Another Ugly Clipper Setback

The Clippers got a preview of life without Dominique Wilkins and Ron Harper on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets, and it wasn’t pretty.

With their most prolific scorers sidelined because of back injuries, the Clippers scored a season-low nine points and shot 11% in the last quarter and lost, 100-85, before an announced crowd of 11,931 at the Sports Arena.

The Clippers, who led, 79-66, going into the final quarter, were outscored, 23-3, in the first seven minutes of the quarter as the Nuggets took an 89-82 lead.

“It was real ugly,” guard Mark Jackson said after the Clippers (27-53) lost for the 15th time in their last 19 games. “It’s been a long year. It was real embarrassing. We’re out there getting manhandled. That basically sums it up.”

Harper agreed.

“It’s been painful to see all year, so what’s the difference now?” Harper said. “The guys played hard for three periods, but in the fourth something just seemed to go wrong. That’s the way the whole season has been.”

Wilkins and Harper, who could become unrestricted free agents on July 1, might not be back next season.

And Wilkins, frustrated over stalled contract talks, emphasized that it’s unlikely that he will return to the Clippers next season. Wilkins’ agent said last month that the forward will explore the free-agent market.

“The chances right now are slim and I’ll leave it at that,” Wilkins said. “I’d love to be back, but things haven’t happened that way.

“I’d love to be here. I love L.A., I love the city. But if it’s not for me to be here I won’t be here, and it doesn’t look that way right now.

“I’m not asking for the world. I’m not trying to break anyone. I’m just asking for what’s fair.”

Wilkins is reportedly seeking a $21-million, three-year deal, but the Clippers have balked because Wilkins, 34, would be 37 when the contract ends.

However, he thinks age is an unfair standard.

“The only thing that matters is what I’m doing,” Wilkins said. “They need to go talk to Robert Parish. He’s still (playing) and he’s 40 or 41 years old. If my ability has started to decline and I wasn’t as productive, I could understand it, but I’m up there with the best guys in the league, still. I haven’t slowed down a lick. Everybody in the league sees that.”

Wilkins has averaged 29.6 points in 24 games since he was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks for disgruntled forward Danny Manning.

Clipper spokesman Joe Safety said the club is optimistic that it will sign Wilkins.

“I am confident that this situation will have satisfactory results,” Safety said. “There are always sensitivities along the way in negotiations. We want Dominique to be here.”

Harper doesn’t share Wilkins’ frustration.

“I can’t speak on ‘Nique’s frustration,” Harper said. “You’ve got to ask ‘Nique.

“What do I have to be frustrated about? I’m 30 and I’ve got a beautiful kid and a beautiful girlfriend and a beautiful life, and I’m doing something I enjoy. I can’t be frustrated.

“When it comes times for me to make my choice, I’m going to make my choice for what’s in the best interest of Ron Harper, so there isn’t any need to hold a grudge.”

Clipper Notes

LaPhonso Ellis had 21 points and 13 rebounds for Denver. . . . Nugget guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf had his consecutive free-throw streak snapped at 63.