Taylor: 26 Games and Counting

His hopes of joining the New York Knicks dashed, forward Maurice Taylor said his focus will be on the Clippers during the final 26 games of the season.

But it was obvious Taylor wasn’t pleased that a possible three-way deal involving New York and Vancouver didn’t materialize.

“It was hard to stay focused,” he said after Friday’s practice at the team’s facility in Carson. “It was tough going through the disappointment of not going to a team that I wanted to go to, that I really wanted to play for. I was more disappointed that nothing was going to happen.

“If I were them, I would rather get something than nothing.”

Taylor, who reiterated that he will leave the team as a free agent after the season, said he would have considered signing a long-term deal in New York if the Knicks had made an offer.

What he won’t consider is a return to the Clippers, even if they change their position and offer a long-term contract in excess of the $70 million that he and his agent, David Falk, are seeking.

“When [owner] Donald Sterling didn’t attend the meeting with David and I, that was it,” Taylor said. “Our whole position toward re-signing with the Clippers changed 180 degrees.”

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Needing guard help with Eric Murdock on injured reserve, the Clippers are expected to sign Jeff McInnis, 25, to a 10-day contract with the hopes that he will be available for action tonight. . . . Center Michael Olowokandi is expected to play tonight after sitting out Thursday’s loss to Minnesota because of soreness in his left knee.

TONIGHT

vs. Atlanta, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 11-45, Hawks 22-30.

* Record vs. Celtics--0-1.

* Update--Atlanta handed the Clippers a 99-81 defeat on Dec. 8 in Georgia. The Hawks recorded their sixth road win at Sacramento on Wednesday and also won in Seattle on Friday.

* Tickets--(213) 742-7555.