Payback Is a Big Priority in Boston

BOSTON — It was the low point of the season for the Clippers, who said they were embarrassed after the Boston Celtics’ 111-92 victory Dec. 31 at Staples Center.

The loss occurred during a season-worst 3-9 stretch that stirred concern in the organization. The Clippers, however, have rebounded, winning nine of 12, and they’re eager to face the Celtics again tonight.

“We owe Boston, so we’re coming in there full throttle, and they should know that,” swingman Cuttino Mobley said. “They embarrassed us at our house, so we owe them some payback.”

The team is 1-1 on a six-game, 11-day Eastern trip to Miami, Orlando, Boston, Toronto, New York and Detroit.

Point guard Sam Cassell said communication on defense would be the key against Boston and for a successful trip.

“That’s it right there,” Cassell said. “When our team communicates, we’re a good team. When we don’t communicate, we’re a bad team.

“When we communicate, that’s why we win. It’s that simple.”

The Clippers said they were pleased with their communication in Wednesday’s 106-94 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Orlando shot 38.5% from the field and only 18.2% from behind the three-point arc. Beginning play Thursday, the Clippers were second in the NBA in field-goal defense, limiting opponents to 42.7% shooting.

“We’ve got four more games on the trip, and if we play defense like we can, they’re all winnable games,” center Chris Kaman said. “The one that might be the [toughest] one, though, is Detroit.

“Obviously, they’re playing really well, but the rest of them are all games we should win. It doesn’t mean you’re going to, though, so we’ll see how it goes.”

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Power forward Elton Brand, who scored a game-high 35 points in Wednesday’s victory, is 12th in the NBA in scoring with an average of 24.9 points, sixth in rebounding at 10.4 and fifth in blocked shots at 2.56.

“Well, Elton, he’s having an MVP-type season,” said Orlando guard Keyon Dooling, a former Clipper.

“I played with Elton for two years, and I know what type of player he is. He’s a great player.”

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TONIGHT

at Boston, 4:30 PST, FSN West 2

Site -- TD Banknorth Garden.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 26-17, Celtics 18-28.

Record vs. Boston -- 0-1.

Update -- The Celtics have lost three in a row. Small forward Wally Szczerbiak, acquired in a trade from Minnesota on Jan. 26, is averaging 14.3 points in four games with Boston.