Brief

Clippers dominate Kings 121-96 in season opener without Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles posted a wire‑to‑wire victory over Sacramento, with Garland leading the way and the bench outscoring the Kings’ reserves.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:03:13 GMT

Darius Garland poured in 30 points as the Los Angeles Clippers routed the Sacramento Kings 121‑96 on Wednesday night, marking the franchise’s first season‑opening game without Kawhi Leonard since 2019, according to the Associated Press.

What happened

The Clippers never trailed, building a lead that stretched to 25 points in the third quarter. Brook Lopez contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, while rookie guard Keaton Wagler added 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Former Lakers forward Rui Hachimura recorded 10 points and eight rebounds in his debut for Los Angeles. The bench outscored the Kings’ reserves 53‑34.

What the reports add

The AP noted that the Clippers have the league’s largest drop in average roster age between this season and last, a shift driven by last‑season trades of James Harden and Chris Paul and the recent trade of Leonard to Toronto. The outlet also reported that owner Steve Ballmer is serving a one‑year suspension for his role in the Leonard trade investigation, and the team was fined $30 million and stripped of five first‑round draft picks covering 2029‑2033.

What was said

The article did not contain direct quotations, but it referenced the league’s sanctions and Ballmer’s suspension as detailed by the Associated Press.

How it came about

The Clippers’ roster overhaul follows the NBA’s September 30 sanctions (NBA fines Clippers) for cap‑circumvention involving Leonard. The team entered the season without several key players, including Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram and Max Strus, all listed as out with injuries or surgery.

Key facts

Darius Garland scored 30 points in the Clippers' 121-96 win over the Kings. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Brook Lopez added 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Clippers bench outscored Kings reserves 53-34. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Owner Steve Ballmer is serving a one‑year suspension and the team was fined $30 million. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Clippers lost five first‑round draft picks from 2029‑2033 as punishment. (winnipegfreepress.com)