{
  "id": 16001631,
  "title": "Kawhi-less Clippers roll past the Kings in a wire-to-wire season-opening rout",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/kawhi-less-clippers-roll-past-the-kings-in-a-wire-to-wire-season",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T05:11:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kawhi-less-clippers-roll-past-051137568.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Darius Garland led the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 121-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings in their season-opening game on Wednesday night at Inglewood, California. This marked the first season opener without Kawhi Leonard since 2019. Brook Lopez contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, while rookie guard Keaton Wagler netted 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Debutant Rui Hachimura from the Lakers added 10 points and eight rebounds. The Clippers' bench outplayed the Kings' 53-34. Zach LaVine led the Kings with 28 points, while Domantas Sabonis added 14 points and 18 rebounds. The Clippers have experienced the largest decrease in average age among NBA teams since their last season opener, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. This decline is largely attributed to the trades of James Harden and Chris Paul last season, and Leonard's trade to the Toronto Raptors after a salary cap violation. Leonard scored 23 points to lead the Raptors in their season-opening win over Chicago. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was absent from his customary seat, as he is currently serving a one-year suspension from all league and team activities for allegedly aiding Leonard in obtaining off-court income opportunities. The Clippers were missing key players Bradley Beal (knee injury), Brandon Ingram (heel surgery), and Max Strus (plantar fascia tear). Jordan Miller and Yanic Konan Niederhauser were also absent due to surgery on their left rotator cuff and right foot, respectively. The Clippers will next face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, while the Kings will host the Portland on Friday.",
  "summary": "(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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kawhi Leonard absent from season opener for Clippers",
    "Darius Garland led Clippers to 121-96 win over Kings",
    "Clippers bench outplayed Kings 53-34 in opener"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Kawhi-less Clippers roll past the Kings in a wire-to-wire season-opening rout",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/kawhi-less-clippers-roll-past-the-kings-in-a-wire-to-wire-season-16002054",
        "published": "2026-10-22T05:12:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}