Darius Garland scores 30 as the Clippers rout the Kings 121-96 in their first opener without Kawhi Leonard since 2019

Darius Garland scored 30 points Wednesday night as the LA Clippers routed the Sacramento Kings 121-96 in their first season opener without Kawhi Leonard since 2019.

The Clippers never trailed in front of 17,927 fans at Intuit Dome. Their bench outscored the Kings' reserves 53-34.

"First off, that win was for Mr. Ballmer," coach Tyronn Lue said to open his postgame comments. "Just want to say thank you for everything and we're still fighting for him."

Playing for an absent owner

Owner Steve Ballmer was missing from his usual baseline seat near the bench. He is serving a one-year suspension from all league and team activities after the NBA found the Clippers guilty of violating salary cap circumvention rules involving Leonard. The team was fined $30 million and lost five straight first-round picks from 2029 through 2033. President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months.

"He was definitely here in spirit," Garland said. "Somebody was at his seats and we felt the energy. It wasn't his energy, but we felt his energy."

The Clippers offered free parking for the opener at the arena Ballmer privately financed. "It's the house he built, so we try to protect that as much as we can," Garland said. John Gibson, who is filling Ballmer's roles as CEO and governor on an interim basis, met with Lue before tipoff in Ballmer's place.

"We keep him in our hearts," Lue said. "He provided a great living for everyone in this arena. One of the best men that I know."

A young roster delivers

Brook Lopez added 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Rookie guard Keaton Wagler had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Rui Hachimura had 10 points and eight rebounds in his debut after coming over from the Lakers.

Zach LaVine led the Kings with 28 points and Domantas Sabonis added 14 points and 18 rebounds.

The Clippers were without Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, Max Strus, Jordan Miller and Yanic Konan Niederhauser. Leonard, traded to Toronto last month, scored 23 points in the Raptors' opening win over Chicago. The Clippers visit the Lakers on Friday while the Kings host Portland.