Rogers Hopes Fast Start Will Show He Belongs

Forward Rodney Rogers, who averaged 15 points and 5.1 rebounds at the end of last season after sitting out 15 games because of a sprained ankle, hopes to get off to a fast start this season.

Rogers had 19 points in Thursday’s 97-87 victory over the Vancouver Grizzlies. It followed a 21-point, 14-rebound effort in Tuesday’s 103-93 exhibition loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at the Pond of Anaheim.

“By getting off to a fast start it will help me as well as the team,” Rogers said. “Consistency has always been a question in everybody’s mind, but sometimes it isn’t my night. I’ve got to be able to come out and be a leader and show that I can do it.”

Kevin Duckworth contributed 17 points against the Grizzlies. Pooh Richardson added 16 and Malik Sealy had 12 as the Clippers led, 53-42, at halftime en route to victory.

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The Clippers end their exhibition season against the Denver Nuggets tonight at 7:30 at the Sports Arena.

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Guards Sealy, Brent Barry, Terry Dehere and Eric Piatkowski combined to make 240 consecutive free throws at the end of last Sunday’s practice.

“That’s a lot of free throws,” Coach Bill Fitch said. “In all the years I’ve been coaching, I don’t think I’ve ever had a foursome run off 240 in that particular drill.”