Kings Slip By Clippers on a Last-Second Shot

The Clippers, who learned Wednesday that they would lose injured Danny Manning for at least the rest of the season, made the night a sweep by also losing to the Sacramento Kings, 106-104, to fall into sole possession of last place in the Pacific Division.

A crowd of 8,892 at the Sports Arena saw the Clippers rally from a 9-point deficit late in the third quarter to tie the game, 104-104.

But Kenny Smith’s 20-foot jumper from the left side with 1 second remaining gave Sacramento (9-21) the victory and snapped the Kings’ 9-game road losing streak.

The Clippers lost for the seventh straight time, their longest skid of the season, and dropped to 10-24, one game behind the Kings.

“I would rather have been blown out,” said Clipper forward Charles Smith, who scored 21 points in his first start since Nov. 25. “I really wanted this one. We had the game. . . . I’m taking this one real bad.”

Quintin Dailey had a game-high 26 points to lead the Clippers, who lost despite committing only 13 turnovers. Benoit Benjamin added 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocked shots off the bench.

Sacramento, coming off Tuesday night’s 106-97 victory over the Lakers, got 23 points from Smith, 18 from Rodney McCray and 17 from Harold Pressley.

Clipper Coach Gene Shue, trying to shake up his stagnant team, opened with a new combination of starters--Smith, Joe Wolf and Greg Kite in the front court, and Dailey and Tom Garrick at guards. Kite was coming off a 4-game layoff because of injuries.

Clipper Notes

Sacramento Coach Jerry Reynolds, hospitalized for 2 days in late December after passing out during a game, complained of dizziness during the fourth quarter of Tuesday night’s home win over the Lakers. Trainer Bill Jones administered smelling salts, and Reynolds remained at the game, but with Dr. James Castles, a team physician, sitting beside him. Reynolds, who wore a heart monitor on the sideline after he rejoined the Kings in early January, said it was the first time he has become dizzy during a game since being hospitalized. Castles said the spells are brought on when Reynolds jumps from his squatting position in front of the bench to standing, adding that a solution may be forthcoming. “I think I’m going to have him wear a knee sleeve to help remind him not to do that,” Castles said. . . . With the cold-shooting Ken Norman benched, no Clipper has started every game this season. Norman and Benoit Benjamin are the only ones who have played in all 34 games.