Gentry Uses Biggest Loss as a Lesson

Playing without injured regulars Lamar Odom, Michael Olowokandi, Tyrone Nesby and Eric Piatkowski, the Clippers suffered their worst loss of the exhibition season Thursday night with a 99-89 defeat to the Denver Nuggets before 10,500 at Denver.

After a come-from-behind victory over Portland on Tuesday, the Clippers dropped to 3-2 in the preseason when they struggled in the second half against the Nuggets (2-3).

Backup center Zendon Hamilton, who had 13 rebounds against the Trail Blazers, continued his push to earn a roster spot with 21 points and nine rebounds to lead the Clippers. Corey Maggette finished with 19 points, rookie Quentin Richardson, still bothered by back spasms, had 13 points--scored all in the first half--and fellow rookie Darius Miles had an off game, missing nine of 11 field goals and finishing with only five points.

For Coach Alvin Gentry, getting the Clippers ready to play teams such as Denver will be a priority during the regular season.

“It’s always easy to get up and play teams like Portland but we have to be able to play consistently against teams we’re trying to get ahead of,” Gentry said. “There are teams we consider in the same position as we are. Teams who were at the bottom of the list last year like us. We have to go out and compete against those teams.

“Before we start thinking about the Lakers, San Antonio or Portland. We have to find a way to compete against the other teams in the West like Golden State, Vancouver and Denver. That has to be our goal. Of course we want to win a championship but we also know that we have to build this thing. Compete with the teams who are a little bit ahead of us right now. And that’s being real.”

Denver was led by former UCLA and Glendora High standout Tracy Murray, who finished with 14 points in only eight minutes off the bench.

Clipper rookie point guard Keyon Dooling, who had been sidelined because of an injured big right toe, finished with 10 points and four turnovers in his preseason debut.

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The Clippers could get Odom and Olowokandi back in the lineup for tonight’s game against Indiana at Conseco Fieldhouse. Both players have missed the last two games because of injuries. Odom has been sidelined because of tendinitis in his left quadriceps and Olowokandi has been hampered by a right ankle sprain. Gentry said he will not rush their return and may keep them out until Sunday’s rematch against the Pacers at Evansville, Ind. . . . Nesby (dental) and Piatkowski (knee) are out for both Indiana games.