Gentry Believes in Angels as an Inspiring Element

Clipper Coach Alvin Gentry became a fan of the underdog Angels during the baseball playoffs. He made no secret of his rooting interest in them during their World Series victory over the San Francisco Giants.

“If you’re a Clipper fan, you’ve got to be a fan,” he said of the Angels the other day. “If there’s ever an inspiration for our team.... Golly, for the Angels it’s all about the team. Right now, I’m an Angel fan. I hope we can duplicate what they’ve done.

“It’s all about believing in yourself and understanding the sacrifices that need to be done for the team.”

For what it’s worth, Las Vegas oddsmakers listed the Clippers as a 45-1 longshot to win the NBA championship.

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Shooting guard Eric Piatkowski on Andre Miller and Marko Jaric: “I absolutely love our two new point guards. They’re so good. They understand the game. They’re all about the team. They’re so smooth. Everybody knows what Andre can do. Marko will be awesome. He’s kind of flashy. He throws no-look passes. He’s fun to play with. He’s not scared to throw a pass behind his back.”

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TONIGHT

vs. Cleveland, 7:30

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 0-0, Cavaliers 0-1.

Record vs. Cavaliers (2001-02)--2-0.

Update--The Cavaliers were routed Tuesday at Sacramento in their opener against the Kings. The Clippers handled the Cavaliers twice last season, then coaxed them into trading Miller during the off-season. The Clippers gave up Darius Miles to get Miller, whom they believe is the missing piece to what many believe will be a playoff team for the first time since 1996-97. Miller led the NBA last season with an average of 10.6 assists. Miles was the Clippers’ seventh man and did not average 10 points in either of his two seasons in the league.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.

-- Elliott Teaford