Duckworth Loves Portland Even if He Doesn’t Play

Injured center Kevin Duckworth, who played seven seasons for the Trail Blazers, loves returning to Portland, where he maintains an off-season home.

“You know how it is to go to heaven when you die, that’s how sweet it is,” Duckworth said of coming back to Portland, where he plays pickup games with the Trail Blazers in the summer.

Duckworth, who owns a restaurant here with former Laker Kermit Washington, treated the Clippers to dinner Monday night.

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Clipper forward Lamond Murray, who has missed 16 consecutive shots and 19 of his last 21, sat out Tuesday’s game because of a bruised left knee.

Murray was injured diving for a loose ball in Sunday’s 107-102 double-overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Coach Bill Fitch thinks Murray will break out of his slump.

“There have been some good shooters that have gone two for 21,” Fitch said.