Ford Has Surprise for Papa Closs

Not only did Keith Closs Jr. rejoin the Clippers, he came off the bench to play 10 minutes and had three blocked shots, two points and two rebounds against San Antonio on Tuesday night.

Not a bad effort for the Clipper backup center, who didn’t think he’d play after being suspended last week for missing two practices and part of third.

“It was a surprise. I didn’t think I’d get [a chance to play] for another couple of games,” Closs said. “[Coach Chris Ford] gave me the opportunity and I went out there and was able to block some shots.”

Closs, who had missed the previous two games, said complications during the birth of his son Friday led to his absences.

“I’m just a proud papa right now,” Closs said, referring to Keith Closs III. “It’s a rush for me,” Closs said. “This is my first child and I wouldn’t trade being there for anything in the world. To be there and witness his birth was a beautiful experience.”

Closs, who did not contact the Clippers before going AWOL, accepts the blame for his actions.

“Communication could have definitely been a little better on my part,” Closs said. “I can live with the [undisclosed] fine. You pay the cost. I have to take it like a man.”

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For the second consecutive game, Eric Murdock started at point guard in place of Troy Hudson. Murdock tied his season-high with 32 minutes and had 10 points and a game-high seven assists.

“He was playing well, I tried to keep the guys in there for as long as I could, but I had to give them a rest some time,” Ford said. “I thought Eric played very well.”