Notes on a Scorecard - Nov. 7, 1991

Steve Howe is an example of how the system can work and some drug abusers can straighten out their lives if given the opportunity. . . .

He signed a one-year contract with the New York Yankees Tuesday that guarantees him $600,000 and affords him the chance to earn as much as $2.3 million. Where would he be if baseball hadn’t been so patient and understanding? . . .

The Lakers may have been playing their third consecutive overtime game Tuesday night and were without the services of Magic Johnson, Vlade Divac and Tony Smith, but the Clippers of old still wouldn’t have beaten them. . . .

The Clippers were able to end their Forum losing streak because they finally have some quality depth. They got 24 points off the bench from James Edwards and Doc Rivers. They will become even deeper when their leading scorer, Charles Smith, returns from the injured list. . . .

Loy Vaught is making the most of his opportunity to start in place of Smith. A blue-collar worker who fights for rebounds, plays intelligently and is an underrated shooter, Vaught should have been allowed to average more than 16 minutes a game in his rookie season. . . .

For an encore Wednesday night, the Clippers played some of the best basketball in the history of the franchise during a 111-87 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Sports Arena. The game wasn’t nearly as close as the final score would indicate. . . .

Best feature of the new scoreboard at the Forum is the listing of the number of points and personal fouls for every player on the floor. . . .

Sedale Threatt, who was obtained by the Lakers from Seattle for three second-round draft choices, is proving to be a steal. . . .

Fans don’t pay money to see coaches. There were nearly 4,000 empty seats at Madison Square Garden for Pat Riley’s debut in that building as coach of the New York Knicks Tuesday night. . . .

The three Nevada Las Vegas players picked in the first round of the NBA draft--Larry Johnson of the Charlotte Hornets, Stacey Augmon of the Atlanta Hawks and Greg Anthony of the New York Knicks--are all wearing No. 2. Their UNLV coach, Jerry Tarkanian, wore No. 1 when he played in college. . . .

Tonight’s date: The matchup between the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the Smythe Division, the Vancouver Canucks and the Kings, at the Forum. . . .

The Kings have to feel good about themselves after going 4-2-1 on their longest trip of the season, despite numerous injuries and Wayne Gretzky’s absence because of his father’s illness. . . .

According to figures released by the NHL Players Assn., Gretzky is the highest-paid player in hockey, followed by Mario Lemieux, Pat LaFontaine, Brett Hull and Steve Yzerman (the last two are tied for fourth). . . .

UCLA defensive tackle Brian Kelly, an economics major with a 3.22 grade-point average, has been nominated for a National Football Foundation Hall of Fame scholarship and an NCAA postgraduate scholarship. . . .

In their last four games, the Bruins have averaged 530 yards of total offense and allowed only 235 yards. . . .

Washington Athletic Director Barbara Hedges, who was an administrator in the USC athletic department for 17 years, will be honored in ceremonies before the Husky-Trojan game Saturday at the Coliseum. . . .

“We’re not going to send her back,” Washington Coach Don James said. “She’s undefeated.” . . .

James is shying away from comparisons, but does say this team is stronger and faster than last season’s. . . .

I find it difficult to believe that Coach Ray Handley of the New York Giants is sticking with Jeff Hostetler over Phil Simms at quarterback. . . .

Patrick Valenzuela, who won two races on Breeders’ Cup Day, could win at least that many Saturday on California Cup Day at Santa Anita. Among his mounts will be the heavily favored Best Pal in the Classic and Ebonair in the Juvenile. . . .

For the second consecutive Saturday, Santa Anita will offer a Pick Seven. . . .

Thumbs up to Angel Manager Buck Rodgers for retaining Marcel Lachemann. The pitching coach did an outstanding job last season, particularly with Jim Abbott. . . .

George Allen, a Republican who was elected to the House of Representatives from Virginia Tuesday, is the son of the late football coach. . . .

Is it true that Al Davis will be among the speakers today at 11:30 a.m. at 6740 Hollywood Blvd. when Jim Healy has his star unveiled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Yes.