Emotions Are Not a Problem

If the Clippers sounded down about losing to the Lakers on Friday and to Seattle on Saturday, that was OK with Coach Alvin Gentry. He doesn’t want them to mask their emotions “to the point where we’re a stoic, go-through-the-motions type of team.”

Gentry’s message after the losses was to get over it, but he’s also aware it might not be as easy for his youthful team as for a more veteran club.

“When you have a young team, emotions run high sometimes,” he said. “Everything is a learning experience.”

After Saturday’s loss to the more energetic, more efficient SuperSonics, power forward Elton Brand said, “We needed a win, but we didn’t play like it. We’ve got to move on and get ready for” tonight, when the Clippers play the Houston Rockets at Staples Center.

It’s not difficult to figure out why the Clippers have lost consecutive games. Look at their shooting percentages. They made 33 of 88 shots against the Lakers and 33 of 86 against the SuperSonics for a combined 37.9%, well off their season average of 44.1%.

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TONIGHT

vs. Houston

7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150), KTNQ (1020).

Records--Clippers 34-33, Rockets 25-40.

Record vs. Rockets--2-1.

Update--Rocket guard Steve Francis continues to be troubled by migraine headaches and he did not play in their double-overtime loss Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. Francis averages 21.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists. This is the first of three games this week against non-playoff teams for the Clippers, who play Golden State on Thursday at Oakland and host Phoenix Saturday.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.