CLIPPERS HOLD ON IN WIN OVER BULLS BRAND LEADS L.A. OVER FORMER TEAM CLIPPERS 106, CHICAGO 102.

Byline: Joe Stevens Staff Writer

Five years ago, it would have been a completely different story. But on Wednesday night, the Clippers didn't have to contend with the Bulls of the past.

The Clippers had to contend with the Bulls of the future and actually pulled out a nail-biter. Even though they squandered a 16-point fourth-quarter lead, the Clippers held on to squeak by the Bulls 106-102 before 14,788 at Staples Center.

As the 24-second clock expired, Jeff McInnis made a jump shot with 20 seconds left to give the Clippers a 103-100 lead. Less than a minute earlier, the Bulls took a 100-99 lead when Kevin Ollie scored with 1:17 left.

The Clippers then came up with a big defensive stand when Elton Brand stripped Brad Miller of the ball and Corey Maggette recovered it. After each team shot free throws, the Clippers escaped the close call.

Speaking of five years ago, this happens to be the first time since Nov. 23, 1996, that the Clippers (4-4) have been at .500.

Facing his former team, Brand had 20 points and seven rebounds, and Quentin Richardson added 19 points for the Clippers. McInnis finished with 16 points and nine assists.

Brad Miller had 19 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Bulls (1-7). It was the Bulls' fifth consecutive loss.

Another big fourth-quarter lead was squandered by the Clippers, who took a 95-79 lead with 7:34 left when Earl Boykins made a runner. The Bulls bounced back with a 14-2 run to trail 97-93 with 3:30 left and force coach Alvin Gentry to use a timeout.

The timeout didn't seem to help as the Bulls scored the next four points to take a 98-97 lead.

The Bulls hung around for most of the game but, in the second half, never had a lead until late. The Clippers took an 84-73 lead, heading into the fourth quarter.

The Clippers led 53-44 at halftime, after Richardson had an outstanding second quarter. Richardson scored 16 points in the second quarter and should consider having it trademarked as the ``Quentin Quarter.''

Richardson made two 3-pointers in the quarter and had several highlight reel-type plays. The halftime score was the Clippers' biggest lead, and they took it when Richardson made a 3-pointer with 2:28 left. That did it for the scoring in the first half.

The Clippers took control in the first half and went up 48-40 when Keyon Dooling scored in transition off a pass from Darius Miles.

The Clippers' previous two baskets came from Richardson. First, Richardson dunked off an alley-oop pass from Miles. He had to grab the ball of the backboard to dunk it. Next, Richardson battled in the midst of three Bulls to get his own rebound and score as the Clippers went up 46-40.

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