Blazers Falter After Kaman’s Hard Foul Energizes Clippers

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Wednesday, April 01, 2015

Andrew R Tonry, GoLocalPDX Contributor

CLIPPERS 126, BLAZERS 122

With less than a minute remaining in the third quarter, the Blazers had a comfortable 11 point lead.

Then, in a scrum for a rebound, Chris Paul appeared to hit Chris Kaman in the groin. It was unclear whether or not Paul's shot was on purpose, but Kaman responded with a vengeance, shoving Paul, who had his back turned. 

A melee ensued, with numerous Clippers rushing to defend their leader. Referees reviewed the fracas, and Kaman was assessed a flagrant foul. 

In losing his cool, Kaman gave the Clippers exactly what they needed: a shot of adrenaline and a rallying cry--not to mention a four-point possession that cut Portland's lead to single-digits to start the fourth quarter.

After a string of four-straight Los Angeles three's, it appeared as if the Clippers would win going away. Indeed, as L.A.'s lead reached double-digits some fans began streaming out of Moda Center. But thanks to a few unlikely plays in garbage time, the Blazers made it close. 

In the final seconds Portland got within three. L.A. had the ball, and Batum, guarding J.J. Redick took a shot and hit the floor, but no foul was called. 

In the end, the Clippers hit their free throws and won, 126-122. The disappointment was palpable for Portland, who led by as many as 17 in the first half. 

The defeat clinched the season series for the Clippers, 3-1. Should the teams finish the regular season with identical records, Los Angeles now owns the tie-breaker.

Moreover, the Clippers gained the confidence that, even in a deep hole, they could come back and win on Portland's home floor.

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