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Darius Garland scored 30 points as the Los Angeles Clippers opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a 121-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night at Intuit Dome. The Clippers never trailed, building an early lead before pulling away in the second half.
Garland shot 11-for-19 from the field, including three three-pointers, and went 5-for-8 at the free-throw line. He added four assists and a steal in 32 minutes as Los Angeles began its first season opener without Kawhi Leonard since 2019.
Brook Lopez provided a major contribution off the bench, recording 17 points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes. Rookie Keaton Wagler added 15 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Rui Hachimura scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his Clippers debut after arriving from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Clippers took control immediately, scoring 41 points in the first quarter to lead 41-29. Sacramento cut the deficit to seven by halftime, but Los Angeles dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Kings 32-16 to take a 93-70 advantage into the final period.
Los Angeles’ depth proved decisive, with its reserves outscoring Sacramento’s bench 53-34. The Clippers shot 52% from the field and finished with 29 assists, while limiting the Kings to 42% shooting and 29% from three-point range.
Zach LaVine led Sacramento with 28 points on 10-for-19 shooting, while Domantas Sabonis posted 14 points and 18 rebounds, adding eight assists. Darius Acuff Jr. struggled from the field, making five of 24 attempts for 12 points as the Kings shot just 8-for-28 from beyond the arc.
The league suspended Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year from league and team activities, fined the franchise $30 million and stripped it of five consecutive draft picks from 2029 through 2033. Ballmer was absent from his usual courtside seat Wednesday.
Los Angeles also played without Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram and Max Strus, among others. The Clippers visit the Lakers on Friday, while Sacramento hosts the Portland Trail Blazers.
