If the Kings can’t even beat the smoking wreckage of the Clippers…

The Sacramento Kings just lost their opening-season game to the Clippers, even though it should have been a win.

By Ian Goodwillie · A Royal Pain

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 6:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Ian Goodwillie criticizes the Sacramento Kings following an opening-night 121-96 loss to the depleted Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers were heavily penalized in the offseason with fines, lost draft picks, and Kawhi Leonard departing for Toronto.
Injuries to defensive core players Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell severely impacted Sacramento's defense during the game.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ian Goodwillie argues that the Sacramento Kings face serious trouble after suffering a 121-96 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers to open the 2026-2027 season. The Clippers entered the matchup severely depleted following heavy league sanctions and the departure of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, yet they led wire to wire against Sacramento.

Goodwillie attributes the defeat to Sacramento's poor defense, noted absences of injured players Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell, and poor shooting from Darius Acuff Jr., suggesting lineup adjustments moving forward.

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If the Kings can’t even beat the smoking wreckage of the Clippers…

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