Gentry Appears to Like Progress

PALM DESERT — They were far from flawless and it was difficult to gauge the strides they took in winning five of seven exhibitions because Coach Alvin Gentry used all sorts of combinations in all manner of situations.

But the Clippers certainly feel better about themselves after returning to the College of the Desert for five days before opening the season Tuesday at San Antonio.

“We wanted to get some momentum going into the regular season,” said Elton Brand, who scored 24 points Tuesday in a 105-97 exhibition victory over Phoenix. “It doesn’t count, but it’s great to have a five-game winning streak going.”

Gentry praised Brand.

“I thought Elton did a great job of keeping himself involved in the game,” Gentry said of Brand’s 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting in Tuesday’s exhibition. “We didn’t go to him all that often, but we could have.”

Gentry also was pleased with the play of Lamar Odom, who made only four of 11 shots en route to 13 points against Phoenix.

“He didn’t shoot all that well, but I told him that’s going to be the price you pay for being a good player,” Gentry said. “I think you’re going to see some teams this season take away his [one-on-one game] away. He’s just has to be a better passer.”

Gentry continued to rave about his reserves, including guards Corey Maggette and Quentin Richardson.

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Tuesday’s attendance of 15,485 at Staples Center is believed to be the highest for a home exhibition since the team moved to L.A. in 1984, a club official said.