Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman, right, blocks the shot of Sacramento Kings guard Francisco Garcia, left, during the first quarter of their game, played Friday night. Kaman scored 26 points, leading Los Angeles to a win over Sacramento 97-87.

Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman is making a case for being a force in the Western Conference as an elite center; Kaman’s 12 points in the third period would prove important as the Clippers ended a seven-game losing streak by beating the Sacramento Kings on their homecourt.Sacramento got key contributions from both forward Ron Artest and F/C Mikki Moore; each scored 10 first-half points as the Kings held a 52-41 halftime lead. Kaman would add 12 third-quarter points of his own for the Clippers who would outscore Sacramento 30-18 to take a 71-70 lead into the 4th quarter. Los Angeles began the 4th quarter with 5 straight points and built their lead to 10 when F Corey Magette made 2 free throws for a 90-80 lead; Sacramento would get no closer than 8 the rest of the way.

Los Angeles’ leading scorer was Kaman with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Magette would add 18 and 9 boards, while Tim Thomas chipped in with 17. Sacramento was led by Artest with 21 points, while Moore and Beno Udrih added 13 each. Los Angeles (7-11) returns home to the Staples Center to host the Miami Heat Sunday afternoon, while Sacramento flies to Denver to take on the Nuggets Saturday night.

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