CLIPPERS GET OUT OF SHOOT EARLY SIZZLING FIRST HALF HELPS L.A. HOLD OFF PHOENIX CLIPPERS 111, PHOENIX 102.

Byline: Joe Stevens Staff Writer

The Clippers aren't quite sure what it is. Something about the Phoenix Suns brings out the shooters in them.

After shooting an eyeball-popping 72 percent in the first half, the Clippers held their second-half lead to beat the Suns 111-102 in front of 17,111 Saturday at Staples Center.

Elton Brand once again led the Clippers, scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Even though he wasn't here for the Clippers' 100-80 victory over the Suns last season, Brand liked the fact L.A. plays well against Phoenix.

``If we're vying for a playoff spot, we're gonna have to beat them,'' Brand said. ``They're definitely going to be vying for a spot, too. That's the best thing about this win, and that we maintained the lead. We didn't crumble, like we did at Portland.''

The Clippers (3-4) recovered nicely from their 18-point loss at Portland, where they led heading into the fourth quarter. Phoenix led briefly in the first quarter, but after that the Clippers got ahead and stayed ahead.

With an 89-76 lead heading into the third quarter, the Suns (3-4) pulled closest at 94-89 when Tom Gugliotta hit a jump shot with 6:32 left in the game. But the Clippers answered back with a 6-0 run.

``I think we played better, start to finish, than any other game,'' coach Alvin Gentry said. ``I thought we played better at times in Portland, but not for the entire game. For 48 minutes, it's by far the best we've played.''

In the second half, the Clippers' shooting leveled out, but they still made 58 percent of their shots. Jeff McInnis and Quentin Richardson each had 17 points, and McInnis added nine assists.

``I'm still adjusting to my new role,'' McInnis said. ``Last year, Lamar (Odom) and myself were our first two choices on offense. Now, we have Elton Brand and Q (Richardson) is playing well. I'll sit back and take assists if these guys are gonna score and we're gonna win.''

The Suns' backcourt of Anfernee Hardaway and Stephon Marbury took care of most of their offense. Hardaway had 31 points and seven assists but scored just two points in the fourth quarter. Marbury had 25 points and 11 assists.

Hardaway and the Suns weren't disappointed with their effort, but they walked away wondering how the Clippers shot so well.

``When we play the Clippers, they just make their shots,'' Hardaway said. ``It was that way last year, and it looks that way this year. For whatever reason, they play well against us.''

Corey Maggette added 16 points for the Clippers, and Michael Olowokandi, who had nine points in the first quarter, finished with 11.

--Notes: Odom has been placed on the suspended list retroactive to Wednesday, meaning he will not be eligible to return until the Nov. 18 game against New York. He will miss at least six games. ... The Clippers are 3-1 without Odom.

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Photo:

Jeff McInnis drives around Phoenix's Stephon Marbury on Saturday afternoon at Staples Center.

Edna T. Simpson/Staff Photographer