Skinner, Wife Both Deliver

Rookie forward Brian Skinner has had a busy week. He spent last weekend with his wife Rebecca, who on Sunday gave birth to a daughter, the couple’s first child.

Less than 24 hours later, a weary Skinner played 19 minutes (his second-highest total of the season) in the Clippers’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs at the Sports Arena. Skinner, who has sat out more games than he has played this season because of injury and the Clippers’ overload of forwards, made the most of his increased playing time.

He made all four of his shots and scored nine points, grabbed seven rebounds and added two steals and a blocked shot.

“Somebody said that [Skinner] should have a child every day,” Clipper Coach Chris Ford said. “He played really well. It’s been a tough year for Brian. . . . I haven’t really [been able to] give him a whole lot of time.”

Skinner, a power forward from Baylor, has waited patiently for a chance to play. He spent the first 11 games on the injured list after minor surgery on his left knee and a month later spent six more games on the injured list after experiencing more problems with his knee.

TONIGHT

at Sacramento, 7:30

* Site--Arco Arena.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 9-36, Kings 23-23.

* Record vs. Kings--1-1.

* Update--This will be the first game of a four-game trip for the Clippers, who have won six of their last 12.