Game Preview

The Sacramento Kings traveled down the 5 freeway Wednesday night to take on the Clippers at Staples.

Despite the preseason not impacting the regular season whatsoever, both teams looked to add another win in the new year. Both teams were able to come out victorious in their first bouts. On Monday, the Kings were successful in taking down the defending Western Conference champion, Phoenix Suns. The Clippers were able to win Monday night in a back-and-forth game against the Denver Nuggets. Needless to say, both teams were eager to continue their winning streak to gather some momentum leading up to the regular season.

Kings

Kings were active in the trade market this past offseason. They traded guard Delon Wright to Atlanta after spending just half of a season with the team. They were also able to bring in big man Tristan Thompson from Boston. Thompson's championship experience might bring some veteran leadership to a locker room. The likes of which have yet to win a championship since their days as the Rochester Royals back in 1951.

The Kings moved on after reuniting with Hasan Whiteside, who began his career with the team. In early August, the Jazz signed him as an unrestricted free agent. He'll most likely be coming off the bench in relief of Rudy Gobert, also known as the Stifle Tower.

They added some more depth in adding the former first-round pick Alex Len. Len spent last season with the Wizards, who made a quick playoff exit after losing in the first round.

Perhaps the most noteworthy acquisition for the Kings came in the draft. Sacramento was able to take Davion Mitchell with the 9th overall pick in the draft. Some of you may remember Mitchell for leading Baylor to their first-ever NCAA championship this past March Madness.

This Kings team is poised to break through their postseason drought. Sac-Town is currently on a 15-year and NBA-leading playoff drought, having not reached the postseason since 2006. With a tandem guard duo of De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, the future seems bright.

Clippers

The Clippers made several moves this past offseason, including not choosing to renew Demarcus Cousins. The former King hasn't looked quite like his old self since his devastating Achilles tear in the 2019 NBA Finals.

The former King Harry Giles was another addition for the Clippers. Injuries have plagued Giles in his still young NBA career. It will be interesting to see if Giles will be able to contribute to this contending Clippers squad.

This past summer, the most surprising move for Clippers fans was the trading away of Patrick Beverley for Eric Bledsoe. Ever since the Clippers acquired him in the trade that sent Chris Paul to Houston, Beverley had revitalized the team. His elite pestering defensive habit and his innate ability to get the crowd involved in games will be something fans will never forget. Bledsoe, on the other hand, will be entering his second stint on the team. The team is hopeful that what they might be losing defensively in Peverley, they might gain in Bledsoe's scoring and playmaking ability.

The biggest questions surrounding the organization will be when will superstar forward Kawhi Leonard return from injury. There has yet to be an official announcement about his return, as he still has a way to go after tearing his ACL in the playoffs against Utah. Rumors have circulated hinting at a potential return somewhere come playoff time. But, for now, the team will do their best without him.

Getty Images

Game Summary

Quarter 1:

Kings won the first quarter leading with a score of 28-22.

De'Aaron Fox led the way with 8 points making 2 for 3 from distance to go along with 2 free throws. Harrison Barnes led his team off the glass, corralling 4 boards. Rookie Davion Mitchell started slow, going 0-3 in just under 7 minutes of play.

A few Clippers made their first appearances of the new season after sitting the first game. Paul George is one player who made checked in for the first time this preseason. Nicolas Batum also played in Wednesday night's game after a long offseason. He spent his summer in Tokoyo contributing to Team France at the Olympic Games.

Paul George and Ivica Zubac tied in leading the team in points. They both scored 5 apiece. In addition to Zubac's 5 points, he also led the way in rebounds for the quarter totaling 3.

Quarter 2:

At the half, the Clippers came back and evened it at 51.

Fox duplicated his scoring output again in the 2nd scoring another 8 points. Tristan Thompson got into the action by giving his team 4 rebounds in the quarter half, which came on offense. Alex Len was second in scoring for the quarter with 5 going along with 2 assists.

Reggie Jackson led the Clippers back into this game, coming second on the team in scoring and leading in steals and rebounds for the quarter. Terrance Mann led all Clipper players in the 2nd, continuing his solid preseason play amassing 9 pts.

Quarter 3:

Kings came out of half-time hot, outscoring Los Angeles 38 to 17 in the 3rd.

Fox and Mitchell led the way in this one. Mitchell turned things around to start the second half putting up 10 in the quarter without a single miss. Tristan Thompson continued his rebounding ways tacking on 4 more. Haliburton held down the defensive end with his 3 steals and 1 block.

The starters for L.A. got a break which could be the reason behind the Kings' colossal run. Rookie Brandon Boston Jr. checked into the game and made the most of his appearance. Playing the entire quarter, he scored 7 points and had 4 rebounds. Three out of his 4 rebounds came at the offensive end. However, shooting was not his strong suit in the quarter as he went 2-11.

Quarter 4:

Clippers won the 4th, outscoring the Kings 30-24. However, the Kings won the game by a score of 113-98.

Former Raptor and now King Terrence Davis exploded and scored 15 points in the quarter. He also added 2 steals to go along with his great 4th quarter. Kings outscored the Clippers in the 4th quarter in points in the paint, scoring with a spread of 14-6.

Boston Jr. continued his scoring display adding 13 to his total. Rookie Moses Wright led the team in rebounds in the quarter with 5. Despite trailing the Kings in points in the paint, 2nd chance points, and fast-break points, they still astoundingly found a way to win the quarter.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Stat Leaders:

Fox sat atop of the box score with a 23 point total. Thompson amounted to the most rebounds in the match with 11. Haliburton earned 5 assists for a team lead. Buddy Hield shot an abysmal 4 for 16, including a 3 of 16 clip from beyond the arc. He did, however, led all players in total plus/minus with 23.

Rookie Boston Jr. led the Clippers in points with a total of 20. The young prospect also hauled in a team-leading 7 boards in the loss. Eric Bledsoe totaled the most assists on the team with 4 despite not playing in the second half.

Next Preseason Games:

Kings: @Trailblazers, vs. Lakers

Clippers: @Mavericks, vs. Timberwolves