CLIPPERS HAVE NO SHOT CAN'T FIND THE BASKET IN LOSS SACRAMENTO 93, CLIPPERS 80.

Byline: Staff and Wire Services

SACRAMENTO -- The Clippers couldn't shoot, and therefore had no chance to break their nine-year losing streak in Sacramento.

The Clippers shot 30.6 percent (30 of 98) in their 93-80 loss to the Kings on Tuesday night, their 17th consecutive loss in Arco Arena dating to 1997. Overall, Sacramento has defeated the Clippers 14 consecutive times.

The Clippers lost their fifth in a row and remained winless (0-6) in road games this season.

Shaun Livingston scored a career-high 20 points and Cuttino Mobley added 16 for the Clippers, but the rest of the team was a combined 14 of 67 in the team's worst shooting game of the season.

``We just shot so horribly that it hurt us,'' said Corey Maggette, who was 0 for 9. ``We just have to bring the groove back. We had good looks everywhere. The ball wouldn't stay in.''

Ron Artest had 28 points and eight rebounds for Sacramento, while Mike Bibby had 19 points and 10 assists as the Kings won their third straight victory.

Sacramento steadily increased its lead in the fourth quarter despite a horrific game from leading scorer Kevin Martin, who had just two points. The Clippers couldn't score during a 4 1/2-minute stretch in the fourth quarter, and Sacramento produced nine straight points, highlighted by Miller's key 3-pointer.

The Clippers managed just one field goal in the final 8:50 of the game.

Sam Cassell was active but not in the lineup for the Clippers, sitting out for the first time this season after spraining his ankle in a loss at Denver on Sunday.

Elton Brand had 13 points and 18 rebounds but went 4for15 from the floor.

Dunleavy update: The Clippers called a published report saying that a contract extension with coach Mike Dunleavy was premature.

``There has been no change with coach's status,'' Clippers communications director Rob Raichlen said.

Said Dunleavy before Tuesday's game against the Kings: ``We've been talking, and the talks are seemingly positive, but I haven't signed the deal yet, so there's nothing more I can really say. Unless there's a dramatic falloff, it looks like we're going to get it done.''

Presumably, Dunleavy has relented for what sources said was his initial asking price of $7 million per season. He is in the final year of a four-year, $10 million contract.

-- Joe Stevens contributed

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Clippers guard Shaun Livingston tries to get past Sacramento's Ron Artest during Tuesday's game.

Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Box:

CLIPPERS vs. MEMPHIS 

- Joe Stevens