Campbell Hit the Final Nails

The neck was still sore and stiff, the remnants from the spasms that kept him out of the opener, but the back proved more than strong enough for Elden Campbell to carry his share of the inside load Tuesday as the complement to the career-high 35 points by Eddie Jones.

Campbell, starting at center in place of Shaquille O’Neal, had only six rebounds in 27 minutes in his season debut. The counter was the offense. Not only did he have 21 points, but he made two free throws with 3.8 seconds left to clinch the 101-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings, finishing nine of nine from the line.

“I thought he was just fantastic,” Coach Del Harris said. “Obviously, our hats are off to Eddie for his tremendous offensive performance. But the truth is, I’ve seen Eddie have better all-around games.

“With Elden, I just felt that under the circumstances, with Shaq out and his questionable status, him getting 21 points in 27 minutes and hitting those last free throws [was big]. I mean, we had to have those free throws nailed.”

Still to be determined is what happens Friday at the Forum against the New York Knicks. Harris probably will keep O’Neal to about 20 minutes in the first step back from a strained abdominal muscle, but he may want to start him since O’Neal would be warmed up. That could move Campbell back to power forward, his usual spot, or to the bench if Harris opts for Robert Horry.

Campbell will have the hearts of the home fans either way. Naturally.

Or didn’t everyone hear the chants of “El-den! El-den!” last Friday?

When was the last time he heard that? “When I was a rookie,” Campbell said. “So I could come off the bench and dunk.”