Ford Criticizes Shot Selection

It shouldn’t be too hard for the Clippers to shoot better from behind the three-point line in tonight’s exhibition game against the Toronto Raptors than they did in their overtime loss to Golden State on Tuesday.

Against the Warriors, the Clippers missed their first 12 three-point attempts and finished one for 14.

“It’s one of those things where some of our guys think that they should only shoot threes or look for the three every time,” Coach Chris Ford said. “The easiest way I’ve always seen for a three to get there and have a good opportunity is when it’s in the natural flow of the game.

“To come out there and just fire up a three when a guy is on you is not a good shot opportunity. You are not going to shoot a good percentage.”

One thing Ford doesn’t want is for his point guards to shoot low-percentage shots with a lot of time on the shot clock. On Tuesday, Troy Hudson, Scott Brooks and Charles Smith combined to miss all nine shots from the field, including five three-point attempts.

“I’m not mad because they missed the shots,” Ford said. “But when I call a play for X player to get the shot, I want the ball to get there first.”

Shooting guard Eric Piatkowski, the franchise’s all-time three-point leader, is struggling to find his shooting rhythm.

Piatkowski said he’s just waiting for the Clippers to “get all of our plays established and run more sets.”

“I do much better in that than I do when we just go out there and freelance,” Piatkowski said. “Taking the ball and going one-on-one, that’s not my game. I work off other players better . . . when guys are getting doubled, I can spot up or cut to the basket.

“I’m not worried about my shot because by the time the season starts I’m sure it’s going to be going down on a consistent basis. You can shoot all the jumpers you want in the summertime, but until you actually get out there and start playing games full speed, it’s going to take a little adjustment.”

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After tonight’s game against the Raptors, which begins at 4:30 PDT, the Clippers will play their third exhibition game at Chicago on Saturday night.