CLIPPERS' FOCUS STARTS RIGHT NOW.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

For this 1997-98 edition of the Clippers, the initial stretch will count equally in the standings, but it will mean more psychologically.

For a team that will rely greatly on togetherness and chemistry, the first 20 games could determine the Clippers season.

When nine of the 12 players ate lunch together after arriving in Phoenix on Thursday, it was a sign the process is beginning. Closeness will be crucial in an environment such as America West Arena, where the Clippers will try to sneak one from the rejuvenated Phoenix Suns.

``I know what it's like and the veterans know about it,'' Clippers coach Bill Fitch said about the expected hostile environment from the 18,000 Phoenix fans. ``But the rookies, well, some of them might need to change their shorts a few times before tipoff.''

A typical response from Fitch, who doesn't know what to expect from his retooled roster. Brent Barry and Stojko Vrankovic are the new starters. There is no Charles Outlaw to depend on off the bench, there's Lorenzen Wright to replace him.

Fitch expects intensity, defense and a confidence that wasn't around at the beginning of last year when the Clippers were coming off three straight nonplayoff seasons. Their 4-2 beginning surprised them. But then came the 3-12 slump and the pursuit of .500 that was unattainable.

Still, the club made the playoffs with a 36-46 record, likely five or six games less than will be required for the same fate this season. So the beginning, however difficult it is to believe, is as crucial as the ending.

``We can't start out real slow, like last season,'' small forward Rodney Rogers said. ``It's going to take some time because some of us haven't played together before, but we have to do it quickly.''

Rogers will be a difficult assignment for Phoenix's Cliff Robinson. The key is for Rogers to is use his post game to create easy baskets. On the defensive end, Robinson will launch 3s in the Suns' fun-'n'-gun offense, which also features recently-acquired Antonio McDyess, and returners Jason Kidd and Kevin Johnson.

That's the difference. Kidd is bigger than Darrick Martin by 5 inches and 20 pounds, and Barry's transition to shooting guard hasn't provided lessons in how to defend the league's most versatile player under 6-3 (Johnson).

The Suns will try to shoot the Clippers out of Phoenix with 3-pointers, knowing Hot Rod Williams is not a physical center. Vrankovic could have a standoff with Williams, so the key is Loy Vaught neutralizing McDyess, and Barry and Martin not getting shelled in the backcourt.

It's only the opener, but with Portland on Saturday and Houston on Wednesday, the Clippers realize they will have to win when not expected. Tonight is one of those nights.

``We know we have to come to play or can get blown out,'' Barry said. ``But we will play hard and that's what I like about this team. There is focus.''