L.A. GAME PLAN CENTERS ON KAMAN INSIDE GAME THE KEY TO BEATING SUNS.

Byline: JILL PAINTER Staff Writer

Chris Kaman can't attest to the Clippers' trials and tribulations over the last three decades. But he can chronicle the last three years, where he's seen the organization at its worst and its best.

He was a first-round draft pick in 2003, when the Clippers were a joke. Now, they're on top of the world. And if the Clippers are to advance to the Western Conference finals, Kaman needs to be as involved.

Kaman didn't get many opportunities in Game 1 against the Suns but in Game 2, Kaman had a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds. If the Clippers can establish an inside game early with Kaman and Elton Brand, it should make for a good show.

"We need to get inside and make them play both ends of the floor,"Kaman said. "Our bread and butter is inside-out. They're small. We've got to go inside and pressure them."

It was clear Friday that the Clippers understood. The Clippers got the ball inside to Kaman and he scored on a layup just 22 seconds after tipoff. A minute later, he made a shot off the glass.

The Clippers are built on experience with veteran guards like Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley. The Suns are quick but inside, they're at a definite size disadvantage.

Kaman was sipping an energy drink before the game, going over the intricacies of trying to defend smaller players when his defender moves outside. It's a challenge he relishes, even though most would rather stay at home inside the paint, then have their knees buckle by a crossover dribble from Steve Nash or Raja Bell.

Kaman admitted he's not the quickest or most mobile and can't jump the highest but he looked forward to the challenge.

In Game 1, Phoenix was doing what it does best - scoring in transition and taking the Clippers out of their game. Kaman had just eight points and seven rebounds. He was dominant on the boards Wednesday in Game 2.

"I played hard," Kaman said. "I had 16 rebounds in 23 minutes. I must have been doing something right. The rebounds came off missed shots. I was in position. I was working hard on both ends of the floor."

Kaman made a hook shot around Boris Diaw to put the Clippers within three points at 40-37. He had a block early in the second half that had the Staples Center crowd in a frenzy.

It's a nice feeling for the Clippers.

"I've been here the whole time the last three years and I've seen us go from terrible from when I first got here to Mike coming in and getting better and better," Kaman said. "We were struggling to win close games. Last year, I think we lost 14 games by two or three points. We just needed that one little lift with Sam and Cat (Mobley) and Vladimir (Radmanovic) and even guys that don't play, like Vin (Baker)."

The atmosphere has certainly changed for the fans.

"I enjoy basketball," Kaman said. "This is one of my passions. It doesn't matter what team you play for, how good you are or how bad you were in the past. I wasn't here. The past, I don't care about. It's new times and new people a new focus."

But the same old style that should equate success for the Clippers, if they're to continue this run.

"It's everyone's dream to make it to the finals and we have a decent chance," Kaman said.

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