Injuries Prompt Search for Guards

Suddenly short-handed in the backcourt, the Clippers on Wednesday were searching the free-agent market for guards, exploring the possibility of adding a sound, probably short-term fill-in to their roster.

Kerry Kittles and Shaun Livingston are on the injured list, and Corey Maggette and Marko Jaric sat out Tuesday night’s 100-91 overtime victory over the New Orleans Hornets, which ended with rookie Quinton Ross also sidelined by a left hip pointer in the first quarter.

But with four days off before Sunday night’s game at Houston, the Clippers hoped a roster move wouldn’t be necessary.

They’re waiting to see how Kittles, suffering from sciatica caused by a bulging disk in his lower back, responds to an epidural. He could be reactivated at any time because the Clippers left open his spot on the active roster. The Clippers also will monitor the effects of rest and treatment on Maggette’s strained left groin, Jaric’s sprained right foot and Ross’ injured hip. Livingston probably will be sidelined for at least another month because of a dislocated right kneecap.

Meanwhile, Rick Brunson and rookie Lionel Chalmers were lauded for their ironman efforts against the Hornets. With no other guards available after Ross was injured, each played a career-high 44 minutes.

Brunson, making only his third start since his rookie season of 1997-98, scored 11 of his season-high 18 points in overtime, making all three of his three-point shots, and also had a season-high 10 assists. Chalmers, who had played only 36 minutes before Tuesday, had eight points, six assists and no turnovers.

“It’s hard when you’re sitting over there for a month, two months, and you’re not playing,” Brunson said. “That’s what I was explaining to [Chalmers]: I’ve been in that situation for the last eight years.

“I don’t [care] if they put you in there for 30 seconds, two seconds, you’ve got to be ready to perform, because you’re not only performing for the Clippers. You’re performing for the other 29 teams that are watching because this is your livelihood. This is your job. This ain’t like a sport. You’re getting paid to do this.”

Said Chalmers: “I went from zero to 60 in one day.”