This Rookie Looks Different to Fitch

Clipper Coach Bill Fitch who has a reputation for not playing rookies, has worked rookie swingman Maurice Taylor into the rotation.

“You guys write that, but it’s not true,” Fitch said. “I just don’t like to play rookies when they play like rookies. One of the things that’s kept me in the game is taking rookies and watching them develop. I’ve had a lot of rookies that have played in a lot of All-Star games.

“Writers made that reputation, but what I’m trying to tell you now is that it’s not true.”

With forward Loy Vaught sidelined because of a back injury, Fitch was forced to use Taylor, the Clippers’ first-round draft pick from Michigan.

“With Loy out we really need him,” Fitch said. “He played like a rookie earlier, but it’s just living proof you don’t have to play like a rookie forever.”

Taylor had a season-best 16 points and 10 rebounds in the Clippers’ 111-102 double overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls last Friday. He followed that with 12 points and four rebounds as the Clippers ended a nine-game losing streak with a 99-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night.

“I may be a rookie as far as years of experience,” Taylor said. “But when I get on the court I feel I’m on the same level as the other players.”

TONIGHT

Los Angeles vs.

New Jersey

* 7:30

* Fox Sports

West 2

Site--Pond of Anaheim.

Radio--KEZY (95.9).

Records--Clippers 2-12, Nets 8-5.

Record vs. Nets (1996-97)--1-1.

Update--The Clippers ended a losing streak at nine games with a two-point win over Sacramento on Wednesday night. Guard Darrick Martin, who came into the game shooting 36.5%, made seven of 13 shots and had 15 points in 26 minutes.