, two rather unproductive players most of the season.

Lately, though, Benjamin has made a drastic improvement in his play. Whereas Benjamin used to appear listless and seemingly lack interest, recently he has been very active and interested.

“By far, Ben’s best game,” Chaney said. “He was alert and didn’t take any bad shots. What impressed me was that he really worked hard even though he’s had a badly sprained ankle for three days. I love him for that.”

Said Layden of Benjamin: “He’s really improved. Tonight, he really hurt us.”

What about Gordon, who made 9 of 16 shots?

“He’s coming on,” Chaney said. “He still has to learn when to pass and when to shoot. I think he’s made tremendous progress in his attitude in the last year.”

Maxwell added: “Caz (Gordon) played great. But you got to attribute the win to the rookie (Benjamin). He’s made a big turnaround. He’s playing surprisingly well. In just a few games, he’s defied what critics have said. He might not be as bad as (people thought).”

Judging by the Clippers’ impressive performance Saturday, that possibly could be said about the entire team.

Clipper Notes

To convince point guard Norm Nixon that he will not be traded by the Feb. 15 deadline, Clipper General Manager Carl Scheer said he has made a bet with Nixon. At stake is a dinner for two at an expensive restaurant. . . . Derek Smith, still rehabilitating from knee surgery, is not expected to accompany the team on its two-game trip that begins Tuesday at San Antonio. The Clippers face Dallas Wednesday night. . . . Marques Johnson said before Saturday’s game that his bruised quadriceps muscle is not serious and he should be ready for the trip.