The Los Angeles Clippers looked more than ready to transition out of their tumultuous off-season as they took down the Sacramento Kings, 121-96, in their NBA season opener at the Intuit Dome Wednesday night.
“That win was for Mr. [Clippers owner Steve] Ballmer. Just want to say thank you for everything. We’re still fighting for him,” said Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue in his postgame press conference.
Ballmer was suspended for one year as well as his organization fined $30 million by the NBA following a lengthy investigation into salary cap circumvention for the team’s dealings with former star free-agent signee Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers also lost five future first-round draft picks.
Despite the shocking off-court developments, and with the players and fans left to deal with the aftermath, the Clippers came out hot to start their first regular-season game since the ruling.
Star point guard Darius Garland didn’t disappoint, leading the charge early, starting hot with 5-for-5 shooting from the field while scoring 11 of the team’s first 14 points. Last season’s acquisition finished with 16 first-quarter points as the Clippers took a commanding 41 to 29 lead.
“He [Garland] set the tone that encouraged us, everybody else, we all got in the rhythm,” said Clippers forward Rui Hachimura. “He is the captain of the team, and he did what he was supposed to do.”
The Kings found their way back into the game in the second quarter as the Clippers were held to 20 points. Shooting guard Zach LaVine, as well as center Damontas Sabonis, took control for Sacramento, cutting the Clippers’ lead to seven by the end of the first half.
The Clippers reignited their first-quarter momentum after halftime, with Garland again leading the way. L.A. outscored the Kings, 32-16, in the third quarter to take a commanding 93-70 lead into the fourth quarter.
Sacramento continued to struggle in the final quarter, failing to find any kind of offensive rhythm against the Clippers’ aggressive defense. The Clips continued to roll, driving to the rim and putting the finishing touches on an impressive opening-night effort before a curious but appreciative home crowd of 17,927.
Garland finished with a game-high 30 points, helping to provide an encouraging and exciting glimpse of what the rest of this challenging season could look like. LaVine, a former UCLA star, led the Kings with 28 points in 34 minutes. Domantas added 14 points, 18 rebounds and 8 assists.
The game also brought a couple of high-profile rookie guards into the limelight. The fifth overall draft pick by the Clippers, Keaton Wagler, made his NBA debut along with the Kings’ top pick, Darius Acuff Jr., taken seventh overall.
Acuff struggled mightily as a starter, finishing with only 12 points in 35 minutes, including an unsightly 5 for 24 from the field, 0 for 7 from three-point range, and just 2 for 5 free-throwing. He had more turnovers (four) than assists (three). Coming off the bench, Wagler logged 15 points on 4-8 shooting, 3-6 from beyond the arc, 4-4 free throws, plus 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. He played at his own pace with veteran-like poise.
As one of the primary ball-handlers against full-court pressure, Wagler only turned the ball over one time.
The Clippers showcased a new identity in the opener, combining Garland’s scoring ability with an aggressive offensive approach and strong defensive execution. While one game doesn’t define an entire season, this performance–along with Wagler’s bright future–brings plenty of optimism for an organization desperately in need of good news … and some light at the end of the tunnel.
The Clippers will look to build on their momentum when they hit the freeways to meet the Lakers on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. The game will be a homecoming for the popular Hachimura, who spent the past three-plus seasons in a Laker uniform.