
The Los Angeles Clippers have undergone a major makeover since the end of last season, and though early results weren't promising, the team appears to be turning things around.
The club hopes the new look won't disrupt its recent success in Chicago.After winning their season-high third straight game, the Clippers go for their eighth win in nine games at the United Center when they meet the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
Los Angeles (7-17) finished at the bottom of the Pacific Division last season at 23-59, its worst record since 1999-2000.
The Clippers responded by making a series of moves that has left them with only two of their top seven per-game scorers from 2007-08 - second-year forward Al Thornton and center Chris Kaman, who's missed the last nine games with a foot injury.
Though their offseason moves weren't panning out during the Clippers' 3-16 start, they've certainly looked good while winning four of thier last five.
Offseason acquisition Baron Davis had 19 points, seven assists and five steals and recent newcomer Zach Randolph added 22 points and 13 rebounds for his fourth consecutive double-double in a 98-88 win over Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Marcus Camby, also in his first season with the club after coming over from Denver, added 13 points and 15 rebounds, and rookie Eric Gordon scored 22.
Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy has been especially impressed with Randolph's play of late.
"He's just got an ability to score, both in the low post and on pick-and-rolls," Dunleavy said. "The guy competes on every possession. That's what you're always looking for as a coach."
The veteran forward, acquired from New York on Nov. 21, is averaging 25.6 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 52.2 percent from the field in nine starts with Los Angeles.
"I just want to win," said Randolph, who's with his third team in three seasons. "That's what we've got to do. That's what it's all about."
The Clippers hope to continue their recent success in a city where they've had plenty of it lately. They've won seven of their last eight in Chicago, including four straight.
The Bulls (11-13) are 8-3 at home this season, but are coming off a disappointing road loss on Tuesday. They were outscored 16-7 in overtime in their 110-101 loss to Charlotte, which had lost its previous seven games.
Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, the top overall pick in June's draft, was held to six points and 3-for-16 shooting. He missed some key shots down the stretch, and fouled Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin on a 3-point attempt with 19 seconds left in regulation, allowing the fellow rookie to force overtime with three free throws.
"That's why you love the NBA," said Rose, the Bulls' second-leading scorer with 17.7 points per game. "You've got another game tomorrow."