Sterling’s venting at official is rare occasion

PHOENIX -- It was a sight to behold and store in a safe place as evidence it had occurred.

Donald T. Sterling, the Clippers’ longtime owner, was quick to show his displeasure over apparent non-foul calls in the team’s victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

In a rare scene, he ventured outside the confines of his midcourt seat at Staples Center to vent his frustration three times in the first half.

After Allen Iverson picked Cuttino Mobley for a steal and was fouled by Quinton Ross, Sterling engaged official LeRoy Richardson.

During Iverson’s free throws, he continued, even walking down the sideline during a timeout to express his dismay.

The moment slipped by most of the team, busy sending the Nuggets to their first loss in seven games.

“When I’m in a game, I miss everything other than the stuff that’s going on the court,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “I very rarely catch stuff, but I heard he was pretty animated.”

Reserve point guard Brevin Knight, who sustained a strained right groin Wednesday, did not play against the Suns. Before the game, he gingerly ran from sideline to sideline and received treatment.

He will be a game-time decision tonight against the New Orleans Hornets.

Limited by his strained right groin, Mobley is becoming more of a playmaker.

Including Friday’s 113-94 loss to Phoenix, he has averaged five assists in his last five games. That is a step up from Mobley’s 3.6 assist average for this season, and it doubles his 2.5 average of last season.

“It depends on the attention that’s being paid,” Dunleavy said. “He’s trying to score and if they want to send extra guys at him, he’s a willing passer.”

Corey Maggette, the Clippers’ leading scorer, sat out his third game because of a strained right hamstring, remaining in California to receive therapy. He is responding well and may return sooner than the original prognosis of two to three weeks, said athletic trainer Jasen Powell.

The Clippers used their eighth starting lineup in 11 games. Chris Kaman is the only Clipper to start every game.

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TONIGHT

vs. New Orleans, 7:30, Prime

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 6-5, Hornets 9-5.

Record vs. Hornets (2006-07) -- 2-2.

Update -- Chris Paul led the league in assists (10.8) and steals (3.2) before Friday’s loss to Utah.

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jonathan.abrams@latimes.com