Dunleavy decides to give players some time to rest

Coach Mike Dunleavy says practice is integral to success in the NBA, and Dunleavy has pushed players hard in practice throughout his coaching career.

Of course, times change.

With many players recovering from injuries and trying to regain confidence, the Clippers have needed an occasional break this season. Dunleavy has cooperated, easing off the accelerator again Wednesday by canceling practice.

After practice today, the team is scheduled to leave for a two-game, three-day trip to play the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies.

The Clippers need time to get back into rhythm, Dunleavy said, and getting away from basketball might help.

“We have some guys who missed all of training camp and we’ve still got some guys banged up, so we’ve had to adjust,” Dunleavy said. “It’s just something we have to keep working through.”

Center Chris Kaman returned to the lineup sooner than expected, but he’s still recovering from a sprained left ankle. Point guard Sam Cassell said he has a lingering ankle injury and power forward Elton Brand only recently showed signs of last season’s All-NBA form.

Dunleavy has given the team more time off than he did last season, in part because Brand had a busy summer with the U.S. national team.

“The thing about Mike is, he knows this basketball team knows what it has to do,” Cassell said. “Guys are going to go out there and work hard, we’re going to do what we have to do, but sometimes you need a break. It’s a marathon, it’s not a sprint.”

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Brand had 31 points in Sunday’s victory over the Orlando Magic and 33 points and 18 rebounds in Tuesday’s win against the Miami Heat.

Is Brand back in top form?

“I’m feeling good,” he said. “I’m just going to keep working on my game every day to find ways to help this team. That’s all I can do.”

jason.reid@latimes.com