Kaman sews up big effort

Chris Kaman started hungry, grabbing every rebound in his vicinity Friday in the season opener against the Golden State Warriors.

A bruising elbow left him weak-kneed and briefly interrupted his effort. Then he returned to fully contain his craving.

It amounted to a career-high 26 points and 18 rebounds for Kaman and a quick jump into the victory column for the Clippers.

Still, Kaman wonders what could have been had he not caught an elbow in the face from the Warriors’ Kelenna Azubuike that sidelined him most of the third quarter and left him with three stitches.

“I played hard,” Kaman said at Saturday’s practice, wearing a bandage over his left eye. “I always try hard and try to give a good effort. Unfortunately, I had to miss the third quarter with the stitches. I would have liked to see what would have happened rebound-wise. But that’s how it goes sometimes.”

Kaman showed signs of progression after each exhibition game, culminating in the preseason finale against the Warriors, in which he had 20 points and eight rebounds.

Is it a sign of things to come for a player who struggled with decision making last season or the adrenaline of the season opener lifting him through the night?

“His effort is never lacking,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “He understands for the most part what we are trying to do. He has a few habits we are trying to help him overcome to make him better.”

Kaman said he felt comfortable in the post Friday, and he committed only two turnovers. He did have one ill-advised behind-the-back pass that kicked off a Warrior and out of bounds.

He shot nine for 19 from the field and made eight of nine free throws. And his rebounding totals led an effort that collectively trounced the Warriors, 53-36, in that category.

“I felt like I was controlling the area pretty well,” Kaman said. “I just have to make sure I am patient. I know the double teams are going to come. I need to be patient and get rid of the ball when I need to and take advantage of opportunities when I need to.”

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Dunleavy said the team’s three-point range should be a benefit this season.

The Clippers shot seven for 18 beyond the arc, compared with Golden State’s seven for 28.

“I embrace the three-point shot,” Dunleavy said. “You’ve got to be able to make them. I like them when they go in. I’m not crazy about them when they don’t go in.”

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TODAY

vs. Seattle, 12:30 p.m., Channel 5

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 1-0, SuperSonics 0-2.

Record vs. SuperSonics (2006-07) -- 2-2.

Update -- The SuperSonics lost the first two games to top-tier Western Conference teams. Rookie Kevin Durant is impressing, scoring 23 points and taking 11 rebounds against the Phoenix Suns. Seattle owner Clay Bennett announced Friday his intent to move the franchise to Oklahoma City.

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-- Jonathan Abrams