Los Angeles Clippers defeat Sacramento Kings in season opener

The Los Angeles Clippers opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a 121-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings at the Intuit Dome. Darius Garland led the Clippers with 30 points, while Brook Lopez contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Rookie Keaton Wagler added 15 points, and Rui Hachimura recorded 10 points in his debut following his move from the Lakers.

The win marks the first season opener for the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard since 2019, following his trade to the Toronto Raptors. The franchise is currently navigating significant sanctions after the NBA found the team guilty of violating salary cap circumvention rules. As a result, owner Steve Ballmer is serving a one-year suspension from all team and league activities, and the organization has been fined $30 million and stripped of five draft picks.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue dedicated the victory to Ballmer, stating, “That win was for Mr. Ballmer. Just want to say thank you for everything. We’re still fighting for him.”

In the loss, the Sacramento Kings were led by Zach LaVine with 28 points and Domantas Sabonis, who recorded 14 points and 18 rebounds.