Webber makes triumphant return in win over Clippers

Webber, who started and played 30 minutes, was sidelined the first 50 games of the season recovering from off-season knee surgery and missed the last eight games due to a suspension for lying to a grand jury and violating the NBA’s drug policy.

Sacramento owns the league’s best record with a 44-15 mark, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Webber pleaded guilty last July to charges of lying to a grand jury about his relationship with a University of Michigan booster, who claimed he loaned the power forward $616,000.

Peja Stojakovic, who has thrived in Webber’s absence, finished with 23 points in the win, as did Brad Miller, who had been starting in Webber’s power forward spot all season.