Brand’s hot-handed performance gets noticed

It was like old times for Elton Brand in Wednesday’s 109-105 loss to the Houston Rockets at Houston.

Playing more than 45 minutes in the Clippers’ second game in as many nights, Brand scored a season-high 37 points, shot 13 for 23 from the field and 11 for 12 from the free-throw line. He also had 10 rebounds to become the Clippers’ all-time leader.

Brand scored 23 points in the second half as the Clippers -- who trailed by 17 in the second quarter, 15 in the third and 10 with 9 minutes 28 seconds left in the game -- took the lead late in the fourth.

Making mid-range jumpers, driving the lane for dunks and providing a powerful presence in the post for the Clippers, Brand performed as he did often last season while being selected second-team All-NBA.

“We were riding E.B., obviously,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “He had it, so I just said I was going to ride it. We just had to keep going to it.”

Brand averaged 24.7 points and 10 rebounds while leading the Clippers to their best season in California last season. But after his busy summer with the U.S. national team, Brand’s production has dropped to 20.4 points and 9.3 rebounds.

The Clippers noticed something different about Brand against the Rockets, his teammates said.

“Coach kept going to E.B. because he was hot, and it was great what he did,” Corey Maggette said. “He was on fire and we just keep feeding him.”

With only 18 games remaining and the Clippers still vying for a playoff berth, Brand says he’s ready to lead their final push.

“Coach kept calling the plays for me and the guys kept getting me the ball,” Brand said. “We’re fighting for our playoff lives right now, so we all just have to dig down and find a way to get it done.”

TONIGHT

at Charlotte, 4 PDT, FSN Prime Ticket

Site -- Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 29-35, Bobcats 24-41.

Record vs. Bobcats -- 1-0.

Update -- The Clippers are 0-2 on a six-game, 10-day trip. Corey Maggette made 19 of 20 free throws and scored a game-high 25 points Feb. 26 in a 100-93 victory over Charlotte at Staples Center. Shaun Livingston suffered a season-ending knee injury early in that game.

jason.reid@latimes.com