Singleton Learning on the Job

It’s a learning process for rookie forward James Singleton, and the Clippers are hanging with him.

Singleton again made a significant contribution off the bench Sunday, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a 115-113 victory in overtime against the Toronto Raptors.

He scored eight points in the fourth quarter and energized his teammates with two dunks on offensive rebounds, appearing to take a major step forward in his first 22 minutes on the floor.

“James is one of our best offensive rebounders, and that’s what we get from him,” point guard Sam Cassell said. “He got some great put-backs, and the energy that he brings is real big.”

In the final minute, however, Singleton had a setback on a “rookie” mistake. With the Clippers leading, 114-110, and 13.6 seconds left in overtime, Singleton fouled Toronto power forward Chris Bosh, who made a short jumper in the lane and converted a free throw for a three-point play.

Bosh missed a jumper at the top of the key as time expired, and Singleton’s lesson wasn’t as painful as it could have been.

“Up four points, with a foul to give, and about 15 seconds to go, we can’t give ‘em a three-point play,” Cassell said. “As a co-captain of this team with [power forward Elton Brand], we have a right to be mad. ...

“It’s my job to pull my young guy, James Singleton, aside and say, ‘James, the next time in that situation, here’s what you have to do if you want to be in a game at this juncture. It’s just that simple, but he’s learning.”

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Bosh is among the NBA’s toughest big forwards to guard, and Clipper center Chris Kaman was often isolated against him.

Although Bosh had 29 points and 16 rebounds, the Clippers said Kaman played sound defense. Kaman also had 16 points and 15 rebounds.

“Chris has been playing terrific for us, offensively and defensively,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “When you have to do all that, and plus play Bosh one-on-one the whole time, he just did a terrific job.”