Clippers stifle Kings to get first NBA Cup win at Intuit Dome

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- New uniforms were worn, a new court was installed, but the same Clippers showed up to play. Now 4th in defensive rating, the Clippers showed that they can hang with anyone in the West, beating the Sacramento Kings 104-88. 

The game on Friday night was the first NBA Cup game at Intuit Dome and the first NBA Cup win for the Clippers this season. I could go down a list of names like I usually do, but this game was won as a collective. 

Each player that got minutes on the Clippers scored 5 or more points on the offensive end, and on defense, it was even more impressive. 

The Sacramento Kings in the Damontas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox era have been known to be an offensive powerhouse, with high pace and great shooting. The Clippers held them to the lowest point total in a half for any NBA team all season at 29 and led by 22 at the half. 

That was sparked by a 20-1 run in the first quarter that pushed the lead to double digits, with contributions from Amir Coffey yet again, and Derrick Jones Jr.

Jones Jr. finished with 17 points on 6/13 shooting and was one of the key leaders of the defense. “Airplane Mode” can fly high, but when he is grounded, is one of the best defenders in the NBA. 

Using his athleticism and ability to get deflections on closeouts, the pairing of Kris Dunn and Jones. Jr has been a fan favorite and productive in the starting lineup.

When this team locks in on the defensive end (which is most games), they truly feel that they can hang with anyone in the NBA, and I would agree with that. Just look at the schedule they have had to endure so far in the season. Phoenix has come in twice, two matchups with the Thunder, two wins against Golden State and Sacramento, and a victory in Denver. 

The Clippers are now 10-7 and the 5th seed in the Western Conference due to that defensive rating at 4th in the NBA. Sure, they have issues with offensive lulls, stagnant play and turnovers on the offensive end, but when they play balanced, they can certainly beat some of the better teams in the league. 

Not to mention, the past two victories of this homestand sweep were done without Norman Powell, who is playing at an All-Star level. Kevin Porter Jr. has stepped up offensively, adding 14 points, Amir Coffey has slotted into the starting lineup with ease, and Jordan Miller is contributing solid minutes on the second unit. 

Miller even adopted the Nico Batum “No-Dip” three pointer, and put that to the test with a corner knockdown of that variety.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts for the 2024-2025 Clippers.

Now, a road trip begins in Philadelphia, as the Clippers will take on the Sixers on Sunday. Tipoff is at 3:00 PM PST.