Some Enthusiasm Returns Despite 10-Game Slide

For a team that has lost 10 consecutive games and has won only two games over the last seven weeks, the Clippers head into today’s matchup against the New York Knicks with an upbeat attitude.

There are a couple of reasons for their optimism.

The arrival of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who joins another former NBA great, Dennis Johnson, as an assistant coach, tops the list.

“It’s a good boost for us,” power forward Maurice Taylor said about the Clippers’ newest coach. “Especially for our big guys. It’s going to help us.”

The Clippers are also feeling better because for the first time in weeks, they are not coming off a blowout loss. Losing by two points at Chicago is not something to be happy about, but the Clippers competed hard after weak efforts in losses to Vancouver, Miami, Orlando and Charlotte.

“We played [the Bulls] down to the wire,” power forward Brian Skinner said about the Clippers’ two-point loss Saturday. “We had a good look on our final shot and it just didn’t go in. Those are the breaks. You win some. You lose some.”

Another reason is the Clippers will be going for a rare season sweep. In an early season victory over the Knicks at Staples Center, the Clippers played one of their best games.

“We’re going to go into the game believing we are going to win,” Skinner said. “You can’t think you’re going to lose before [you] even start playing.”

TODAY

at New York, 10 a.m.

* Site--Madison Square Garden.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 11-42, Knicks 31-19.

* Record vs. Knicks--1-0.

* Update--The Knicks have won two in a row and are a half-game behind the Miami Heat in the Atlantic Division. New York will be without power forward Marcus Camby and point guard Charlie Ward because of injuries. The Clippers’ Derek Anderson (ankle) and Taylor (knee) both practiced Sunday and plan to play today.