Frustration Is Building

The Clippers have lost six in a row since their blowout victory over Utah, but Tuesday’s loss to Phoenix may have been their most disappointing.

The Suns trailed by 10 at halftime and rallied in the second half thanks to a basic halfcourt trap--a defense that an NBA team should be able to attack, especially 33 games into the season.

“With the lead we had we should have handled [the Suns’ trap] better,” Rodney Rogers said. “These are the type of things that make you stronger”

Coach Chris Ford has tried to make things as simple as possible for the Clippers, but his players don’t respond when things get tough.

“It’s a sign of a little immaturity,” said Sherman Douglas, who has played for Ford at Boston, Milwaukee and now the Clippers.

*

Forward Maurice Taylor has missed the last two games because of sore Achilles’ tendons in both legs and is questionable for tonight’s game against Minnesota. . . . The Timberwolves will be without starting point guard Terrell Brandon, placed on the injured list because of a bruised right thigh. Former Clipper Malik Sealy (sprained ankle) was activated.

TONIGHT vs. Minnesota, 7:30

* Site--Sports Arena.

* Radio--KCTD (1540).

* Records--Clippers 3-30; Timberwolves 20-14.

* Record vs. Timberwolves--1-1.

* Update--The last time the teams met, the Clippers shocked the Timberwolves, 93-82, at Minneapolis behind Darrick Martin’s 22 points.

* Tickets--(213) 745-0500.