Has Vaught Left Shot in Weight Room?

Forward Loy Vaught, who averaged 13.3 points and 13.3 rebounds in the Clippers’ first three games, scored only three points and had six rebounds in 25 minutes in an 88-81 overtime loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night.

Vaught, who didn’t score in the first half, missed all five shots he attempted.

“I’ve been lifting weights and I think it’s hurting my shot,” Vaught said. “Maybe I just need to stop going in the weight room because this is something new and it’s hurting my game.”

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When the Clippers drafted Memphis center Lorenzen Wright, Coach Bill Fitch said, “I think we drafted Mr. Right.”

Although the Clippers envisioned Wright moving from center to forward in the NBA, Wright went up against Knick center Patrick Ewing after starter Kevin Duckworth and Stanley Roberts got into foul trouble in the second quarter of Friday night’s game.

Wright outplayed Ewing, making his first three shots and scoring six points in seven minutes to trigger an 11-3 spurt as the Clippers tied it, 39-39, with 1:46 to play in the second quarter.

Wright frustrated Ewing, who became angry after drawing an offensive foul with 2:38 left. Ewing went after referee Bennett Salvatore, who called a technical foul on him, and had to be restrained by a teammate.

“I was real hyped and ready to play,” said Wright, who was playing in his second NBA game. “I’ve been watching guys like that play for a long time and it was honor for me to get out there and play against those guys.”