Gentry Holds Spirited Workout

Based on point guard Jeff McInnis’ soaked practice jersey, the Clippers’ first workout after All-Star weekend was no walk in the park.

Because his team had not played since last Wednesday, Coach Alvin Gentry made sure his players got their basketball playing mentality back by putting the Clippers through a two-hour workout Monday night.

“We had a spirited practice and everybody was into it,” McInnis said about the Clippers, who will start a seven-game trip here tonight. “We know what we have to do to win a lot of our [final 32 games]. Everyone seems a little at ease and ready to play.”

Like many of the Clippers, McInnis did not spend his entire break in Los Angeles. He went home to Charlotte, N.C., and was reminded by Golden State forward Antawn Jamison that the Clippers do not have a four-game winning streak because they lost their last game before the break to the Warriors.

“I’m still mad that we lost that game,” McInnis said about the Clippers’ one-point decision. “Jamison was talking a lot of trash. Hopefully, we will stop losing close games like that over the final half of the season.”

Gentry spent the break in San Antonio with his family.

“We’re in a tough situation in that we come back from the All-Star break and have seven straight games on the road,” he said. “But that is just the way it is. We have to play and do the best we can and be. We still have to be competitive. What we’re trying to get done is a lot different than most of the other teams. We’re trying to build something for next season so we have to make sure that we play the next 32 games completely out. All the way down to our very last [regular-season] game against Utah.”

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Rookie point guard Keyon Dooling may not be the most outgoing person on the team, but he did not hesitate to ask his teammates for their tickets for tonight’s game against the Heat.

Dooling, who grew up a short drive away in Fort Lauderdale, bought 40 tickets and picked up at least another 40 from teammates and coaches.

“I have a lot of people coming to the game,” he said. “I got a chance to see [the Heat] play when I was in high school. I remember thinking then, that one day I will be in the NBA, To see it come to pass is special. People have been showing me love all weekend.”

TONIGHT

at Miami, 4:30 PST

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--American Airlines Arena.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 16-34, Heat 30-20.

Record vs. Heat--0-1.

Update--The Clippers will start Cherokee Parks at power forward, even though he has scored only two points in his last two starts. Gentry said Parks’ outside shot will be important against the Heat, which will start Anthony Mason opposite Parks’ position. Miami has defeated the Clippers eight consecutive times, most recently 94-88 at Staples Center in December.