Odom Gets Ahold of Emotions

CLEVELAND — After the Clippers’ overtime victory at Detroit on Monday, Lamar Odom had a talk with Coach Alvin Gentry. The reason? His emotional behavior during and after the game when he left the locker room minutes after it ended.

“I’m a man and I kind of know when I’m wrong and when I should do things a little better,” said Odom, who had 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the Clippers’ 100-94 victory over Cleveland on Wednesday.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself and for our team to win games . . . I’m an emotional player and [Monday], I got too involved in it. That’s why I came out today to make a real conscious effort to be under control, on and off the court. I know in the long run, this will pay off, even if it is just a perception from people.”

Gentry said he saw a big difference in Odom’s game.

“I thought Lamar was sensational,” Gentry said. “He was under control emotionally, and I think this was his best game since I’ve been here.”

“It’s going to be a process with him. He’s only 21. He’s much better than he was against Utah in our first game of the season.”

*

Cleveland native Earl Boykins (plantar fasciitis) may be on the injured list but the speedy point guard still needed plenty of tickets for Wednesday’s game, picking up 190 for family and friends with the help of his father. . . . Brian Skinner started at power forward and had eight points and five rebounds. . . . Former Clipper Lamond Murray did not play for Cleveland because of coach’s decision. Murray is a former starter for the Cavaliers but his playing time has been cut because of a monthlong shooting slump.

TONIGHT

at Chicago, 5:30 PST

* Site--United Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150)

* Records--Clippers 18-38, Bulls 8-44.

* Record vs. Bulls--1-0.

* Update--The Clippers ended a nine-game losing streak to Chicago when they defeated the Bulls, 102-82, at Staples Center on Feb. 5. Veteran Cherokee Parks, who sat out his second consecutive game because of back spasms on Wednesday, is questionable.