[0] CLIPPERS REMAIN WINLESS; DREXLER PLAYS WELL IN ROCKETS VICTORY : HOUSTON 124, CLIPPERS 110.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

Houston's crew of old men proved three things Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

First, when the Rockets are on, they are a major factor in the Western Conference. Second, rumors of Clyde Drexler's demise are greatly exaggerated, and third, the Clippers could be in for a long season if things don't change.

Drexler was at his magnificent best in scoring 43 points in 34 minutes as the Rockets embarrassed the Clippers 124-110 in front of a disappointing crowd of 5,859. It was the Clippers' third straight loss to begin the season.

The game was never close. Houston jumped out a 16-3 lead and was never threatened again. Drexler took advantage of some terrible Clippers defense combined with some vintage outside shooting, making 15 of 25 shots.

``Clyde was awesome,'' Clippers coach Bill Fitch said. ``He took advantage of our lack of intensity and jumped on us. Our fast-break defense was atrocious.''

It was by far the Clippers' worse effort of the season and Fitch was busy looking for anybody to give productive minutes.

Once again, Brent Barry led the Clippers in scoring with 26 points, but the starting front line of Rodney Rogers, Loy Vaught and Stojko Vrankovic combined for just 12 in 58 combined minutes.

It got a point where Fitch pulled Vrankovic after he fumbled an easy rebound into the hands of Hakeem Olajuwon, who had a laid-back 10 points because the Rockets didn't need his production.

Drexler, Mario Elie and Charles Barkley were enough. Barkley, after scolding the media about its treatment of him before the game, pulled down 21 rebounds.

Boy, do the Clippers miss Charles Outlaw.

``We were terrific tonight,'' Barkley said. ``We played very hard and got off some fast breaks.''

The Clippers were awful to start and never gained their intensity of the two first games. By mid-third quarter, they were done. For a team that needs to start fast to keep up in the Western Conference, the Clippers are taking their sweet time learning consistency.

``I'll take responsibility for the first three games,'' Fitch said ``But the next 79 is on (the team). I think I could write a book about all the mistakes we made. The guys are going to have to take it on themselves to get better.''

Drexler, who scored just nine points in Tuesday night's 118-94 loss to Seattle, made up for it on Wednesday, slicing through a Clippers defense that appeared afraid of his every move.

The 14-year veteran's career high was 50, collected in Sacramento in 1989 as a member of Portland. But this is eight years later, and Drexler is supposed to be pondering retirement after the season.

``On this team you don't need to do that every night, but it feels good when you do,'' said Drexler, who left with nine minutes remaining in the game. ``I still have it. I've been doing this for years. I know I'm capable of big games, but we have so many weapons that you're not going to get a lot of (shots).''

Drexler, bad knees and all, looked as if he were playing for the Houston Cougars in the 1983 NCAA tournament, scoring 19 points in the first quarter with his array of gliding layups and jumpers. The Rockets simply took the game to the Clippers, who appeared overmatched and lethargic after falling behind 42-24 early in the second quarter.

Fitch pulled Barry, Vrankovic and Rogers before the first quarter ended. Fitch has had a short leash with his starters and noticed some foul-ups in key stretches so far. He was hopeful that this team wouldn't take so long to gel. Even last year's 36-win squad started out 4-2.

With seven of the next 10 against playoff teams, the Clippers are going to have to find some combination that works.

``We don't have the luxury to start slow because of our tough schedule,'' Barry said. ``But I told you it's going to take 12 games to find out how good this team is. It's early.''

The defense was porous and the offense matched that output.

That was the lack of execution Fitch was talking about. And it's becoming more of a concern as the Clippers' slow start continues.

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Photo

Photo: (color) Houston's Clyde Drexler glides past Clippers' Rodney Rogers on his way to the basket.

Associated Press