TITLE: Archie Clark Drops 31 as Lakers Close 1967 With Rout of San Diego Rockets
SLUG: archie-clark-drops-31-lakers-rout-san-diego-rockets-1967
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers capped the 1967 calendar year with a decisive 29-point victory over the San Diego Rockets on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.
Entering the matchup at 21-17, Los Angeles raced to an 11-point cushion after one quarter and expanded the margin to 28 at halftime. Although the Rockets trimmed the deficit to 21 in the third period, the Lakers quickly regained control and collected their 22nd win of the season.
Guard Archie Clark led all scorers with 31 points, shooting 13-for-17 from the field while adding three rebounds and five assists. He was one of eight Lakers in double figures and one of three All-Stars to top 20 points.
Lakers’ balanced attack
Jerry West finished with 27 points, and Elgin Baylor delivered 22 points and 12 rebounds. Reserve centers Mel Counts and Darrall Imhoff each recorded double-doubles, combining for 23 points and 29 rebounds off the bench.
Rockets’ effort falls short
San Diego forward John Block paced his club with 29 points. John Barnhill and Don Kojis added 16 apiece, while Dave Gambee scored 13 and Toby Kimball chipped in 12.
The win allowed Los Angeles to gain ground in the Western Division standings before heading into the new year. The Lakers ultimately advanced to the 1968 NBA Finals, where they fell to the Boston Celtics in six games; Clark averaged 16.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists during the series.
Source: Lakers Nation
