Baker Makes Contribution

Clipper forward Vin Baker got what he wanted.

The four-time All-Star came off the bench early in Sunday night’s 97-83 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Baker played 12 minutes, his longest stint in three games since he signed with the team as a free agent, and scored for the first time as a Clipper on a three-point play late in the first quarter. Coach Mike Dunleavy observed some encouraging signs from Baker, who is determined to contribute in the postseason.

“He did pretty well,” Dunleavy said. “He knew what he was supposed to do, which is good.”

Baker had three points, three rebounds and committed four turnovers.

“It felt good to get out there,” said Baker, who signed with the Clippers on Feb. 20. “The conditioning was really good, I just think it’s a matter of timing.

“Coach put me in early in the game and it felt great. It’s only going to get better.”

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Quinton Ross had another strong overall performance.

Ross, the team’s top perimeter defender, disrupted Portland’s offense as the Clippers took a 29-11 lead after the first quarter. He also scored six points, making three of four shots.

“We came out focused,” Ross said. “We had good energy to start the game, and just carried that out throughout the whole game.”

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Cuttino Mobley (sprained right ankle) sat out for the second game in a row.

Mobley, injured during Thursday’s 95-85 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, might not play Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center.

“It’s still a little sore,” said the eight-year veteran, averaging 15.7 points and 4.6 rebounds. “I might be able to go. We’ll see.”

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Backup center Zeljko Rebraca, who has played in only 18 games, is scheduled to be activated Tuesday, team trainer Jasen Powell said.

Rebraca has followed a program to build stamina.