Piatkowski Makes Most of Minutes

Swingman Eric Piatkowski, inserted into the starting lineup after guard Brent Barry bruised his left calf in the Clippers’ overtime loss to the New Jersey Nets on Nov. 28, has met the challenge.

Piatkowski has averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 39.8 minutes in five starts compared to 6.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 14.5 minutes in 13 games as a reserve.

Piatkowski had career bests of 24 points, nine field goals and 44 minutes in last Thursday night’s overtime victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Sports Arena.

“I think Pike has done a real good job,” Coach Bill Fitch said. “It could have been a lot worse without Barry. Who’s to say that Pike won’t be a better player for going through this?”

Piatkowski, who had 11 points and eight rebounds in Tuesday night’s 99-92 win at Dallas, said he is trying to make the most of the opportunity.

“It’s nice to know you’re going to get consistent minutes every night,” Piatkowski said.

*

Fitch, who started his second different lineup in the last two games Wednesday night against the Spurs, doesn’t like being locked into a set lineup.

“Our lineup is going to change from game to game,” Fitch said. “Anybody that feels that we have a lineup that’s set in cement is going to be surprised.”

Center Stojko Vrankovic, who didn’t play in Tuesday night’s win in Dallas because the Mavericks used a small lineup, started against Spur center David Robinson.

Reserve center Keith Closs, who didn’t play against the Mavericks, replaced Vrankovic eight minutes into the first quarter against the Spurs.

Swingman Lorenzen Wright, who started at center against the Mavericks, started at forward against the Spurs. Lamond Murray, who started at forward against the Mavericks, was a reserve Wednesday night.