Boom Times for Anderson

If the Clippers were having a better season, shooting guard Derek Anderson would probably be in the running for a reserve spot on the Western Conference All-Star team.

Instead, Anderson probably will be left off the team despite leading the Clippers in scoring at 17.6 points a game and making 85.6% of his free throws.

Anderson, who was sidelined for three weeks because of a sprained ankle, is coming off a career-high 35-point effort in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

In his last nine games, Anderson has averaged 23 points and made 69 of 123 shots (56%). He has also made 23 of his last 25 free throws.

Against the Mavericks, Anderson made 11 of 22 shots and all 11 of his free throws.

“Derek Anderson just had a great game,” Coach Chris Ford said. “He was absolutely fantastic out there.”

Anderson did not get much help as the Clippers again failed to get all three of their top players to play well. Power forward Maurice Taylor struggled with fouls again and was limited to 15 points, and rookie Lamar Odom, who got his 13th double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, again had turnover problems with six.

“We need to take better care of the basketball and have better shot selection,” Ford said. “To win, you have to have the confidence that you’re going to do things well and you have to depend on your teammates. No one guy can carry us and get us over the hump.”

TONIGHT

vs. New Jersey, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 10-32, Nets 17-26.

* Record vs. Nets--0-1.

* Update--The Nets have lost three in a row but defeated the Clippers by five points at New Jersey this month. The Clippers did not re-sign forward Pete Chilcutt after his 10-day contract expired Friday. Center Michael Olowokandi did not practice Friday because of flu, and small forward Tyrone Nesby was excused for personal reasons.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.