Rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser praised the Clippers’ energy and team chemistry after Tuesday’s 131-90 loss to the Sacramento Kings at the Intuit Dome.
“I think I had four [dunks]. Maybe three. I like the first one. Kawhi passes me. That’s my favorite,” Niederhauser said, reflecting on his contribution to the win.
The rookie thanked the veterans for their support on the bench. “They make me excited and give me energy. Yeah, great team,” he said.
Niederhauser emphasized the Clippers’ defensive intensity. “Just play hard, play harder than the team coming in… don’t let anyone beat us,” he said, emphasizing the team’s focus on effort and responsibility.
He also praised the group’s belief in each other despite challenges. “Man, we’ve got some legends on this team…we’ve got to go out there every day and do the best we can and see what’s going to happen, but play hard and compete every day,” Niederhauser said.
Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 33 points, while James Harden added 21 points and John Collins contributed 16 points, with Niederhauser matching Collins’ total. The Clippers extended their best five-game winning streak of the season 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, outscoring Sacramento 42-41, and limiting the Kings to 41% overall. Despite missing center Ivica Zubac with a sprained left ankle, Los Angeles’ ball movement and defensive execution overwhelmed Sacramento, which has now lost five straight road games.
Los Angeles led by 30 points after three quarters, allowing the team to break away in the fourth inning 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.
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