The Bigger the Lead, the Harder They Fall

Since Jim Todd replaced Chris Ford and took over as interim coach, the Clippers have made strides as a team over the last six weeks. But finishing off teams after playing well early has been a major issue.

Last month, they led the Trail Blazers by 18 points but still lost by seven points at Portland. They also led the Chicago Bulls by 11 but lost by two at Chicago.

It has not only been a problem on the road but at Staples Center as well.

This month alone, the Clippers led the Cleveland Cavaliers by 12 points but lost by 10. They led the Charlotte Hornets by 20 and lost by 17 and led the Toronto Raptors by 14 and lost by one. But Saturday’s collapse, when they held a 23-point lead over the Sacramento Kings and still lost by 21, may have been their worst.

“It seems to be a pattern we’ve fallen into a little bit,” Todd said. “We have euphoria when we’re able to build a lead like that . . . but then we look and see we still have a long way to go.”

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Rookie Lamar Odom continues to rank among the league leaders in disqualifications with 11. But second-year center Michael Olowokandi is close behind with nine. The Clippers have 32 disqualifications this season to lead the NBA.

TONIGHT

vs. Washington, 7:30

Channel 9

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 14-53, Wizards 22-45.

* Record vs. Wizards--0-1.

* Update--Washington has won two games in a row, including a victory to end the Lakers’ 19-game winning streak. But the Clippers can go for a season sweep tonight after defeating the Wizards in Washington three weeks into the season.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.