Paul George returns but Kawhi Leonard-less Los Angeles Clippers lose 103-124 to Sacramento Kings

Doc Rivers was one happy man before the start of Los Angeles Clippers’ home tilt against Sacramento Kings at Staples Center, as he watched over his full roster taking part in the pre-match warm-up. After all, Paul George returned from a nine-game absence, and Patrick Beverley was also declared fit for the match following an injury. And there was no indication whatsoever of Kawhi Leonard and load management.

But all the excitement subsided inside the Staples Center, which was hosting its first NBA game after Kobe Bryant’s death on Monday, as soon as the Clippers came out of the locker room and lined-up for the national anthem. For there was no Leonard. It was reported that Leonard complained of back tightness and he sat out the entire game.

But more discouraging for the home fans was that Paul George was seemingly under the minute-restriction and without two of their superstars, Clippers came out second-best as Sacramento Kings beat Doc Rivers’ men 103-124 in what was their third win in four games. That defeat snapped a 10-game winning run for the Clippers against the Sacramento Kings, dating back to March 26, 2017.

Lou Williams (22 points and 6 assists) and Montrezl Harrell (21 points, 3 assists and 7 rebounds) led the fight for the Clippers. Landry Shamet scored 15, while Patrick Beverley could muster only 11 points.

The fact that Clippers were shorthanded can’t take away the boldness the Kings showcased in this game, boldness, both in the defence and offence, especially De’Aaron Fox, who not only enjoyed a career-high 34 points on the night but also had 14 of 24 field-goal and 3 of 4 from 3-point range. He also recorded 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocked shots.

“Offensively and defensively, I thought he was really locked in,” Kings coach Luke Walton said. “I think for young players, one of the challenges that you have to master in this league is the consistency and the ability to be great every night, and I thought tonight, for whatever reason, when that game started, he was locked and loaded on both”

The Kings ended the game with a franchise record with 21 3-pointers, bettering its previous 20 3-point records, which Sacramento had been done three times over the past two seasons.