Murdock Returns, but Only Briefly

After sitting out the Clippers’ win over New York on Tuesday, point guard Eric Murdock played seven minutes against Seattle on Friday night.

Murdock, who didn’t score but had an assist, is still troubled because of tendinitis in his right knee, and Coach Chris Ford said the Clippers are a different team when the veteran is on the floor.

“He brings stability to the point guard position,” Ford said. “He does a great job of having a calming influence on our half-court sets.”

Ford would like to see more penetration from his point guards, Troy Hudson and Murdock.

“Whenever you can get the ball going to the basket, it is going to cause problems for opponents,” Ford said. “If our guards can’t get all the way to the rim, they have to find our [big men]. Also, if you can suck the defense down, you can drive and kick to the perimeter. Those are important aspects to your offense that you need.”

*

The last time the Clippers, whose two-game winning streak ended with their loss at Seattle, won three games in a row was Dec. 27, 1997, to Jan. 3, 1998.

TONIGHT

vs. Portland, 8

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 4-8, Trail Blazers 12-2.

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

* Update--Both of Portland’s losses have come on the road, but the Clippers have not defeated the Trail Blazers at home since April 8, 1996. The Clippers lost by 23 points at Portland in the second game of the season, with Damon Stoudamire’s 23 points leading six Trail Blazers who scored at least 12. Forward Brian Grant did not play in the first meeting but played in Portland’s victory over Houston Friday night.