They’re Learning Some Hard Lessons on Eastern Trip

Things were looking up for the Clippers before they began their six-game trip to the East Coast. Coming off an impressive home victory over Golden State, they liked their chances against the Eastern Conference teams.

But after losing the first three, dropping their road record to 1-7, the Clippers have a better appreciation for East Coast teams as they head into tonight’s game at Washington.

“We run more in the West, and in the East, they slow it down and use set offenses,” point guard Jeff McInnis said. “They force you to play defense.”

Power forward Derek Strong said the team has to start playing smarter.

“When you have teams that have scouted us and know what we’re trying to do, we have to do something to figure it out,” he said. “We can’t always wait for a timeout to make the correction. We have to make the correction right there on the floor. We have not been doing that and that may be due to our youth.”

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The Clippers have a tendency to turn into a one-on-one team when things get tight. Instead of passing the ball for an open shot, they often try to win games single-handedly.

Lamar Odom, however, does not think it’s because the Clippers have selfish players.

“We just have a lot of confident players on the team who think they can make a play,” Odom said. “Whenever we go through a little spurt like that, where we struggle, it’s kind of a trust thing. Our chemistry and effort is there with our half-court defense but not so much in other areas.”

Rookie Quentin Richardson said it is because so many players are still trying to get used to not being the main man.

“Everyone is used to taking the big shot or making the big play to help his team win,” Richardson said. “Sometimes, we just try to do it all instead of trusting our teammates.”

TONIGHT

at Washington, 4 PST

Channel 9

* Site--MCI Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 5-14, Wizards 4-14.

* Record vs. Wizards (1999-2000)--1-1.

* Update--This will be a matchup of two slumping teams. The Clippers have not won in three games and the Wizards have lost four in a row. Washington will be without shooting guard Mitch Richmond, sidelined by a knee injury. Tyrone Nesby, traded by the Clippers to Washington last month, has scored 14 points in three games.