Garland scores 30 as Clippers rout Kings 121-96

Darius Garland scored a game-high 30 points as the Los Angeles Clippers opened their season with a 121-96 rout of the Sacramento Kings, leading an offense that shot 52.4% from the field and never trailed. Brook Lopez added 17 points and 11 rebounds, while rookie Keaton Wagler contributed 15 points; the Clippers’ bench outscored Sacramento’s reserves 53-34. Zach LaVine led the Kings with 28 points and Domantas Sabonis had 14 points and 18 rebounds, but Sacramento rookie Darius Acuff Jr. struggled, shooting 5-for-24. The victory began a major transition for Los Angeles after Kawhi Leonard’s departure and league penalties over salary-cap circumvention, while Bradley Beal and Brandon Ingram were among several Clippers sidelined. With those players out, Garland could see increased scoring opportunities until the roster is healthier.