Defense Paves Way to Victory

At times last season, the Clippers’ defense was so bad, it was offensive.

Only Sacramento and Denver gave up more points per game than the Clippers, whose opponents averaged 99.2.

Coach Chris Ford has emphasized team defense throughout training camp and the Clippers responded Saturday night with a 93-72 victory over the Chicago Bulls in a game that featured 62 fouls at the United Center.

The Clippers were led by Derek Anderson’s 19 points and Michael Olowokandi’s 14 as they limited the Bulls to 26 field goals in 77 attempts.

Anderson made his second start at shooting guard and again played well. After scoring 20 points in a win at Toronto on Friday, Anderson had 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.

“Chris Ford’s system gives me an opportunity to shine and I’m going to make the most out of it,” Anderson told team broadcaster Michael Smith.

Reserve big man Brian Skinner continued his strong play with 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocked shots as he helped the Clippers pull away in the second half, outscoring the Bulls, 32-19, in the fourth quarter behind a trapping defense.

Anthony Avent also had a strong game for the Clippers with 10 points in seven minutes off the bench.

The Clippers played most of the fourth quarter without power forward Maurice Taylor, who played despite suffering a minor knee injury against Toronto, and swingmen Lamar Odom and Tyrone Nesby because they all fouled out.

Odom finished with eight points and Taylor and Nesby each had four.

Toni Kukoc and rookie Elton Brand, the No. 1 pick in the draft, each had 15 points for the Bulls.

The Clippers will practice today and Monday in Los Angeles before playing at Phoenix on Tuesday.