Richardson Doesn’t Waste His Shot

It was Quentin Richardson’s turn Monday.

Limited to six minutes during Saturday’s victory over the Minnesota, Richardson played 33 on Monday against New Orleans, scoring 16 points and taking eight rebounds.

Eric Piatkowski, who played 40 minutes and scored 19 points against the Timberwolves, had three points in 15 minutes against the Hornets. As in Saturday’s game, matchups dictated Coach Alvin Gentry’s moves.

“They have small guards,” said Richardson, a shooting guard who often is the Clippers’ first substitute into the game.

“So coach knew I was able to post up on them, and we went at it right from the start. We are playing together and trying to do what coach wants us to do and just keep going.”

Richardson’s outside shot isn’t as sound as it was at times last season, but he made up for it Monday with a variety of moves around the basket. Most impressive was a thunderous dunk off Elton Brand’s miss that gave the Clippers a 73-65 lead early in the fourth quarter.

TONIGHT

at Dallas, 5:30 PST

Site -- American Airlines Center.

Radio -- KXTA (1150).

Records -- Clippers 9-12, Mavericks 18-2.

Record vs. Mavericks (2001-02) -- 2-2.

Update -- The Mavericks recovered from their 30-point collapse Friday against the Lakers by rallying Saturday past Golden State. Their 18-2 record is the franchise’s best after 20 games since beginning play in 1980-81.

-- Elliott Teaford