Derrick Jones Jr. contributed 17 points for the Clippers, who began their NBA Cup campaign with a 1-0 record and extended their home winning streak to seven games after dropping their first four at the new Intuit Dome.
De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points, 25 of which came in the second half, but Sacramento’s early struggles proved too much to overcome.
Domantas Sabonis returned for the Kings after missing two games with a back injury, contributing 24 points and 15 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan also made his first appearance since November 15, scoring 16 points despite dealing with a back injury.
In other games, the Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards 108-96, the Philadelphia 76ers overcame the Brooklyn Nets 113-98, and the Golden State Warriors edged out the New Orleans Pelicans 112-108.
The Houston Rockets cruised past the Portland Trail Blazers 116-88, the Chicago Bulls outscored the Atlanta Hawks 136-122, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a 129-117 win over the Indiana Pacers, and the Dallas Mavericks narrowly beat the Denver Nuggets 123-120.
