Reserves Jones, Closs Make Their Presence Felt

Versatile guard Charles Jones and backup center Keith Closs have played key roles in the Clippers’ last two games, gaining the respect of teammates.

“Charles is one of the most talented one-on-one players I’ve ever seen in my life,” forward Maurice Taylor said of Jones, a former two-time NCAA scoring champion. “If he was to really go out and do the stuff he’s capable of doing, it would be kind of ugly on the court because nobody can stay in front of him.

“And with 1/8Closs 3/8, it was just a matter of him getting in his head that he wanted to play. . . . Some guys, no matter how much coaching, discipline or things you do to get them to feed into a system, they are not going to do it until they want to do it.”

Assistant Jim Todd, who has filled in for Coach Chris Ford since Monday while Ford recovers from back spasms, said Jones and Closs are stepping up as key reserves should.

“Short numbers give a chance for other people to play, but when your time comes you have to be ready,” said Todd, who expects Ford to return to the bench for today’s game against the Boston Celtics. “They have contributed and that’s a credit to them.”

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Closs, the all-time NCAA leader in blocked shots at 5.87 a game in two seasons at Central Connecticut State, has been a welcome addition on defense. The Clippers have played much better half-court defense because of Closs’ intimidating presence in the middle.

“We gamble a lot more sending guys inside because he is going to change every shot,” Taylor said of his 7-foot-3 teammate. “If he doesn’t block it, he’ll change it.”

TODAY

vs. Boston, 1 p.m.

Fox Sport Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 8-18; Celtics 14-9.

* Record vs. Celtics (1998-99)--0-1.

* Update--Since Rick Pitino took over as coach, the Celtics have not lost to the Clippers, winning three in a row. Boston handed the Clippers one of their worst defeats last season with a 34-point victory at Boston. Forward Antoine Walker leads the Celtics with averages of 19.1 points and 6.8 rebounds. Clipper rookie Lamar Odom has been sick with flu but is expected to play.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.