Kawhi-less Clippers roll past the Kings in a wire-to-wire season-opening rout

Darius Garland powered the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 121-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, marking their first season opener without Kawhi Leonard since 2019. The team's bench outscored the Kings' bench 53-34. Brook Lopez chipped in with 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, while rookie guard Keaton Wagler contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Debuting for the Kings was Rui Hachimura, who delivered 10 points and eight rebounds. Zach LaVine led the Kings with 28 points, while Domantas Sabonis added 14 points and 18 rebounds. The Clippers have the most significant age decrease in the NBA between their current roster and the team that played the season opener last year, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

This can be attributed to the team's trades for James Harden and Chris Paul last season and Leonard's departure to the Toronto Raptors following a salary cap violation. Leonard scored 23 points to lead the Raptors in their season-opening win over Chicago on Wednesday. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was absent from his customary position near the bench, serving a one-year suspension for his role in enabling Leonard's off-court income opportunities.

The Clippers fielded a depleted lineup without key players Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, Max Strus, Jordan Miller, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, all of whom were recovering from various injuries.