Richardson Seeks New Level

Guard Pooh Richardson said he never lost his confidence after losing his starting job to Darrick Martin last season.

Richardson started his third consecutive game Wednesday night.

“It’s a part of life,” he said. “You learn how hard you’ve got to work to maintain a certain level and what it takes to get there and what it takes to keep on that level.”

Richardson, who was held out of a game against Sacramento last February after criticizing Coach Bill Fitch, said he has resolved his problems with Fitch.

“I always was cool with him,” Richardson said. “You can have a mom and a dad and not see eye to eye on certain things, but after a while you all come together.”

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Fitch said poor rebounding has been the key to the Clippers’ defensive problems this season.

The Clippers are the worst defensive team in the NBA, giving up an average of 109.8 points a game. They rank next to last in rebounding, averaging 38.7 a game.

“We’re giving up too many second shots,” Fitch said. “We’ve got to box out and become more physical. Everybody’s got to put their minds to it.

“Everyone has to get rebounds, even the guards. What’s to keep a guard from getting a rebound?”

Guard Brent Barry, who averaged 7.7 rebounds in his first three games, has only three rebounds in his last two.