Wright Gets Rude Welcome

Rookie swingman Lorenzen Wright, the top draft pick who was held out of the first two games of the season, got a rude welcome to the NBA.

Wright made his debut in the Clippers’ 82-78 victory at Denver on Tuesday when he entered the game with 4:57 remaining in the second quarter.

After his first shot was blocked by Tom Hammonds, Wright made a hook shot and finished with two points in three minutes.

“I was a little nervous, but once I got out there it felt real good,” Wright said. “If you’re playing basketball, you’re going to get your shot blocked.”

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Forward Rodney Rogers, who shot 37.5% and averaged only three points and two rebounds in the first two games, broke out of his slump with 15 points and four rebounds against the Nuggets.

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After scoring eight points and getting two rebounds in the season-opening victory over Golden State, center Kevin Duckworth has scored eight points in the last two games.

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The Clippers, who gave up an average of 103 points last season, have given up an average of 78 points this season.