Maggette Shines Again in Sporadic Early Going

A week ago, it seemed as though Corey Maggette had finally worked his way into Coach Alvin Gentry’s rotation after strong efforts in the Clippers’ first two games of the season.

Think again. Maggette played only six minutes over the next 10 quarters and watched veterans Tyrone Nesby and Eric Piatkowski play heavy minutes against Houston, the Lakers and Utah.

But Maggette got another chance in the second half against the Jazz on Wednesday, and the second-year swingman did not disappoint. In keeping with his near point-a-minute season average, Maggette scored 15 points in 18 minutes.

“His ankle was bothering him [Wednesday night], that’s why we didn’t put him in the first half,” Gentry said. “We didn’t think he would be able to play, but he said he wanted to give it a try. . . . He played well and gave us the spark that we are used to seeing from him off the bench.”

In 56 minutes this season, Maggette has scored 42 points and is third on the team in scoring at 10 points a game. For Gentry, getting Maggette into the game is much easier said than done.

“We’re just overloaded at that spot,” Gentry said. “We have a lot of good players and there are just not enough minutes to go around. I would like to see Quentin [Richardson] out there a lot more too. He has played well when he’s been out there, but we can’t seem to find minutes for everyone.”

Maggette, whose MRI exam on his left ankle Thursday was negative, said it has been difficult waiting for his number to be called by Gentry.

“Everyone wants to play, but I understand that coach has a lot of guys to play,” Maggette said. “If I come and work hard every day in practice, the opportunity will come. I just want to keep getting better.”

TONIGHT

vs. Atlanta, 7:30Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Clippers 1-4, Hawks 0-6.

* Record vs. Hawks (1999-2000 season)--1-1.

* Update--Atlanta should have Dikembe Mutombo back in the lineup after the veteran center missed the start of the season because of malaria. Former Clipper Lorenzen Wright sat out the first three games because of an ankle injury but has played well since returning to the lineup in averaging 14.7 points and 9.7 rebounds.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.