Clipper Losing Streak Reaches Seven, 102-84

Forward Cedric Maxwell, traded from the Clippers to the Houston Rockets Jan. 16, almost went into the wrong locker room Tuesday night when he returned to the Sports Arena for the first time since the trade.

The Clippers, who had just eight healthy players for the second straight game, could have used Maxwell.

Maxwell came off the bench to score 8 points and grab 11 rebounds as the Rockets beat the Clippers, 102-84, before an announced crowd of 6,732.

The injury-depleted Clippers have lost seven consecutive games and 19 of their last 21. Los Angeles (12-63) has seven games remaining.

“We’re just trying to survive with all the guys we have out,” Clipper Coach Don Chaney said. “I can’t even have practice tomorrow because I only have five healthy guys.”

Maxwell said: “I don’t get a great deal of satisfaction from beating my old team when they only have eight players on the court. It wasn’t like we totally ripped them.”

Asked if he misses playing with Clipper center Benoit Benjamin Maxwell said: “It’s like missing a hernia.”

However, Maxwell was diplomatic when asked what he thought of the Clippers, who traded him to Houston for a first-round draft pick: “They’re building for the future,” Maxwell said.

Houston Coach Bill Fitch said Maxwell has made a big difference for the Rockets this season.

“When Max first came we didn’t have any players and we won four out of five on the road. I usually play him when we’re in trouble. “I still laugh at some of his dumb jokes and frown at others. You need to have someone in the locker room who makes a face and keeps the other guys loose.”

Houston center Akeem Olajuwon scored 19 points, including 15 in the first half, and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Rockets (39-38) won their second straight game.

Steve Harris, Jim Petersen and Robert Reid scored 12 points apiece for the Rockets. Petersen also took 10 rebounds as Houston outrebounded the Clippers, 50-44.

Rookie center Tim Kempton scored a season-high 18 points for the Clippers. He also had 10 rebounds.

Mike Woodson, who was playing with a sore left heel, scored 14 points and guard Lancaster Gordon had 13.

Earl Cureton, who started at center in place of the ailing Benjamin, grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds for the Clippers.

For the second straight night, the Clippers had just nine players dressed for the game, one over the league minimum.

Benjamin (bronchitis) missed his third straight game, and forward Michael Cage (bruised back) also sat out the game. Forward Kenny Fields is out for the season with a calf injury.

The Clippers were down to eight midway through the first half when guard Quintin Dailey became ill and had to go to the locker room.

Clipper Notes

Clipper guard Norm Nixon, who hasn’t played this season after undergoing knee surgery last summer, said during Monday night’s TV broadcast against the Lakers than he may suit up for Saturday night’s game against Dallas. Nixon had previously declared himself out for the remainder of the season. . . . The Clippers play the Lakers again Thursday night at the Sports Arena. The Lakers are 5-0 against the Clippers, including a 23-point win Monday night at the Forum. . . . Houston forward Ralph Sampson sat out the game with a twisted right ankle.