Fitch Impresses Celtics’ Pitino

Although the Clippers are having their worst season since 1994-95, Boston Celtic Coach Rick Pitino thinks Clipper Coach Bill Fitch is doing a good job.

“I’ve always respected Bill Fitch as a coach,” Pitino said after the Celtics’ 97-96 victory over the Clippers on Friday night at the Sports Arena.

“I marvel at how well the Clippers are coached,” Pitino said. “He’s still coaching with the same fire he had with the Celtics.”

*

Guard Brent Barry didn’t second-guess Fitch’s decision to have guard James Robinson take the final shot in the loss to the Celtics.

Robinson missed a jump shot from the free-throw line at the buzzer.

“That was the play that was called for,” Barry said. “We take that shot nine times out of 10. We have no regrets.”

*

Clipper forward Rodney Rogers, who sprained his right ankle in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Celtics, didn’t seriously injure himself.

X-rays showed no fracture. Rogers is day to day.