There’s Good Timing to Wilcox’s Delivery

The Clippers are still waiting for fourth-year forward-center Chris Wilcox to become a consistent force, and his contribution in Saturday’s 89-81 victory over the Houston Rockets reminded them of his potential.

The 6-foot-10, 235-pound Wilcox asserted himself from the outset in his best overall performance of the season, scoring 11 points, matching his personal best with 13 rebounds and blocking three shots in a season-high 31 minutes. Wilcox made only one of six free throws, but the Clippers didn’t complain.

“He played great,” forward Elton Brand said. “Rebounds, blocks, finishes, he did everything ... except make his free throws. But we’ll work on that.”

Coach Mike Dunleavy was especially pleased because Wilcox played well when starting center Chris Kaman missed his four field-goal attempts and scored only one point with three rebounds. Moreover, Brand was weakened because of flu-like symptoms and the Clippers (15-8) had lost three in a row.

“He had a great, great game,” Dunleavy said. “He was going after second-chance balls, loose balls. He was awesome, he was terrific, and it was great to see. It was an important victory.”

*

It didn’t take Shaun Livingston long to dazzle the crowd. In only his second game this season, the second-year point guard played a major role in the victory over Houston with a team-high 10 assists and six points.

Livingston, who sat out the Clippers’ first 21 games because of a stress reaction in his lower back, made several great passes to put Wilcox in good scoring position. Wilcox had a highlight-tape dunk in the first half on a pass from Livingston.

“Shaun is a great player,” Wilcox said. “He was one of the key players we’ve been missing. Shaun gets a lot of guys going, so if he just comes in every night and plays like he does, everything will work out for us.”

*

Injured forward Corey Maggette (sprained left foot) said he hoped to return on a three-game trip that begins Tuesday at New Jersey.

“One of our key ingredients, Corey Maggette, is not with us,” point guard Sam Cassell said. “Those who don’t think Corey is a big-time performer are sadly wrong. He means that much to us.”