The Clippers kicked off the 2026-27 season with an Opening Night victory.
Head coach Tyronn Lue devoted the Clippers’ 121-96 win over the Kings to proprietor Steve Ballmer, who is at present serving a one-year suspension for violating the NBA’s wage cap circumvention guidelines.
“That win was for Mr. Ballmer,” Lue said. “Just want to say thank you for everything. We’re still fighting for him.”
Head coach Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers speaks to the media during a press convention before the sport against the Sacramento Kings at Intuit Dome. Getty Images
Ballmer isn’t allowed to take part in any league or workforce actions all through the suspension, which consists of all communication with the Clippers. Aside from Ballmer’s suspension, the workforce was also fined $30 million and stripped of 5 first-round picks.
Since the NBA handed out its punishment to the Clippers, the group has tried to rebuild belief with the fanbase. Their effort started at media day, where interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden issued an apology to followers.
Los Angeles Clippers proprietor Steve Ballmer celebrates after guard Chris Paul hit a last second basket during the second half of Game 7 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff sequence against the San Antonio Spurs. AP
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland waits to enter the sport during the second half an NBA basketball sport against the Sacramento Kings. AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea
Opening Night was another alternative for the Clippers to reengage followers after a summer time of scandal. The workforce provided free parking to these who arrived an hour before tip off at Intuit Dome as nicely as a jersey swap for followers who wished to flip in an previous Clippers jersey for a new one.
While Ballmer may not be with the Clippers for the 2026-27 marketing campaign, the complete workforce echoed Lue’s sentiments.
“We were trying to protect home court,” Darius Garland said. “It’s the house he built. He was definitely here in spirit… We felt his energy for sure.”
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