Clippers Resume the Losing

Having fallen out of the playoff picture, the Clippers would like to at least mount a strong finish to the season, build some momentum and take something positive into their summer vacation.

But even that modest goal is proving problematic.

Their losing streak reached five games Wednesday night when, in the last of nine consecutive road games, they lost to the Portland Trail Blazers, 101-86, in front of 15,012 in the Rose Garden.

The Trail Blazers, who ended a three-game losing streak, made only 24% of their shots in the first quarter, matched a season low by scoring only 14 points and trailed by 10 points before dominating the rest of the game, making 56% of their shots in the last three quarters.

They’ve won nine in a row over the Clippers in the Rose Garden, a streak of Clipper futility that dates to April 11, 1999.

“I thought we played soft for most of the game,” said Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy, who before Wednesday at least could count on a combative effort from his young team. “At the end of the first half, we made some really good basketball plays and yet we didn’t come in aggressively and finish strong.

“That told the tale of the night for us.”

After trailing through most of the first two quarters, the Trail Blazers ended the half with a 9-0 run, opened a 48-41 lead and never trailed again.

Derek Anderson, shooting over a Clipper zone that also helped Portland to 20 offensive rebounds, made six of 13 three-point shots and scored 27 points. Zach Randolph, a reserve for the first time this season, had 17 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes.

Corey Maggette led the Clippers with 23 points. Quentin Richardson scored 20 and Elton Brand had 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Clippers started the day eight games out of the last playoff spot in the West, seemingly resigned to sitting out the playoffs again this spring.

Dunleavy, though, was confident they’d stay interested.

“In our situation, we know we’re building and you’re constantly auditioning here, as far as I’m concerned,” he said before the game. “We’re trying to figure out what direction we’re going to go, who’s going to be with us, who’s not going to be with us -- and who’s improving, who’s not improving.

“Really, it’s fighting for your job, your positioning, and where you’ll be with our team. The first thing is, whether we want you with our team, as far as if we think you’ve got an upside. Everything I look at is going to be based on guys who can fit in and play for a team that goes deep into the playoffs.

“You’ve got to fit a role, you’ve got to be a piece. That’s how you keep the guys playing the way you need them to play.”

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With today’s noon trading deadline looming, Melvin Ely said he was “a little disappointed” that he hadn’t been dealt. “I have no bad feelings about the team,” he said. “I just want to play.” Keyon Dooling, also the subject of trade rumors, is in the same boat. “I’m just trying to take it how it comes,” he said. ... The Clippers will provide the opposition when Chris Webber, after serving an eight-game suspension, makes his season debut with the Sacramento Kings on March 2 at Sacramento. ... Dunleavy said that Bobby Simmons, sidelined since Jan. 16 because of a sprained left hip, would be activated “by Tuesday, for sure,” and possibly in time for Saturday’s game at Milwaukee. “We just don’t want to take any chances with him,” the coach said. Surgery is still possible, depending on how the hip responds.