Given how brutal the offseason was to the Clippers, the Sacramento Kings should have been able to pick up a win to open 2026-2027. Instead, the Kings got whooped, with a final score of 121 to 96. This doesn't bode well. If the Kings are going to lose to the Clippers, who can they actually beat?
When the league's investigation into the Clippers' dealings with Kawhi Leonard came to a head, the results weren't pretty. The team was fined $30 million, forfeited five consecutive first-round draft picks, and had several members of their team leadership suspended for up to a year.
Leonard, on the other hand, moved back to Toronto with only a $700,000.00 fine. Based on the Raptors' opening night performance against the Bulls, Leonard may actually be the closest he's been to another ring since he last played for Toronto. The Clippers, not so much.
They stepped on the court against the Kings with what they have been able to put together for this season. Considering everything that's happened to the Kings recently, they're in a similar boat. Still, this should have been a win for the Kings. At least, it should have been a much closer game.
Not a good sign for the Kings
Instead, the Clippers utterly stomped all over the Kings, leading the game wire to wire. A major part of the problem was the complete lack of defense, which has become the norm in Sacramento. Both Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell being injured didn't help, as they are the defensive core.
Both De'Andre Hunter and Keegan Murray were major weak points in the starting five. They were largely ineffective at both ends of the court. The Kings would be far better off starting Precious Achiuwa and Nique Clifford at their respective positions. They would at least do something.
The other issue to examine is Darius Acuff Jr. He scored 12 points on five of 24 shooting from the field. That included going zero for seven from three. Even more concerning is the fact that he finished with three assists, which isn't enough for the point guard. Domantas Sabonis had eight.
It's early in the season, and there's a lot of development to do. At the same time, this trainwreck was a continuation of what the Kings showed off in the preseason as well as throughout last season. It's hard to feel positive about what's going on in Sactown at the moment.
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