Piatkowski Has Filled in Nicely

Coach Bill Fitch compared swingman Eric Piatkowski to former Boston Celtic star Larry Bird after coaching Piatkowski in an NBA rookie draft tournament in 1994. But Piatkowski failed to live up to that billing, averaging 5.9 points in his first three seasons.

However, Piatkowski has been effective since replacing injured guard Brent Barry, who has missed two games with a calf-muscle injury.

Piatkowski, who had 20 points and a career-best 13 rebounds in a three-point loss to the Utah Jazz last Saturday, had a career-high 24 points and four rebounds in Thursday night’s 100-96 overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Forward Lorenzen Wright may have been the key to the victory. Wright, who had 17 points and nine rebounds, also did a good job of checking rookie forward Tim Duncan. Duncan, who had 14 points in the first half, missed five of six shots in the second half and scored three points.

TONIGHT

vs.

Orlando

* 7:30

* Channel 9

Site--Sports Arena.

Radio--KEZY-FM (95.9).

Records--Clippers 3-14, Magic 12-7.

Record vs. Magic--0-1.

Update--Guard Brent Barry, who has missed two games with a calf muscle injury, didn’t practice Friday and is doubtful for tonight’s game. Former Clipper swingman Bo Outlaw, who rejected a multiyear deal from the Clippers to sign a two-year contract with the Magic, leads the NBA in field goal percentage (62.2%). Outlaw, who averaged 6.9 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Clippers last season, is averaging 10.1 points and 6.6 rebounds.