This Team Is Getting Brand-Name Performance

Elton Brand has been as solid as expected for the Clippers, who acquired him in June from the Chicago Bulls. If nothing else so far this season, at least they can count on their power forward to give them standout play.

In six games, he’s averaging 21.8 points and 9.7 rebounds. He’s also dived to the floor for loose balls, hustled to pick up an open opponent near the basket and, in general, been the leader they have needed, what with Lamar Odom sitting out his second drug suspension in eight months.

“I definitely feel good,� Brand said. “I’m shooting OK and doing all the other things. My free throws are over 75%. I’m stepping up and shooting them the same way every time.�

Brand missed a couple of critical free throws in overtime of the Clippers’ loss last week to Golden State, but that’s been about his only fault thus far.

He was the Clippers’ best player, from start to finish, in their 119-101 loss Thursday to the Trail Blazers at Portland, scoring 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting and five of six free throws. He also had six rebounds.

It was one in a growing number of games that the Clippers could have won, according to Brand, but did not. The Clippers have lost in overtime to Golden State and Houston. Thursday, they had a 14-point lead in the first half, but were outscored in the fourth quarter, 37-17, and lost to the Trail Blazers.

“Houston was tough and Golden State was a game we really had under control,� he said. “We shouldn’t have allowed it to go to overtime. We needed that game.

“But, hopefully, things will even up for us.�

Meanwhile, Brand is eagerly awaiting Odom’s return. Odom isn’t eligible to return until the Nov. 18 game against the New York Knicks. It’s been evident in the last two games that the Clippers miss his versatile play at both ends of the court.

“I think he’ll fit right in,� Brand said of Odom. “He’ll come in and add to the mix.�

TODAY

vs. Phoenix, 12:30 p.m.

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Clippers 2-4, Suns 3-3.

Record vs. Suns (2000-01)--2-2.

Update--The Clippers did not practice Friday. Their game Thursday at Portland was their third in four nights. Today’s game is the first in a six-game homestand. Shawn Marion is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns and has had four double-doubles in six games.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.