Williams Watches Latest Loss

Talk about good timing.

The Clippers placed center Stanley Roberts on the injured list because of a back injury before Tuesday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Guess who came to the game?

Free-agent center Brian Williams arrived late in the third quarter with Dwight Manley, Dennis Rodman’s agent, and NBA official Melvyn Davis, and took a seat in the second row courtside.

The Clippers, who squandered a 14-point third-quarter lead, could have used Williams in the final period.

Reserve swingman Chris Gatling scored 22 of his 30 points in the second half as the Mavericks handed the Clippers their 10th loss in 11 games, 100-95, before an announced 5,174 at the Sports Arena.

Williams, who has taken flying lessons while sitting out the first month of the season, said, “The only reason I’m here is it’s raining and you can’t fly when it’s raining, at least not safe pilots.”

Clipper Executive Vice President Andy Roeser greeted Williams as he walked to his seat.

“He looked comfortable, but he would have looked a lot better in a Clipper uniform,” Clipper guard Malik Sealy said. “I thought he was a pretty important part of this team last year, maybe I’m the only one that saw that.”

Starting Clipper center Kevin Duckworth had six points and three rebounds in 23 minutes and rookie swingman Lorenzen Wright had six points and three rebounds in 16 minutes.

Could the Clippers have used Williams?

“We could have used you if you know how to play basketball,” Duckworth said.

With Roberts expected to be out 10 days to two weeks, will the Clippers resume negotiations with Williams, seeking a $36.4-million, five-year deal? The Clippers’ last offer was $16.8 million for four years.

“It was nice to see Brian,” Roeser said. “We’re available if that’s something that’s of interest.”

Williams, who has been silent throughout the negotiations, joked about his plight in an impromptu news conference at midcourt after the game.

Asked why the negotiations broke down, Williams quipped: “I think [agent] Fred’s [Slaughter] fax machine broke down and that’s why it’s to this point. I don’t think I played [basketball] between the sixth and eighth grades.”

Is Williams prepared to sit out the season?

“You never know what might arise, I sat out November,” Williams said. “I’ve been following the whole league. I think the Clippers started great until they started playing experienced teams. I still think they’re a good team.

“I came here as a fan. I’m waiting for the NBA to adjust their salary cap. I’ve got a lot of options and then there’ll be a lot more teams that are viable.

“What did [Clipper Coach] Bill [Fitch] say, ‘Brian who?’ Maybe the head coach knows better than the rest of us.

“I don’t negotiate in the newspapers. I haven’t spoken to you guys all summer. I do not comment on team/agent, team/players facts and I won’t start now.”

Williams said he has worked out daily during his layoff.

“I can run all day,” Williams said.

The Clippers, who led, 75-74, at the end of the third quarter, were outscored, 17-5, in the first seven minutes of the final period as Dallas took an 11-point lead.

The Clippers couldn’t stop Gatling, who had 27 points in the first meeting. Gatling made nine of 13 shots and 12 of 15 free throws as the Maverick won their third straight game.

The Maverick game was the first of five consecutive home contests against teams with losing records, but Fitch was wary.

“I don’t look at whether they’re under .500 or not,” Fitch said. “The way I look at it is that we’ve got five games and no matter who we’re playing, we’ve got to go out and do the best we can do and we’ve got to do it without Roberts.”