Their Mind Really Matters

Their 31-point rout Sunday of the Indiana Pacers notwithstanding, the Clippers must perform better in critical situations if they are to become legitimate playoff contenders.

So says Coach Alvin Gentry.

“We’ve got to do a better job in the mind game at the end of games,” he said. “Composure at the end of games is very important if you want to win. We have to continue to work at it.”

The Clippers haven’t been blown out this season, but they also haven’t played all that well in the final minutes of close games. That has certainly been true of their last two road games, tight losses at Utah and Denver.

Against Utah, the Clippers failed to make a field goal in the final 4:41. Against Denver, they failed to call a timeout in the closing seconds, forcing a shot and losing possession on an offensive foul.

“There have been some games we could have won, but let slip away,” Gentry said. “One team playing like [the Clippers should be] right now is Detroit. They’re finding a way to win on the road. They’re finding a way to pull out tight games.

“We’ve got to find a way to win the close games. It’s hard to have a good record if you don’t win the close games. You need defensive stops. You need to make smart plays. We’ve been competitive. We’ve been in most of our games.”

However, the Clippers haven’t won in five road games.

They have two overtime losses and have lost several other games after leading in the second half.

“The bottom line is that it’s either a win or a loss, you don’t get bonus points for staying close,” Gentry said.

TONIGHT

vs. Miami, 7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 8-9, Heat 2-13.

Record vs. Heat (2000-01)--0-2.

Update--The Heat has lost 11 consecutive games, falling behind even the Washington Wizards in the Atlantic Division. The Clippers are 4-2 against Eastern Conference teams. They also are 8-4 at home, which includes blowout victories Sunday over Indiana and Wednesday against Minnesota. They have won three of their last four and a victory tonight would put them at the .500 mark for the third time this season. They have yet to be above it, however. Quentin Richardson has made 26 of 53 three-point shots (49.1%) and had a franchise-record streak of 11 end Sunday against the Pacers. Eric Piatkowski did not play Sunday because of a strained right hip flexor and his status for tonight is uncertain.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.