Olowokandi, Bibby Play Best Games

The first game between last year’s top two NBA draft choices, the Clippers’ Michael Olowokandi and Vancouver’s Mike Bibby, did not feature too many one-on-one showdowns between the rookies Wednesday night at Vancouver.

Bibby, who began the season shooting 15% from the field, started at point guard for the Grizzlies and played 41 minutes. He had his best game of the young season with 18 points on six-of-13 shooting. Bibby also had 12 assists and made seven of eight free throws. The only time he faced Olowokandi was when he penetrated inside.

“Since I’m not making my shots, I’ve got to make up for it somehow,” Bibby said before the game. “I’m doing it at the defensive end, or passing the ball. . . . I know my shot is not going to be gone for the rest of my life.”

Olowokandi did not start at center, but he also had his best game as a pro. He played 33 minutes and had a season-high 17 points and nine rebounds, including 13 and eight, respectively, in the second half.

Elgin Baylor, vice president of basketball operations, is not surprised that the two first-year players have not been tearing up the league so far.

“As a rookie, a lot of times they do not get the calls,” Baylor said about adjusting to the NBA. “It’s not fair, but that’s the way it is in this league. . . . You try a move that worked in college, but it might be called here.”

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Shooting guard Eric Piatkowski had a solid game against the Grizzlies with 15 points on six-of-nine shooting from the field. He made two of three three-point shots, giving him 274 in his career to extend the franchise record he established in the season opener against Phoenix.

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Rookie forward Tyrone Nesby again gave Coach Chris Ford solid minutes off the bench with six points. He has been replacing Lamond Murray in the lineup. . . . Forward Rodney Rogers did not make the trip to Vancouver because of a sprained right knee. Pooh Richardson, Keith Closs, Charles Smith and Stojko Vrankovic did not play because of coach’s decision. Vancouver forward Doug West did not play because of a hamstring injury.