`JUST A DISGRACE'; BARKLEY RIPS CLIPPERS ON AND OFF COURT : HOUSTON 121, CLIPPERS 99.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

The Clippers knew they took a beating from the Houston Rockets during their 121-99 loss at the Sports Arena on Monday.

But it was nothing compared to the verbal assault the entire team took afterward from Charles Barkley.

``It's embarrassing the way they played. That team has to grow up and mature. The way they played is a disgrace,'' Barkley said. ``It doesn't matter if you win or lose, you have an obligation to the game. I'm disappointed in their effort and enthusiasm.

``To come out with no enthusiasm and energy and go through the motions is just a disgrace.''

It could have ended there, but Barkley, who scored 22 points in only 26 minutes, was just getting warmed up.

``They really just dogged it. They've got too much talent to play like that,'' he said. ``The thing that's amazing is their young guys are going through the motions.''

It was true that the Rockets made the Clippers look like the Washington Generals in the second half, and it was equally obvious that Barkley would be on fire when he checked into the game in the third quarter.

While lying on the scorer's table, Barkley said, ``This is embarrassing, the way they're playing,'' to anyone within earshot.

Barkley then drew one of the biggest cheers from the 15,562 fans in attendance with a beautiful behind-the-back pass from near midcourt to Kevin Willis, who scored a layup.

``I was trying to do something to liven up the game,'' Barkley said. ``People pay good hard-earned money.''

As for the Clippers' reaction, it was obviously not in agreement with Sir Charles' musings. Remember, Barkley is the man who once referred to them as the ``Paper Clips.''

``There are some times that Charles misses first base when he goes to second,'' Clippers coach Bill Fitch said. ``I just think it was a case of not being very effective. He may not realize we were trying to shut him off and we couldn't.''

Clippers center Keith Closs, who often drew Barkley on defense, also tried to refute Barkley's statements.

``We had a couple letdowns that they took advantage of, but what team doesn't?'' Closs said. ``They lost to San Antonio (on Jan. 24) by 25, what did he say about that?''

Ironically, the Clippers trailed 55-51 at halftime and seemed to have a good chance for an upset since Houston was coming off an emotional victory over the Lakers on Sunday.

But the Rockets outscored L.A. 34-20 in the third quarter. Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler each had nine points and Kevin Willis eight as the Rockets pulled away to a comfortable 89-71 advantage.

It turned out to be quite an effort for the Rockets (26-25), who are 4-1 since the All-Star break and getting used to having Olajuwon back from knee surgery.

Olajuwon had a 20-20, with 21 points and 20 rebounds.

Notes: Clippers guard Brent Barry took a hard spill and sprained his right ankle in the second quarter. X-rays were negative, but Fitch said it is doubtful Barry would play Thursday against Miami. It could have been Barry's last game as a Clipper, if the club wants to trade him before Thursday's deadline.

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Photo

PHOTO Houston's Brent Price, left, passes around Lorenzen Wright of the Clippers at the Sports Arena.

Associated Press