CLIPPERS UP OFFER TO WILLIAMS : CLIPPERS VS. NEW YORK.

The Clippers have made Brian Williams two offers in the past week, according to a Clippers official and Williams' agent Fred Slaughter.

The two offers are both increases from the three-year, $12 million offer Slaughter received from the Clippers three weeks ago.

The latest package is believed to be around four years and for more than $16 million, according to Slaughter and the Clippers official. Slaughter said he still hasn't responded to the latest offer.

While Williams and Slaughter are seeking $7 million per season, Slaughter said he would consider a $5 million offer if the salary is increased every season. The Clippers' offer is the best Slaughter has received from an NBA team since the seven-year, $35 million package from the Seattle SuperSonics that was rejected by Williams in July.

However, Slaughter said he is encouraged by the increase.

``For (the increase) I'm very appreciative,'' Slaughter said. ``We will continue to communicate.''

The three-year, $12 million offer had $3.6 million deferred for five years. Slaughter said Williams will not accept deferred money. Slaughter said this deal also has deferred money.

Despite offers from other teams, the Clippers' offer continues to be the highest Williams can receive, and the club is not restricted by a salary cap in making its offer.

Cleveland is the only team with enough money under the salary cap to make a competitive offer, but officials have said it will wait to sign a premium free agent next summer.

``We've made every effort to bring this matter to a successful resolution,'' Clippers vice president of communications Joe Safety said. ``We'd like to hear from Fred.''

Wright's in action: Lorenzen Wright made his first NBA appearance Tuesday against Denver. After having his shot blocked by Tom Hammonds, Wright scored with a hook shot a minute later.

``The jumper wouldn't work, so I figured I go back to what got me here,'' Wright said. ``It felt good to get in there. I had been thinking about the feeling for awhile.''

Coach Bill Fitch inserted Wright at center as the backup to Stanley Roberts. Fitch wants Wright to play power forward, but with Bo Outlaw backing up Loy Vaught, Wright could also play some center.

Fitch has played Outlaw at key stretches in the fourth quarter in all three games.

``Bo works hard and he's going to get a lot of action,'' Fitch said. ``We can use his athleticism late in the game.''

Sealy's struggles: Malik Sealy has missed 17 of 24 shots in the past two games but said he is not discouraged by his start.

``I'm getting good looks, it's just not going down,'' Sealy said. ``You can't lose your confidence. You've just have to keep on shooting until you snap out of it.''

Fitch has been using Eric Piatkowski to back up Sealy. When Brent Barry returns from a sprained thumb, he should also get playing time with Sealy.

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m., Sports Arena.

On the air: TV: Fox Sports West; Radio: KNEWS-AM (540/1260)

Knicks (2-1) update: After losing to the Lakers, New York begins a West Coast road trip starting in Los Angeles. The new-look Knicks have Larry Johnson, John Wallace, Allan Houston and Buck Williams on their roster. Under Jeff Van Gundy, they are the same physical squad as in Pat Riley's era, with more scoring help for Ewing from Houston and Johnson.

Clippers (2-1) update: Just a half-game back of the Lakers in the Pacific Division, the Clippers begin a brief two-game home stretch with the Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves. Loy Vaught is leading the team in scoring (13.3 ppg) and rebounding (13.3) while Stanley Roberts' 21-point effort on Tuesday could give him a starting spot tonight at center against Ewing. ``I've got to get my hard hat on and get ready to battle,'' Roberts said about his matchup with Ewing.

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Box: CLIPPERS vs. NEW YORK (see text)