Outlaw Feud With Jazz Fizzles to a Whisper

There were no confrontations between Clipper swingman Bo Outlaw and Karl Malone in Game 2.

Malone, who drew a technical foul for elbowing Outlaw after Outlaw got tangled up with guard John Stockton, patted Outlaw on the head and whispered something in his ear.

“Like I said last time, we’re playing hard,” Outlaw said. “I respect him for playing hard and hopefully he respects me.”

Malone said he has no grudge against Outlaw.

“Everybody is looking for something between me and another player. I don’t have any problems with any guy on that team.”

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Guard Terry Dehere, who didn’t play, teased Malone from the bench.

“Karl got off to a slow start and Terry was on the bench talking to him saying, ‘Oh no, Karl, watch out. You’re off to a slow start,’ ” guard Brent Barry said. “And Karl said, ‘No, when I get off to a slow start I really get going.’ And he did.”

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Clipper guard Malik Sealy, who missed eight of 12 shots in the first game of the series, got off to a good start in the second game, making five of seven shots and scoring 11 points in the first half.

But he missed the second half with food poisoning.

Team physician Tony Daly said Sealy will probably be able to play in Game 3 Monday night at the Sports Arena.

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Former Jazz Coach Frank Layden said this is the best team in franchise history.

“This is our best team,” Layden said. “We had better coaching when I was coaching, but not as good players; now we have better players.”

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A regular banner contest brought out the best in Salt Lake wits Saturday.

“No Sitting on John” read one banner, in reference to the tangle between Bo Outlaw and John Stockton during the first game.

“Sweep the Clippers so I can taunt someone with talent,” read another banner.

“Hey Clippers, good news, only 56 days till the WNBA.” read another.

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Times Staff Writer Bill Plaschke contributed to this story.