They No Longer Seem Like Intruders at Home

Staples Center may be big enough for two NBA teams after all.

The Clippers have been treated like squatters in the arena, in part because of the success of the Lakers and in part because of the Clippers’ inability to carve out their own identity.

But this season the Clippers are 9-5 at home after Friday’s 101-98 victory over Philadelphia, and there is a growing belief that Staples Center is a tough place to play no matter which Los Angeles team is in the house.

Not that Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy is ready for his team to start getting top billing.

“There is a comfort zone here, but we still have a lot to prove as far as it being a place visiting teams really have to fear,” Dunleavy said after Saturday’s workout.

“[Friday] was a very good game for us, the crowd was really into it. And we’ve had some good games at home. But we have to continue to build on that. That’s the key to a successful team; if you can really do the job at home, you can set your sights on being .500 on the road.”

A victory today would put the Clippers’ overall record back at .500 for the first time since Nov. 20 (4-4). The starting lineup is scoring in double figures, except for guard Marko Jaric at 8.2. The team is only one game out of a tie for third place in the Pacific Division.

And the Clippers have the next six games in a building that feels as good in red and blue as it does in purple and gold.

“We love playing at home,” said Quentin Richardson, who made five three-point shots and had 22 points Friday. “It’s our court with our fans, and we know we have to protect that.

“When we play here, it’s the Clippers’ gym. That’s the way we feel about it.”

TODAY

vs. Toronto, 12:30 p.m., Channel 5

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (690/1150).

Records -- Clippers 12-13, Raptors 14-14.

Record vs. Raptors (2002) -- 1-1.

Update -- There are a few streaks on the line today. The Clippers seek their sixth consecutive home victory, something they haven’t accomplished since 1991. Toronto has lost its last four road games overall and is 0-7 on the road against Western Conference teams, including Friday’s 97-94 overtime loss to Utah. Raptor forward Vince Carter remains the leading vote getter among players for the 2004 NBA All-Star game. Jaric was held out of Saturday’s workout but expects to be available today.