Victory Wasn’t Mistake-Free

One problem that has nagged the Clippers throughout the season has been their play execution late in games.

That was evident Saturday in their 123-120 double-overtime victory over Portland when twice the Clippers failed to follow Coach Alvin Gentry’s plan to foul the Trail Blazers before they were able to launch score-tying three-point shots at the end of regulation and first overtime.

“We were supposed to make a foul twice,” Gentry said. “Obviously, we had a foul to give, and we were supposed to take a foul and then do it again and make them shoot free throws instead of a three-pointer.”

The Clippers’ failure to foul cost them when Trail Blazer guard Damon Stoudamire made a running double-pump three-pointer to tie the score, 101-101, at the end of regulation.

It also hurt them at the end of the first overtime when center Michael Olowokandi and point guard Jeff McInnis both followed Stoudamire, leaving Rasheed Wallace open from the top of the key, where he made a three-pointer to tie it at 114-114.

“We had a great defensive game plan at the end, but Mike and I miscommunicated on a switch,” McInnis said. “I was supposed to foul Stoudamire before he even came off the pick and roll. But the hype of the game got us all discombobulated.”

TONIGHT

vs. Dallas, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 20-38, Mavericks 34-22.

* Record vs. Mavericks--0-2.

* Update--The Clippers have lost nine consecutive games to Dallas and have been outscored by a combined 23 points in two losses this season. Recently acquired forward Juwan Howard will be playing his second game with the Mavericks.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849.