Piatkowski Gets Respect

Eric Piatkowski averaged better than 10 points and made 40% of his three-point shots last season. Going into Thursday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, he was averaging 8.4 points and was making 44% of his three-pointers.

Then he scored 18 points and made both his three-pointers.

Coach Alvin Gentry said he wasn’t concerned about Piatkowski’s slight drop in scoring. And Piatkowski certainly isn’t worried about it.

Piatkowski has been facing extra defensive pressure to start this season. So far, he has avoided forcing shots.

“It’s frustrating to see everyone else on the floor getting looks that I’m not,” Piatkowski acknowledged. “But it’s a sign of respect. I’m trying not to get frustrated. An awful lot of other guys are getting looks.”

Unlike last season, teams are sticking to Piatkowski like glue, giving other Clippers open shots.

“They’re giving other guys 10-to 15-foot shots rather than giving me an open 22-footer,” Piatkowski said. “I’ve been around awhile. I’m a mature person. I’m not going to put my individual goals ahead of the team’s goals.”

Gentry expressed confidence in Piatkowski.

“I don’t think Pike has played poorly,” Gentry said. “He’s helped other guys get their shots. He’s opened up the floor for Elton Brand. It’s all about making sacrifices, particularly if you want to be a good team.

“We’re running tons of plays at the start of games to get him open shots. We’ve sent him through [the defense]. We’ve rotated the basketball to him. But that [added defensive pressure] is what happens when you develop a reputation as a great shooter.”

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The Clippers certainly haven’t forgotten teammate Lamar Odom, who was suspended Monday by the NBA for violating the terms of its drug program. But Gentry said he believes the players have avoided letting their emotions get the best of them on the floor.

“I think the guys have been very professional about this,” he said. “They are concerned, not just because he’s a teammate, but also because he’s a close, close friend. One of the things we talked about was remembering that we have a job to do. We have to perform. I think we’ve been focused on the task at hand.”

The Clippers won their first two games without Odom, defeating Atlanta and Memphis.