Maggette Is on the Rise

Utah’s Matt Harping probably has the strongest grip on the NBA’s most-improved-player award. The fifth-year veteran, who has never averaged more than 11.8 points, has jumped to 18.4 points this season.

That doesn’t mean, however, that Clipper swingman Corey Maggette should not be considered.

Maggette has been a bright spot in this dreary Clipper season, averaging 16.3 points and 5.2 rebounds. In his first three seasons, his scoring average moved from 8.4 points to 10 points to 11.4 points.

His jump can be credited, at least in part, to increased playing time. Maggette is working 32.5 minutes a game, as opposed to his career average of 20.8 minutes.

But he points out that he has done the things needed to earn more playing time. He’s posting career highs in rebounds, three-point percentage (.393), free-throw percentage (.781), and guarding the opposition’s best guard or small forward most games.

“I’ve shown the coaches and myself I can produce,” he said after Tuesday’s practice.

“I’m getting better, but I still have a whole lot to improve on.”

Coach Alvin Gentry said, “He’s definitely a better player than he was last year. But he was by far our best defensive player and I don’t know if, because he’s scoring more, he’s lost a little concentration in that area.”

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TONIGHT

vs. Milwaukee, 7:30

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (1150), KTNQ (1020, Spanish).

Records -- Clippers 18-34, Bucks 27-25.

Record vs. Bucks -- (2001-02) 1-1.

Update -- Milwaukee has lost two in row, including Tuesday’s 102-93 setback at Sacramento, after winning its previous three games. The Clippers, in the midst of a four-game homestand, have consecutive losses to Washington and Boston. So far the Clippers are 10-17 at Staples Center.