Different ball, same result

ORLANDO, FLA. — Well, it wasn’t the ball.

The Clippers also played poorly on the road using a leather ball Tuesday night in a 91-86 loss to the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena.

The NBA returned to using leather balls after Jan. 1, shelving those microfiber-composite balls that players had complained about since training camp. The Clippers, who dropped to 2-11 on the road, shot 50.7% from the field and the Magic shot 47.3%.

“There was no problem with the ball,” Elton Brand said. “I think I have adjusted well. We shot the ball pretty well.”

But not from the free-throw line. The Clippers made 68.2% (15 of 22) of their attempts. It was an especially tough night at the line for Corey Maggette, who was eight for 13.

“That had nothing to do with the ball,” Maggette said. “I just shot ‘em short.”

Some players said it would take time to adjust to the leather ball.

“It was a little different, but it feels good,” Tim Thomas said. “It is a little heavier compared to the other ball, but we will get used to it.

“As a shooter, you try not to think about it, but you can tell.”

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Maggette, who led the Clippers with 20 points, suffered a sprained left ankle and strained left arch in a second-quarter collision under the basket.

“I stepped on Trevor Ariza’s foot,” Maggette said. “My foot was kind of tight and I really couldn’t elevate the way I wanted to.”

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Cuttino Mobley suffered a hyper-extended left (shooting) elbow.... Magic All-Star swingman Grant Hill sat out because of a sore left foot.

TONIGHT

at Miami, 4:30 PST, FSN Prime Ticket

Site -- AmericanAirlines Arena.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 14-17, Heat 13-17.

Record vs. Heat -- 1-0.

Update -- The Clippers defeated the Heat, 101-97, on Dec. 5 at Staples Center. Shaquille O’Neal is still sidelined while recovering from knee surgery, but Miami is optimistic about the possible return of guard Dwayne Wade for tonight’s game. Wade has missed the last two games because of a right wrist injury, and the Heat has lost three in a row.

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