At Least, Free Throws Go Their Way

Free-throw shooting has become a strength for the Clippers this season, thanks to the arrival of Derek Anderson.

After finishing last season as the 19th in the league in free-throw percentage at 72.1%, the Clippers went into Monday night’s game against Utah shooting 77.3%, led by Anderson’s 91.7%.

Anderson, who made 22 of his first 24 free throws this season, is not alone in accuracy. Before Monday, Maurice Taylor was shooting 85.7%; and after making only eight of 15 in his NBA debut, rookie Lamar Odom made 21 of 23 from the line.

Against Utah, the Clippers were 27 of 35 from the line for 77.1%, with Anderson four for four.

“We need everyone taking the ball to the basket and getting to the line,� Coach Chris Ford said before facing the Jazz. “We have to shoot a high percentage. That makes up for a multitude of sins. Get to that foul line and [make] a number of foul shots.�

One thing the Clippers can’t afford is settling on perimeter shots. With Eric Piatkowski, the franchise’s top three-point shooter, missing his third consecutive game Monday because of bruised ribs, the Clippers lack a pure outside threat.

“Everyone can’t worry about shooting jump shots,� Ford said. “They need to find ways to get to the basket. I don’t want [Tyrone] Nesby and Troy [Hudson] relying on perimeter shots. Or Piatkowski when he gets back . . . you have to be willing to take the ball to the basket.�

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Clipper point guard Eric Murdock missed his second consecutive game because of a sore right knee. . . . Rookie forward Scott Padgett was in the starting lineup Monday despite only playing three minutes in Utah’s first three games. He replaced Adam Keefe, who was not injured but played only one minute.