The LA Clippers defeated the Sacramento Kings in their home opener on Wednesday night, thoroughly outplaying the Kings in the first game of the season for both teams. Led by Darius Garland, the Clippers came away with a 121-96 victory over the Kings, who sputtered out of the gate and trailed by as many as 28 points.
The game was the first that owner Steve Ballmer was not in attendance in his usual baseline court-side seat as he serves a one year suspension for his role in the salary cap circumvention scandal. Instead, it was interim governor John Gibson in his place.
After the victory, head coach Tyronn Lue made it a point to give Ballmer a shout out in his postgame press conference.
“First off, that win was for Mr. Ballmer,” Lue said. “You know, just want to say thank you for everything, and we’re still fighting for him. That’s number one.
“Number two, I thought we got off to a good start moving to basketball, playing the right way. Then we got stagnant, you know, in that second quarter. So we got to be better, you know, all the way through the game.”
Steve Ballmer is arguably the most naturally eccentric fan in the arena when his LA Clippers are playing. That level of passion can’t be replicated, but it was something Lue wanted to highlight in what was an overall successful start to the 2026-27 regular season after a summer where the talks were about anything but basketball.
“The fans were electric and that’s what he brings every single night, you know, kicking and screaming,” Lue added. “And I thought the fans did a hell of a job just coming out supporting and we need that. You know, our team needs that no matter the circumstances.
“And I thought tonight, you know, we came out. John Gibson did a great job with the ticket sales. The business side did a great job with ticket sales, filling the arena tonight. And I thought our fans were unbelievable tonight.”
The Clippers got off to a strong start right out of the gate, with Darius Garland knocking down his first five shots, including three three-pointers. He finished the first quarter with 16 points, posing and celebrating with fans after every shot dropped through the net.
Six Clippers players scored in double-figures led by Garland’s 30 points.
Rookie Keaton Wagler made his NBA debut, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals while shooting 50 percent from the field in 28 minutes of play.
All in all, it was a night Steve Ballmer would’ve loved to be at.
Instead, the seat usually taken by the loud Ballmer was empty.
“Yeah, and kicking and screaming when we go up 20 points. Yeah, it was odd, you know. But, like I said, we keep him in our hearts. He provided a great living for everyone in this arena and, you know, one of the best men that I know. You know, so we definitely want to dedicate this one to him tonight.”
Alongside Steve Ballmer, President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker is serving a one year suspension and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank is serving a six month suspension for their roles in the salary cap circumvention scandal involving Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers moved to 1-0 on the season and will take on Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
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