Low-post play is high-concern issue

In the Clippers’ 4-1 start, All-Star power forward Elton Brand is averaging only 14.4 points and center Chris Kaman is shooting 39.5%.

The low-post play of Brand and Kaman is the foundation of the Clippers’ offense, and their ineffectiveness has prompted Coach Mike Dunleavy to adjust.

The Clippers haven’t relied on running pick-and-roll plays for Brand as heavily as they did last season, and Dunleavy quickly changed course when Kaman struggled during the team’s 103-85 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

The plan on offense was for Kaman to attack All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki in the low post, but Kaman missed many shots close to the basket early in the game. Dunleavy turned to the team’s best defensive lineup -- which didn’t include Kaman -- and the Clippers outscored the Mavericks, 60-35, in the second half.

“The last game, defensively, was a big step in the right direction,” Dunleavy said. “We did a lot of really good things in that game.”

Kaman played only 11 minutes and scored four points with two rebounds. Brand scored 13 points and shared the team lead with 12 rebounds, but missed eight of 13 shots from the field and four of seven free throws.

Brand has acknowledged he is physically and mentally drained from his busy summer with the U.S. national team. Kaman was sidelined for most of the exhibition season because of a strained left hamstring, and it appears he’s still trying to regain his form of last season.

Fortunately for the Clippers, it seems depth is among their strengths.

Forwards Tim Thomas and Corey Maggette have provided scoring and rebounding off the bench. The clutch performances of guards Sam Cassell (22.4 points) and Cuttino Mobley (17.8 points) have helped to set a winning tone.

“I thought it could take some guys a while to get their legs, and it looks like that’s what we’re seeing,” Dunleavy said. “But I’m really pleased where we are with our record, and I know we can get better.”

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Standout second-year point guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets has continued to improve, Dunleavy said.

“He’s tough off the dribble and he puts points on the board,” Dunleavy said. “He has great quickness and he makes great decisions. That’s a pretty good combination for a point guard.”

TODAY

vs. New Orleans,

12:30 p.m., Channel 5

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 4-1, Hornets 4-2.

Record vs. Hornets (2005-06) -- 1-2.

Update -- After a 4-0 start, the Hornets have lost consecutive games. Chris Paul -- the NBA’s 2005-06 rookie of the year -- is averaging 19.3 points and 10.2 assists. Forward Aaron Williams is expected to make his Clippers debut today.

jason.reid@latimes.com