The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Sacramento Kings 114-111 on Friday night in Sacramento, with Kawhi Leonard scoring 31 points to end LA’s two-game losing run and extend the Kings’ slump to 11 straight defeats.
The result matters because Sacramento’s season continues to slide at a worrying pace, while the Clippers showed strong late-game control as they chase momentum in the Western Conference.
Leonard delivered a complete performance, adding nine rebounds and seven assists, and once again proved why he remains one of the most reliable stars in the NBA when games tighten in the final minutes.
How did the Kings vs Clippers game play out?
The contest stayed close throughout, with Sacramento taking a narrow 49-48 lead into halftime after an energetic first half in front of their home crowd.
However, the Clippers raised their intensity after the break and produced their strongest stretch late in the fourth quarter.
Kawhi Leonard tonight:
🏀31 PTS
🏀9 REB
🏀7 AST
🏀9/19 FGClippers take care of business in a 114-111 road win against the Kings.
— ScoreHawk (@Sc0reHawk) February 7, 2026
Brook Lopez hit a key three-pointer with 9:50 left to put the Clippers ahead 86-84, and LA did not give up the lead again.
Sacramento pushed hard in the closing stages, but the Clippers managed the clock better and held firm under pressure.
Who were the standout players in the Kings vs Clippers?
Kawhi Leonard led the headlines, but the Clippers also received strong support from their squad.
Top Clippers performers
- Kawhi Leonard: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists
- John Collins: 22 points
- Brook Lopez: 15 points
- Kris Dunn: 15 points
Leonard’s ability to score in traffic and create chances for teammates helped LA control the tempo when the game became tense.
How did Sacramento respond during their losing streak?
Despite the defeat, the Kings did not collapse. They remained competitive, but they once again fell short at the key moments, a familiar pattern during their poor run.
Top Kings performers
- Malik Monk: 18 points
- Nique Clifford: 16 points
- Dylan Cardwell: 14 points
- Devin Carter: 14 points
Sacramento has now failed to win since 16 January, when they beat the Washington Wizards at home.
For Kings fans, this latest defeat will feel especially painful because the team stayed within reach until the final seconds but could not get the final stops defensively.
What is the latest on Sacramento’s new signings and injuries?
The Kings have recently made changes to their squad, but early signs suggest the team still needs time to settle.
De’Andre Hunter, recently acquired, scored six points in his second appearance for Sacramento.
Meanwhile, Darius Garland, who was acquired from Cleveland earlier in the week, remained unavailable. He has not played since 14 January due to a sprained big toe on his right foot.
The absence of a key playmaker like Garland continues to limit Sacramento’s options, especially in late-game situations where decision-making matters most.
Why does this result matter for the Clippers?
The Clippers entered the game on a two-match skid, so this win will bring confidence back into the dressing room.
Leonard’s performance will also reassure fans that he remains capable of carrying the team through tight contests, particularly against opponents fighting to stop their season from falling apart.
The Clippers also showed stronger discipline in the fourth quarter, which could prove vital as the season progresses and playoff pressure increases.
What happens next for both teams?
The schedule does not get easier for either side.
Upcoming fixtures
- Clippers: away at Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday
- Kings: home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night
Sacramento’s next match will be closely watched, especially as they face a Cleveland side linked directly to recent trade moves.
