Good Feelings Come Too Late

For a team that has been out of the playoff race since last month’s all-star break, the Clippers are sure having fun.

The past two weeks, every practice has been filled with energy. There was so much excitement and celebrating during Saturday’s workout at L.A. Southwest College, one would have thought the Clippers (25-45) had forgotten that it’s almost April and not October.

“We’re coming together at the right time,” point guard Jeff McInnis said. “Our early losses are helping us out now. In close games, we don’t think twice, we just go out there and play our game. Everybody is stepping up and helping out.”

Since Lamar Odom returned to practice after being suspended for five games because he violated the league’s anti-drug policy, the Clippers have become even closer as a team. Coach Alvin Gentry said it’s because his young players genuinely like each other.

“I like our team,” Gentry said. “I think our chemistry is getting a little better and our young guys are starting to realize that with a few breaks we could have over 30 wins right now. If we were playing those games we lost early in the year right now, we would have a good chance to win. That’s the most important thing. We know that we’ve improved.”

*

If they gave an award for the league’s most understanding player, swingman Corey Maggette would be a strong candidate.

After finally getting a chance to play heavy minutes consistently in place of Odom, Maggette is back to fighting for playing time now that Odom is back.

“Corey played great and all of the sudden he’s had to go from playing 35-40 minutes to 17 minutes,” Gentry said. “Obviously, he’s disappointed and he has every right to be. But I think he understands the structure of our team.”