Extra Passing Brings Payoff

The Clippers were in a good mood Monday after ending a five-game losing streak Sunday with a victory over Golden State.

Thanks to an uncharacteristic 25 assists, they also ended a 19-game road losing streak.

“Guys were helping out one another and the ball wasn’t dying in just one person’s hand,” said guard Eric Piatkowski, whose team will shoot for two in a row tonight against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center.

“Everyone wasn’t just standing in one place. People were cutting and getting easy looks at the basket. Everyone was really involved in the game.”

Piatkowski, who has made 38% of his shots this season, was a surprise starter in place of Derek Anderson, who missed the game for personal reasons. Piatkowski ended his slump with 20 points, making eight of 14 shots.

TONIGHT

vs. Denver, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 13-50; Nuggets 26-37.

* Record vs. Nuggets--0-1.

* Update--Denver forward George McCloud will return after serving a one-game suspension for his altercation with former teammate Ron Mercer of Orlando. Anderson practiced Monday and is expected to play for the Clippers.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.