Dunleavy trying to save dismal season

The future of the Clippers, Coach Mike Dunleavy maintains, remains bright.

The present, however, is in dire need of an SOS.

Dunleavy said before the season started he expected the team to compete for one of the Western Conference’s final playoff seedings even without Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston.

But after another rash of injuries sidelined additional players during a mild stretch of opponents, the team is taking a drubbing during a six-game homestand packed with division leaders.

“The approach now is, you are in distress mode,” Dunleavy said. “Get the life preservers, throw them out, save people right now. We are trying to save ourselves.”

Although the Clippers were competitive until the end in losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic, Dunleavy says there are no moral victories for a team that has lost nine of 10 games, dropping to a paltry 10-22.

A major concern during the stretch has been the shooting of veteran point guard Sam Cassell, who has made only three of 23 shots in his last three games.

“In order for this team to be successful, me personally, I’ve got to play better,” Cassell said. “I’m getting opportunities to make shots and these last three games, I haven’t made any shots.”

Cassell stayed late to work on his shot Thursday.

“I’ve been in this league long enough to understand how you get back is working hard on your game,” he said.

“I’ve just got to work harder and just prepare myself better. I think my concentration level’s got to go up one more level.”

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Guard Brevin Knight said his left leg reacted well after playing 15 minutes against the Magic with a stress reaction, a precursor to a stress fracture. His minutes will continue to be limited.

“I think we can bump up the minutes,” he said. “I didn’t have any pain playing or later, so I think we can bump it up maybe three or five minutes and go from there.”

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jonathan.abrams@latimes.com