Closs Confused by Playing Time

Rookie center Keith Closs played the entire second period in Sunday night’s 100-92 loss at Denver after Coach Bill Fitch benched starting center Stojko Vrankovic.

Closs, who averaged 3.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in his first 15 games, had four points, a season-best six rebounds and three blocked shots in 14 minutes as the Clippers took a 52-51 halftime lead.

But Closs, who missed five of six shots and had three turnovers, didn’t play in the second half.

“It’s tough because you never know what to expect,� Closs said. “My playing time has been up and down. It really depends on what the coach feels.

“At first I was disappointed [with his playing time], but now I just keep it to myself because it’s the coach’s decision.�

*

Brent Barry, who has missed four games because of a calf muscle injury, practiced Monday and hopes to play tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.

TONIGHT

at

Dallas

* 5:30

* Fox Sports West 2

Site--Reunion Arena.

Radio--KEZY (95.9).

Records--Clippers 3-16, Mavericks 5-13.

Record vs. Mavericks (1996-97 season)--2-2.

Update--The Clippers have collapsed in the fourth quarter of their last two games. They went scoreless for 8:40 in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 83-79 loss to the Orlando Magic, and shot 25% and were outscored, 30-14, in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 100-92 loss at Denver. The Clippers have lost nine of 10 road games. Dallas is 1-1 under new Coach Don Nelson, who replaced Jim Cleamons last week.