Nique Clifford #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the LA Clippers during a NBA preseason game on October 15, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Kings desperately need some good vibes going into the season. Heading into Wednesday’s game against the Clippers, the Kings had lost both of their preseason games—and both were ugly. Wednesday was no different as the Kings fell to the Clippers 109-91 at Golden 1 Center.

The Kings’ first-half stats were abysmal as they went 16-for-41 from the field, 3-for-18 from three, and trailed 60-40 at halftime. The team’s leading scorer in the first half was Zach LaVine with nine points. Domantas Sabonis had seven points and 12 rebounds in 24 minutes of action before being pulled with a hamstring injury, per the Kings.

The Kings’ effort to implement a fast-paced offense while playing gritty, hard-nosed, accountable defense has proven unfruitful so far. Through the end of the third quarter, nothing was going right for Sacramento as they trailed 90-61 heading into the final frame. The Kings weren’t imposing themselves on the defensive end, and they weren’t making any shots on the other.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings outscored the Clippers 30-19, but it was too little too late. The Kings’ lone bright spot and leading scorer at the end of the game was Nique Clifford. Clifford, who has played well in all three of the Kings’ preseason games, scored 19 points, grabbed three rebounds, and added a block and a steal in the contest. The Kings ultimately fell to the Clippers, but it was good to see solid minutes from the rookie they traded up to draft.

“I’ve definitely just been trying to find a flow within our group,” the rookie said after the game. “Kinda trying to establish my role and what I can bring to the team. I’ve been trying to bring energy and effort, the two things I can focus on… I’ve been trying to focus on energy and defense.”

That’s not only good to hear for Kings fans, but Nique has been backing it up with his play this preseason. However, the same can’t be said about many others in the group. And that, albeit in preseason, is a concerning trend to watch as the Kings begin the regular season in one week in Phoenix against the Suns.

“I told them, you have to learn how to win ugly games,” Doug Christie said after the game. “That game there, they weren’t making shots at the beginning of the game. But there was a flow, the ball was moving, they got some good open looks. You didn’t make ’em, so that should not affect the way that you play on the defensive end of the floor. It just can’t.”

Doug also talked about the details and honing in on that for the Kings on the defensive end—something that sounds like an echo from last year under former head coach Mike Brown.

“I told them early on, I said the road to success is full of potholes and is always under construction, so this is not going to be a simple, easy fix.”

Without overreacting to preseason action, this is certainly not an easy fix. In fact, it may be an impossible one. The details, sloppy defense, and lack of effective offense are what got Mike Brown fired last season. He was, in fact, preaching the same points of emphasis that Scott Perry and Doug Christie are this season. The players currently on the Kings’ roster have, en masse, have not shown a willingness to adapt their style to the identity the Kings are trying to employ. Again, it’s preseason—I get it. However, I’d be shocked if these issues magically disappear come Wednesday night in Phoenix.

Up Next:
The Kings will travel to Los Angeles on Thursday to take on the Lakers in their final preseason game of the year.

Note:
Domantas Sabonis left the game after 24 minutes of action with a right hamstring issue. After the game, Doug Christie told the media he had not yet been updated on his condition.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

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