Kings’ Youth Movement Continues Amid Historic Skid in Loss to Clippers
The Sacramento Kings are leaning into their future, but the growing pains are real - and they're piling up fast. On Wednesday night, the Kings dropped their 11th straight game, falling 114-111 to the Los Angeles Clippers in front of a packed house at Golden 1 Center. It marks Sacramento’s longest losing streak since the 1991-92 season, and they’re now just one shy of tying the franchise’s Sacramento-era record of 12 straight defeats.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with a vintage performance: 31 points, nine boards, and seven assists. He was the steadying force in a game that saw both teams struggle to find rhythm early on. The Kings, in particular, came out ice cold - missing 11 of their first 14 shots and going 0-for-6 from deep to start the game.
But as has become a theme in recent weeks, Sacramento coach Doug Christie is using these tough stretches as a proving ground for his youngest players. Rookies Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, and Dylan Cardwell, along with Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden, were all handed key minutes in crunch time. And while the losses are piling up, Christie remains focused on the bigger picture.
“For me, it’s extremely tough (to lose), but that’s part of the job,” Christie said postgame. “The value for these young players is incredible.
I’m proud to watch them continue to go out and grow and compete at a high level in high-leverage moments. You don’t get those opportunities - they’re finding their way.”
Cardwell’s Breakout Night
One of the night’s biggest bright spots was Cardwell, who just had his two-way contract converted to a full NBA deal. The undrafted rookie center out of Auburn responded with the best performance of his young career: 14 points and 14 rebounds, both career highs, and his second double-double. He was a presence on both ends, showing the kind of grit and motor that can earn a long-term role in this league.
Christie didn’t hold back when asked about Cardwell’s journey.
“He earned that through really, really hard work,” Christie said. “The kid has done a hell of a job.
I don’t know that proud is the word - it goes beyond that. I’m proud of him and proud for him because he did the work.
Kudos to him because that doesn’t happen often, and he affects winning.”
Plowden Embraces the Challenge
Plowden, who’s appeared in just four games this season, found himself matched up with Leonard for stretches. That’s a tall task for any player, let alone a young wing still finding his NBA footing. But instead of shying away, Plowden embraced the moment.
“Well, first, it’s exciting,” Plowden said. “It’s a blessing to be here, but to have that kind of assignment, it’s major.
It allows me to take pride and just acknowledge the amount of work I’ve put in to get to this point. Kawhi is a great player and it was exciting to take on that challenge tonight.”
Leonard finished 9-of-19 from the field and hit just one of four from beyond the arc, but his impact was felt throughout. Still, Plowden’s willingness to step up in that matchup speaks volumes about the mindset this young Kings group is trying to cultivate.
Monk Sparks the Offense
Malik Monk led Sacramento with 18 points, including a personal nine-point run late in the first quarter that helped the Kings take a 27-17 lead. His instant offense off the bench gave the team a needed jolt after their sluggish start.
Clifford added 16 points, while Carter and Cardwell each chipped in 14. Raynaud and Carter closed out the game alongside Clifford, Plowden, and Cardwell - a lineup that featured five players with limited NBA experience, but no shortage of fight.
Injuries and Absences
The Kings were without All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, who was ruled out shortly before tip-off due to lower back soreness. De’Andre Hunter, playing in just his second game since being acquired in a recent three-team deal, exited late in the third quarter after suffering a left eye injury and did not return. That left the Kings even more reliant on their young core - and while the result wasn’t what they wanted, the reps could pay off down the line.
Clippers’ Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Leonard led the way, the Clippers got strong contributions from John Collins (22 points, seven rebounds), Brook Lopez (15 points), and Kris Dunn (15 points). Their balance and veteran poise helped them close out a tight game, even as Sacramento’s young guns made a late push.
What’s Next
The Kings are back at it Saturday night, hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back. Sacramento is just 2-7 this season in those situations, and the Cavs are rolling - winners of seven of their last eight.
For now, the Kings are still searching for a win to snap a brutal skid. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s this: their young players are getting real minutes in real moments. And while the results aren’t there yet, the foundation they’re laying could be what turns things around down the road.