Jaric Earns the Job at Point

Mike Dunleavy’s player rotation will still be predicated by how the Clippers match up with their opponent and who is playing well that night.

But Dunleavy does like certain player roles well defined -- especially point guard.

And, for now, Marko Jaric has claimed the starting point guard position with his play.

“In most cases we will stay with Marko,” Dunleavy said after Sunday’s practice. “There may be [other] matchups where we think it makes more sense to go a different way. But for now he has the job.”

Jaric has made himself the starter over Doug Overton and Keyon Dooling, Dunleavy said, with his defense -- “the number of deflections he gets” -- and his 6-foot-5 height.

“His size allows us to switch around more plays and do more things defensively,” Dunleavy said. “But his minutes will still depend on how he plays.”

Jaric, who averages 7.9 points, 3.7 assists and 26 minutes, said he has developed a better feel for when and where to pass the ball to his teammates. But the comfort level between him and the other Clippers is still evolving.

“It’s not easy, because we’re still a young team,” Jaric said. “We’re in a learning process. But I’m encouraged, because it seems game after game we’re getting better. I can’t remember the last time we dominated a game the way we did [against Phoenix on Saturday].”

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Elton Brand is looking and feeling as he did before the stress fracture in his right foot sidelined him for nearly six weeks.

“I thought the Phoenix game was one of my best all-around games since opening night,” said Brand, who had 21 points and 14 rebounds.

“I’m no longer thinking about the injury. I just go out there and play, and do what I do. When you can play like that, it’s easier.”

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Saturday was the first time this season Brand, Corey Maggette and Quentin Richardson each scored at least 20 points in the same game.... Clipper forward Chris Wilcox, who sprained his left wrist Saturday while battling Phoenix’s Jahidi White, is questionable for tonight’s game.