Kaman Eager for Playoffs

The postseason couldn’t begin soon enough for center Chris Kaman, who has eagerly awaited an invitation.

The Clippers failed to earn a playoff berth in Kaman’s first two seasons, but they appear to be on the verge of qualifying for the first time since 1996-97, marking their fourth appearance in Clipper history and seventh in franchise history.

Kaman says he’s ready for the challenge, so bring on the playoffs.

“I’ve never been there, so I’ve never experienced it, but I’ve heard a lot of good things,” he said. “The last couple of years, we weren’t doing so hot and we didn’t get there, so I couldn’t tell anybody what it’s going to be like now.

“I just know that I’m looking forward to it. I’m really looking forward to getting there and getting started.”

Point guard Sam Cassell helped the Houston Rockets win consecutive NBA championships early in his career, and other Clippers have playoff experience, but none as a starting center.

“People can tell you stuff, but until you’ve experienced it down low in the playoffs, with as physical as I hear it gets, no one can really tell you what it’s like,” Kaman said. “I definitely think it’s going to be more physical, because everybody knows that it’s win or go home.

“You have a lot to lose when you get there, so everybody is going to be playing hard and fighting like dogs. That’s my style, that’s the way I play every game, so that’s fine with me. I just might have to bring it with more energy, and that’s fine too.”

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The Clippers, who play the Sacramento Kings on Sunday at Arco Arena, are 17-18 on the road.

They have already surpassed their previous top mark for road victories, set in the 1991-92 season, and need only two more to match the franchise record of 19 road wins, established by the 1974-75 Buffalo Braves.

“That’s definitely something we need to do, keep improving on the road, because that’s where we’re probably going to start out,” forward Elton Brand said. “We’ve made a lot of progress, but we’ve got to keep it going every game, wherever we’re playing.”