Steady McInnis Back in Rhythm

At this time a year ago, point guard Jeff McInnis was just another former Continental Basketball Assn. standout trying to impress the Clippers after signing a 10-day contract.

What a difference a year makes. McInnis has been Mr. Reliable for the Clippers this season and heading into Thursday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, he was the team’s hottest offensive player.

“I’m back into rhythm and when you do that, your confidence goes back up,” McInnis said. “Once you are confident, you can do anything.”

McInnis, who scored a career-high 33 points Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings, had made 52.7% of his shots over his previous five games, among them 11 of 18 three-point attempts.

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Trail Blazer guard Gary Grant, a former Clipper, was arrested and charged with drunken driving, the Trail Blazers confirmed Thursday.

The 35-year-old Grant, currently on the injured list, was stopped late Wednesday night, the team said. No other details were immediately available.

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The Clippers played five overtime games in February, the most in any month since the 1952-53 Rochester Royals, who played five overtime games in January 1953.

TONIGHT

vs. Sacramento, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* TV--Fox Sports Net 2.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 20-41, Kings 38-18.

* Record vs. Kings--0-2.

* Update--Sacramento power forward Chris Webber, who has sat out the last nine games because of a left ankle sprain, is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. The Clippers lost at Sacramento, 106-93, in overtime three days ago after leading by five points with 2:50 to play in regulation.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849