Maggette moving it around

Now introducing Corey Maggette, the distributor.

An uptick in the play of Maggette -- the subject of trade rumors and the ire of Coach Mike Dunleavy earlier in the season -- coincides with the Clippers’ recent improved play.

“He’s been playing really well for us,” Dunleavy said. “We’ve put the ball in his hands a little bit more and he’s become a little bit more of a playmaker and it’s been an improving part of his game.”

Maggette is averaging 22.6 points over the Clippers’ last five games while dishing out nearly five assists a game during the span.

“He is getting to the free-throw line with frequency and keeping his teammates involved when he touches the ball,” Dunleavy said.

Dunleavy once again downplayed the apparent rift between the front office and Maggette earlier in the season.

“We’ve had some rough patches with it at times, but I think it’s paid some dividends as well,” Dunleavy said.

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Point guard Jason Hart continued his steady play in the absence of the injured Shaun Livingston. Hart scored eight points during a crucial third-quarter stretch against the Wizards.

He may have had his toughest challenge as a Clipper yet in guarding Gilbert Arenas for much of the night. Arenas made only nine of 25 shots.

“He’s come in and been able to run our team and defend and do the things he needs to do at the position,” Dunleavy said.

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Point guard Sam Cassell set out for the fifth time in eight games because of back spasms. He is still listed as day-to-day. All-Star forward Caron Butler did not play for the Wizards because of a left knee contusion.

jonathan.abrams@latimes.com