Taylor Has Dubious Start

With Rodney Rogers sidelined because of an ankle injury, rookie forward Maurice Taylor had 12 points and two rebounds in his first NBA start Monday night in the Clippers’ 121-99 loss to the Houston Rockets at the Sports Arena.

Coach Bill Fitch tried his best to say something positive about Taylor’s starting debut.

“It was not one of his better showings,” Fitch said. “but it’s the best start he ever had.”

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Guard Brent Barry did not play in the second half after he suffered a sprained right ankle in the second quarter. Although his X-rays were negative, Fitch said both Barry and Rogers will probably miss the next game.