McInnis Finds an Outlet and His Game

Jeff McInnis looked and played upset during the Clippers’ loss Monday to the Memphis Grizzlies. Coach Alvin Gentry benched McInnis for the closing minutes of the game, then overtime, further angering the starting point guard.

They talked the next day, however, and McInnis felt a heavy burden lift from his shoulders. He scored a season-high 31 points in Tuesday’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks, then added 15 points and nine assists in the Clippers’ triumph Thursday over the San Antonio Spurs.

“I’m having more fun now,” McInnis said. “One of my best friends was charged with murder [in McInnis’ hometown, Charlotte, N.C.] and I was playing mad. We talked [he and Gentry] and I got a lot of stuff out. I cried. It was good to get off my chest.”

McInnis describes himself as a fiery player. But his emotions boiled over against Memphis. He ignored his defensive responsibility at least twice to yell at the referees about missed calls. After the talk, McInnis seemed calm, cool and collected against Dallas and San Antonio.

“I got 31 the other night against Dallas; I wasn’t scoring, but I just kept playing and I got 15 [against the Spurs],” he said. “I was trying to do everything I could for my team. I feel we’re playing pretty good ball. We kind of shut them up [San Antonio’s fans]. It was fun.”

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Corey Maggette’s status continues as day-to-day because of a strained left knee. He did not practice Friday. Darius Miles is expected to replace him at small forward tonight against the Atlanta Hawks.... Elton Brand’s high school jersey will be retired in a ceremony Monday at Peekskill (N.Y.) High School.... Lamar Odom joined his teammates in Atlanta after undergoing an examination Thursday on his sprained right wrist in L.A. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

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TONIGHT

at Atlanta, 4 PST

Site--Philips Arena.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Clippers 24-23, Hawks 14-32.

Record vs. Hawks--1-0.

Update--The Clippers have won two in succession on the road for the first time since Feb. 21-22 of last season. The Hawks have lost 12 of 13, including 97-90 Friday to Michael Jordan and the Wizards at Washington. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who leads the Hawks with averages of 20 points and 9.6 rebounds, had 25 points in Friday’s loss. The Clippers handled the Hawks with ease Nov. 5 at Staples Center, 109-86. Quentin Richardson scored 20 points in that Clipper victory.

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Elliott Teaford