Ford Appreciates the Perseverance

Coach Chris Ford had a hard time sitting around while the Clippers won two games in his absence. Ford’s aching back didn’t allow him to sit at all.

“I was lying on the floor,” said Ford, looking to ease the spasms that incapacitated him for six days. “I was able to watch the games on TV. But I got some good medical treatment from my doctor, plus I had a chiropractor and a masseuse working on me. Hopefully the worst is behind me.”

What Ford saw Sunday in a 103-100 victory over the Boston Celtics was the type of basketball the Clippers have played during a stretch in which they won six of eight, including their last three in a row.

“I’m happy they’ve hung tight,” Ford said. “They haven’t given in to the adversity they were faced with. They still find ways to win. Defensively I think they have an understanding of what we’re trying to do out there. It’s just them going out and making a commitment to it.”

Before Sunday, the Clippers had held their last six opponents under 100 points, something they had not done since the 1996-97 season when they held their first seven opponents under 100.

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It wouldn’t be a Clipper game without an injury.

Eric Murdock sprained his left ankle with 7:47 to play in the second quarter and did not return.

Murdock is the third Clipper to sit because of a left ankle injury. He was preceded by Derek Anderson, who Sunday sat out a game for the 10th time, and Brian Skinner, currently on the injured list.

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The Celtics might want to do something about those green uniforms.

Since winning the season opener at Toronto on Nov. 2, Boston has lost 10 consecutive road games, including Sunday’s matchup against the Clippers.

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Ford said the team will not practice in L.A. today. Instead the Clippers will fly to Denver, where they will play the Nuggets on Tuesday.