Rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser praised the Clippers’ energy and team chemistry following Tuesday’s 131-90 blowout of the Sacramento Kings at the Intuit Dome.
“I think I had four [dunks]. Maybe three. I like the first one. Kawhi passing me. That’s my favorite,” Niederhauser said, reflecting on his contributions in the victory.
The rookie credited the veterans for their support on the bench. “They be hyping me up, giving me energy. Yeah, great team,” he said.
Niederhauser highlighted the Clippers’ defensive intensity. “Just playing hard, playing harder than the team that comes in…don’t let nobody out-compete us,” he said, emphasizing the team’s focus on effort and accountability.
He also praised the group’s belief in each other despite challenges. “Man, we got a bunch of legends in this team…we got to go out there every day and do the best and see what’s going to happen, but play hard every day and compete,” Niederhauser said.
Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 33 points, while James Harden added 21, and John Collins contributed 16 points, with Niederhauser matching Collins’ total. The Clippers extended their season-best five-game winning streak with the victory.
Sacramento struggled from the start, falling behind 34-20 after the first quarter and trailing 70-43 at halftime. The Kings committed 19 turnovers, which Los Angeles converted into 28 points.
The Clippers dominated the boards, out-rebounding Sacramento 42-41, and limited the Kings to 41% shooting overall. Despite missing center Ivica Zubac to a left ankle sprain, Los Angeles’ ball movement and defensive execution overwhelmed Sacramento, which has now lost five consecutive road games.
Los Angeles led by 30 points after three quarters, allowing the team to coast in the fourth while posting its largest margin of victory this season.
The Clippers remain at home to face the Utah Jazz on Thursday, while Sacramento hosts the Boston Celtics the same day.
