Players Learning Ford’s System

With only 16 games remaining and any thoughts of postseason play long gone, some Clipper players are just now finding their game.

Because Chris Ford was not named coach until days before training camp began, the Clippers spent most of the early season getting to know him and his system. The Clippers lost their first 17 games, but have played better lately. They have won three of nine.

“This season really hasn’t been frustrating at all because it’s such a short season,” swingman Lamond Murray said. “It’s almost like we’re just coming out of training camp now. We only got started less than three months ago [when the lockout ended].”

Going over the basics is something the Clipper coaching staff has started to do on a more consistent basis almost out of necessity.

“I think we have Basketball 101 every day. . . . We keep doing refreshers,” Ford said about his 4-30 team. “Maturity and leadership is a big key to this team. . . .

“[The young Clipper players] have to know what they have to do both physically and mentally to be successful in this league. Things don’t come easy. It is a learning process.”

TONIGHT

vs. Portland, 7:30, Fox Sports West 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--KCTD (1540).

* Records--Clippers 4-30, Trail Blazers 27-7.

* Record vs. Trail Blazers--0-1.

* Update--This will be the first of consecutive games between the teams with the game Sunday being played at Portland. Portland needed overtime to defeat the Clippers, 106-96, last month at the Sports Arena. The Trail Blazers are coming off a loss at Seattle on Thursday. The Clippers, who defeated Minnesota on Thursday, have lost nine in a row to Portland.

* Tickets--(213) 745-0500.