Outlaw Shows Clippers How It’s Done

The Clippers sent forward Bo Outlaw, who rejected a long-term contract offer to sign a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic last summer, his old jersey after he faced them for the first time since leaving.

The Clippers could have used Outlaw, whose boundless energy last season helped lead them to their first playoff berth since 1993.

Outlaw helped make the Clippers disappear this time, getting 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists as the Magic extended the Clippers’ losing streak to six, 112-94, Tuesday night before 16,435 at the Orlando Arena.

“They took our best player away from us in Bo Outlaw,” said Clipper guard Brent Barry, who had a team-high 21 points. “Charles is playing great for them. He provides a lot of energy.”

How much do the Clippers (1-9) miss Outlaw?

“I miss him a lot,” Barry said. “I don’t have anyone to play any video games with and my social life is null and void at this point.

“Bo was the glue that held the team together last year. I don’t think anybody will tell you any differently. It was a real significant blow to our team when he signed with Orlando.

“We miss him a lot. He brings a lot to any team and he’s already doing it with Orlando.”

Outlaw, who visited with his former teammates at their hotel Monday night, said it wasn’t difficult to face the Clippers.

“It wasn’t strange, it was just another game,” Outlaw said. “We’re professionals, so we went about it like professionals.

“[Switching teams] happens in the NBA. You’ve got guys on teams now who have played for seven different teams. I cry, but I wouldn’t cry over this game. It was emotional, but not to that point.”

Outlaw, who went into the game with the best field-goal percentage in the NBA (.623), made five of seven shots and six of nine free throws.

Magic guard Nick Anderson said Outlaw has helped the Magic, who extended their winning streak to three, remain competitive after losing guard Penny Hardaway, who sat out his third consecutive game because of tendinitis in his left knee.

“He brings a lot of energy,” Anderson said. “He rebounds well and he plays good defense. There’s not enough I can say about this young man. I’m happy he’s a part of this team.”

Outlaw was active on the boards as the Magic outrebounded the Clippers, 52-31. It was the Clippers’ worst rebounding effort of the season.

“Until we start finishing, making layups, getting more aggressive on individual defense and on the boards, it’s going to be a tough game to play,” Clipper Coach Bill Fitch said.

Swingman Lorenzen Wright agreed.

“Coach doesn’t need to say that,” Wright said. “A blind man could see that. We’re playing dead right now, but we’re getting it out of the way so we won’t have it the end of the season when we’re in the playoffs.”

Fitch said Outlaw isn’t playing any differently.

“Bo got his points inside and picked up second shots,” Fitch said.

Center Rony Seikaly also played well inside, getting 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Clipper center Stojko Vrankovic had six points and no rebounds in 18 minutes. Rookie center Keith Closs had eight points, five rebounds and one blocked shot, but he was badly beaten by Seikaly on several plays in the second half.

Guard Mark Price, starting in place of Hardaway, registered season bests of 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the Magic beat the Clippers for the seventh time in eight games.