Lue and several Clippers stars opened post‑game interviews by noting owner Steve Ballmer is missing after a league‑imposed suspension covering the entire ’26/27 campaign for breaching salary‑cap rules. Beth Harris of the AP reports that Darius Garland and Brook Lopez said the arena felt quieter without Ballmer’s “energy,” and Lue pledged the win to him.
“First off, that win was for Mr. Ballmer,” Lue declared. “Just want to thank you for everything; we’re still fighting for him. We keep him in our hearts. He gave this arena a great vibe. One of the best men I know.”
Columnist Mirjam Swanson of the Los Angeles Times argues the Clippers ought to fight for their fans, not the billionaire caught in a cap scandal that cost five first‑round picks. While the club let 4,000 patrons swap Leonard’s No. 2 jersey, Swanson notes the fan‑appreciation drive falls far short. For my money, the team should prioritize its supporters.
We’ve got more Pacific coverage:
- The Lakers surged up to a 35‑point lead in Wednesday’s opener and secured a 22‑point victory, yet Luka Doncic told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin the squad hasn’t hit its peak. “That’s just the first game. I think our ceiling is even higher,” he said. Ziaire Williams, who earned a starting role after a summer minimum‑salary deal, echoed the sentiment: “We have a solid five and a deep bench. All the holes are filled, the puzzle is complete. Luka and (Austin Reaves) are great play‑makers. Walker feels good around the rim. It’s a perfect setup, honestly. Expect a lot more.”
- After logging all 82 regular‑season games and six playoff contests for the Suns last year, Oso Ighodaro left Wednesday’s season‑opener early with a right‑hip injury, reports Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The exact severity remains unclear, but he was ruled out for the night after the second‑quarter mishap.
- In case you missed it, we rounded up a handful of Warriors notes earlier today. Will the Warriors’ next move shift the West balance?