Chris Kaman’s 28-Point Outburst on March 30, 2014 Keeps Suns Out of Postseason
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LOS ANGELES — On March 30, 2014, veteran center Chris Kaman turned back the clock, posting 28 points, 17 rebounds and six assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Phoenix Suns, 115-99, at Staples Center.
Kaman’s performance ended up carrying playoff implications. The loss left Phoenix one game short of the Western Conference’s final postseason berth when the regular season concluded.
The 31-year-old big man, an All-Star in 2010, capitalized on the Suns’ lack of interior size, scoring efficiently from the low block and cleaning the glass at both ends. His production highlighted a difficult Lakers campaign overshadowed by Kobe Bryant’s recovery from a torn Achilles tendon and a subsequent knee fracture six games into Bryant’s attempted comeback.
Kaman received plenty of support. Guard Jodie Meeks added 22 points, point guard Kendall Marshall compiled 13 points and 11 assists, and rookie forward Ryan Kelly contributed 17 points and five rebounds off the bench. Los Angeles shot 57 percent in the first half and never trailed after intermission.
Despite the victory, the 2013-14 Lakers finished 27-55, but Kaman’s late-season showcase provided one of the year’s few highlights for a roster still awaiting the arrival of future draftees Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.
Source: Lakers Nation
