The Clippers kicked off their season with a commanding 121-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, marking Los Angeles’ first opener without Kawhi Leonard since 2019. Darius Garland led the charge with 30 points, while Brook Lopez chipped in 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Rookie Keaton Wagler impressed with 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists, and Rui Hachimura debuted with 10 points and eight rebounds after joining from the Lakers. The Clippers never trailed, and their bench outscored the Kings’ reserves 53-34. For Sacramento, Zach LaVine topped the scoring with 28 points, and Domantas Sabonis added 14 points and 18 rebounds. This win highlights the Clippers’ significant roster overhaul, which includes the youngest average age decrease in the NBA, partly due to trading James Harden and Chris Paul last season and moving Leonard to the Raptors after salary cap violations. Leonard scored 23 points in the Raptors’ win over Chicago. Owner Steve Ballmer was absent, serving a suspension for his role in Leonard’s off-court income schemes, which also cost the team $30 million and five draft picks. The Clippers were without Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, Max Strus, Jordan Miller, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser due to injuries. Up next, the Kings host Portland on Friday, while the Clippers face the Lakers.
