Gentry: Selfishness Was a One-Game Thing

The way Coach Alvin Gentry sees it, the Clippers had one recent game when they played as individuals--rather than as a team--and then returned to their normal style of play.

“I don’t think you could play 75 games as a team, then play the last selfishly,” he said. “I don’t really see that at all. We had the one game in Utah [April 3], but since then we’ve gone back to the way we’re capable of playing.”

Gentry certainly didn’t buy center Michael Olowokandi’s argument after the loss to the Jazz that the Clippers were letting concerns about contract negotiations turn them into selfish players in a late-season attempt to pad their statistics. Olowokandi and point guard Jeff McInnis are eligible to become free agents this summer, though the Clippers can match any offer to Olowokandi.

“Everybody’s value has been set by now,” Gentry said.

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The Clippers’ final two games are against Memphis and Golden State, the two worst teams in the Western Conference. But Gentry expects nothing but the best from the 13th-place Grizzlies tonight and the 14th-place Warriors on Wednesday at Oakland.

“Memphis is going to want to come here and end the season on a positive note,” he said. “It’s the same with Golden State. We were the same way last year. You want to end on a positive note, so you have something to build on for next year.”

TONIGHT

vs. Memphis, 7:30, Fox Sports Net

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KSPN (1110), KTNQ (1020).

Records--Clippers 38-42, Grizzlies 23-57.

Record vs. Grizzlies--2-1.

Update--The Clippers have lost three games in a row, six of seven and 11 of their last 15. They are coming off a 101-98 loss Saturday to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Darius Miles practiced Monday. He had been sitting out for several weeks because of a sore left knee. McInnis did not practice because of a bruised left thigh. A victory tonight would top the Grizzlies’ total for last season. It also would ensure the franchise’s best record since it joined the NBA in 1995-96. Pau Gasol has led the Grizzlies in scoring in each of the three games against the Clippers this season. He is a leading candidate for rookie of the year. Memphis took a 98-95 victory Sunday from the Houston Rockets, playing without leading scorers Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley.

Tickets--Sold out.