McInnis, Gentry Closer Now

Since their heart-to-heart meeting Jan. 29, point guard Jeff McInnis and Coach Alvin Gentry have grown closer. It’s no secret that theirs was a strained relationship until their talk.

“It was one of those deals where he had to understand where I’m coming from and I had to understand where he’s coming from,” Gentry said. “I have to count on him and I can’t if he’s going to be an emotional powder keg.”

McInnis, who admits to being a fiery player, has mostly kept his emotions in check since Gentry benched him for barking at referees rather than running down court to play defense in a Jan. 28 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies.

“Players have to adjust to coaches, but coaches have to adjust to players too,” Gentry said. “I have a better understanding of where he’s coming from.”

Gentry would like to see McInnis, a free agent after the season, back next season.

“I want to see our whole team back,” he said. “I think we’re building something here. We need consistency in our personnel, in our core group of six or seven guys. We can’t keep running in different players every year.”

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Clipper guard Earl Boykins, a Cleveland native, had about 100 family and friends in attendance Sunday. They did not go away disappointed. Boykins made a terrific reverse layup and a short jump shot to highlight his 10 minutes of play.

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TONIGHT

at Minnesota, 5 PST

Site--Target Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 32-31, Timberwolves 40-22.

Record vs. Timberwolves--1-1.

Update--Minnesota is coming off a loss Friday against the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Garnett, who averages a team-leading 23.6 points, was held to a season-low four points on two-of-17 shooting. Minnesota’s 23-5 home record is the league’s second best, trailing only the Sacramento Kings’ 30-3 mark.

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Elliott Teaford