The Sacramento Kings opened their NBA Summer League campaign with a hard-fought 91-85 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on July 10, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The Kings controlled the tempo for most of the contest, using a balanced scoring attack and strong defensive rotations to hold off a late Clippers rally.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the annual Las Vegas Summer League looking to evaluate young talent and build chemistry for the upcoming regular season. The Kings, featuring a mix of second-year players and 2026 draft picks, established an early lead behind efficient shooting from mid-range and aggressive drives to the basket. The Clippers, relying heavily on their rookie backcourt, fought back in the third quarter but could never fully erase the deficit.

Sacramento led 46–39 at halftime and extended the margin to 12 points early in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles cut the lead to four with under two minutes remaining, but the Kings converted critical free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Key Moments

• First-half surge: The Kings outscored the Clippers 28–18 in the second quarter, fueled by a 9–0 run that included two transition threes and a steal-and-score.
• Clippers’ rally attempt: Los Angeles opened the third quarter on a 10–2 spurt, forcing a Kings timeout. The Clippers’ defense tightened, forcing three turnovers in four minutes.
• Clutch free throws: With 30 seconds left and the score at 89–85, Kings guard Keon Ellis calmly sank two free throws to seal the outcome.

Standout Players

For the Kings, rookie forward Jalen Bridges led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting, adding six rebounds and two blocks. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim was a difference-maker. Second-year guard Colby Jones contributed 15 points, five assists, and three steals, showing improved playmaking.

The Clippers were paced by 2026 first-round pick Carlton Carrington, who posted 18 points and seven assists but struggled with efficiency (6-of-17 from the field). Rookie center Adem Bona added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence.

Season and Table Impact

While Summer League results do not affect regular-season standings, this win gives the Kings an early 1-0 record in the NBA Summer League West Group. The Clippers drop to 0-1. Both teams will play additional group-stage games before the playoff bracket begins later this week.

The Kings will next face the Golden State Warriors on July 12, while the Clippers look to rebound against the Phoenix Suns. For Sacramento, the strong performance from their young core—particularly Bridges and Jones—provides optimism for the franchise’s developmental pipeline heading into the 2026–27 season.