Road Now Leads to Somewhere

At one point, they had a 3-14 road record, but the Clippers got their act together at the right time. In their last 16 games away from Staples Center, they are a creditable 9-7.

“We were horrible to start with on the road,� Coach Alvin Gentry said after the Clippers’ victory Monday over the Minnesota Timberwolves had given them a 3-1 mark on their four-game trip. “I knew we could turn it around. It was all a matter of gaining confidence.�

The Clippers’ four longest trips this season were after Jan. 1, during a period when they played 25 of 35 on the road. They finished that stretch with an 18-17 record.

After going 1-5 on a six-game trip, the Clippers improved to 3-4 on a seven-game trip and then 3-2 on a five-game trek before their big breakthrough on their just-completed journey.

Gentry’s Final Four picks: Kansas, Cincinnati, Duke and “some sleeper team.� When it was pointed out that by picking Duke, Gentry was passing over USC, he shrugged.

“I love Henry,� he said, referring to Trojan Coach Henry Bibby. “I love what he’s done for that program. He’s given it so much respectability. They played great in the tournament last year. But Duke has too many players.�

TONIGHT

vs. Washington, 7:30

Fox Sports Net, TNT

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150), KTNQ (1020).

Records--Clippers 33-31, Wizards 29-34.

Record vs. Wizards--0-1.

Update--Michael Jordan underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Feb. 27 and there is no timetable for his return. The Wizards have lost six of eight games, four in succession, without Jordan. Once a playoff challenger, they have lost eight of their last 10. The Wizards’ starting lineup features only two players, Richard Hamilton and Chris Whitney, who average 10 points or more. Hamilton is averaging 20 and Whitney 10.2.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.