League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Clippers top Kings 121-96 in opening game without Kawhi Leonard

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 5:11 AM

Last updated Oct 22, 2026

Clippers top Kings 121-96 in opening game without Kawhi Leonard

Summary

The Los Angeles Clippers secured a 121-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings in their season opener on October 21. Darius Garland led the Clippers with 30 points, while Brook Lopez added a double-double off the bench. The team played without Kawhi Leonard for the first time in a season opener since 2019. This game marks the Clippers' transition following significant roster changes, including trades involving Leonard, James Harden, and Chris Paul. The Kings' Zach LaVine was the top scorer for his team with 28 points. Both teams will continue their seasons with the Kings hosting Portland and the Clippers visiting the Lakers on October 23.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Clippers win season opener against Kings 121-96
•Darius Garland scores 30 points for the Clippers
•Brook Lopez contributes 17 points, 11 rebounds
•Clippers are without Kawhi Leonard and other key players
•Kings' Zach LaVine leads his team with 28 points

Latest Updates

5:11 AMYahoo Sports — Kawhi-less Clippers roll past the Kings in a wire-to-wire season-opening rout

What they're saying

"
(AP) — Darius Garland scored 30 points and the Clippers routed the Sacramento Kings 121-96 on Wednesday night in Los Angeles' first season opener without Kawhi Leonard since 2019.Brook Lopez added 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
— Yahoo Sportsby BETH HARRIS

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Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Sacramento Kings Toronto Raptors NBA Basketball