Benjamin and Clippers Both Losing : Center’s Weight Down, but SuperSonics Still Win, 132-119

Benoit Benjamin, the Clippers’ 7-foot center, is starting to round into shape after coming to training camp 26 pounds overweight.

Benjamin scored 34 points, pulled down 9 rebounds and blocked 3 shots in the Clippers’ 132-119 exhibition loss to the Seattle SuperSonics Saturday night before 1,650 fans at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

“I’m starting to get back into the groove,” Benjamin said. “I feel much better now that I’ve lost 10-15 pounds. I can run and jump better. It’s a big difference.”

Benjamin, who played 37 minutes, made 14 of 20 shots and 6 of 12 free throws. He scored 17 points in the first half as the Clippers took a 64-56 lead.

“He’s starting to get his timing back,” Clipper forward Marques Johnson said of Benjamin. “He’s worked hard in practice and he’s pushing away from the table.”

Point guard Larry Drew also looked good for the Clippers. Drew had 12 assists and scored 9 points in 31 minutes. Forward Kurt Nimphius scored 16 points.

However, Coach Don Chaney experimented with his lineup in the second half, during which Seattle outscored the Clippers, 76-55.

Swingman Dale Ellis led the Sonics with 25 points, while forward Tom Chambers scored 24 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. Guard Michael Phelps scored 20 points and forward Xavier McDaniel had 18 points and 9 rebounds.

“I thought we put together a very good game in the first and second quarters,” Chaney said. “I had to experiment in the second half, but there’s no excuse for the lack of intensity we showed. I thought we sloughed off on offense and defense.”

Clipper Notes Coach Don Chaney announced after the game that the Clippers have put guard Nigel Lloyd and forward Jeff Cross on waivers. The Clippers are down to 14 players. . . . The Clippers are 0-3 in the exhibition play. They meet the Sacramento Kings Monday night at Cal State Fullerton at 7:30. . . . Clipper General Manager Elgin Baylor said there were no new developments in guard Darnell Valentine’s contract dispute. The Clippers said Friday that they are matching Valentine’s three-year offer from the New Jersey Nets, however Valentine’s agent said Valentine does not want to play for the Clippers again. . . . Seattle is 3-2 in exhibition play.