CLIPPERS AGAIN BLOW LEAD; BULLS' LATE CHARGE NETS JACKSON WIN NO. 500 : CHICAGO 94, CLIPPERS 89.

Byline: Daily News Wire Services

On their Tuesday night visit to Chicago, the Clippers found themselves up five entering the fourth quarter. Thirteen times before they had ventured into the final period either leading or tied, but only four times had they emerged with a victory.

They had a chance to construct that elusive full game, to finish the job they didn't complete last month in L.A., when they let the Bulls escape in double overtime. Yet again they showed why they've won only five games this season.

The Clippers faltered down the stretch and lost 94-89, giving Bulls coach Phil Jackson his 500th regular-season victory.

Jackson, who holds league records for winning percentage in both the regular season (.733) and playoffs (96-35, also .733), earned his milestone victory against his former college coach.

Bill Fitch, whose 1,064 losses over 25 seasons is the NBA record, guided Jackson at North Dakota from 1964-67.

``He loved sports. He was very competitive and he was very disciplined. I knew that whatever he did, he'd be a success. To be the fastest to 500, that's worth talking about,'' Fitch said. ``He ought to be able to coach here as long as he wants to coach.''

Michael Jordan scored 27 points and Dennis Rodman had a season-high 25 rebounds - including 15 offensive - as the Bulls ran their winning streak to five.

Rodney Rogers scored 20 points and Darrick Martin 19 for the Clippers, who led for most of the night before losing for the seventh time in eight games.

Luc Longley put the Bulls ahead for good, 85-83, with a hook shot from the right baseline with 1:25 to go. Ron Harper then stole the ball and missed a layup, but Rodman scored on the rebound. Jordan followed with a short jumper.

The Bulls trailed 79-72 before Steve Kerr hit a 3-pointer and Jordan scored seven points during a 10-2 run that gave them their first lead of the night, 82-81 with 3:29 left. Two free throws by Martin put Los Angeles up for the last time.

Jackson's 500th victory came in his 682nd game - two earlier than Pat Riley accomplished the feat.

``It's wonderful to have won a lot of games in regular-season play. But the ones that count are those playoff victories; each one, I value 10 to 1 for each regular-season win because they're so difficult,'' said Jackson.

``I think championships are all you measure by in this game.''

Jackson has agreed to step aside after this season at the request of Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Jerry Krause.

``This is pretty much of a mutual agreement that we've made, Jerry Reinsdorf and I,'' Jackson said. ``This is another opportunity for us. This is not a last gasp. We look at it as an opportunity, not as a farewell, see ya' later.''

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO Clippers guard Brent Barry, left, passes off under pressure from Chicago's Michael Jordan on Tuesday.

Associated Press