SACRAMENTO — In sports it’s not just about the starting front line that needs to be intact, but it is as much about the sporting cast around the main guys that have to be ready for battle.  

The Los Angeles Clippers showed their dominance in the preseason match-up versus the Sacramento Kings winning 109-91. While, it’s easy to think that the starters for the Clippers put their stamp on the game, it was actually the bench unit that showed out. 

The combination of John Collins, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez contributed 48 of the 109 teams’ points. These three players were all picked up in this past year’s free agency. The night for the Clippers belonged to Collins who had a game high 24 points and 6 rebs shooting 87.5% from the field and 100% from the three. 

Head coach Ty Lue stated a couple of weeks ago that the fifth spot for the starting role for the Clippers was still up for grabs, but if Collins continues to play like this, then the pressure will be on Lue to give him the job. However, Collins has kept the mindset of just doing what is best for the team, which means great news for the team about chemistry. 

Is starting important to John Collins?

“Sort of. But not really at the end of the day. Wherever I am, as long as I’m making the biggest impact, most efficient impact, whatever is best for the team. That’s what matters more. Starting is cool. But it is what it is.” pic.twitter.com/L1aGz1JFWe

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 4, 2025

Paul has been the most popular pickup for the Clippers considering he is regarded as one of the top players to ever play for the franchise. The now 40 year old point guard is in a different phase of his career from what he was with the franchise in his prime. The age though doesn’t mean Paul can’t impact the game at a solid level. In 18 minutes of play, Paul scored 10 points and had 8 assists really controlling the game not with blazing speed mixed in with fancy dribbling, but high IQ and precision passing.

The most satisfying pick up so far has been Lopez who is a former champion with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 37 year old back up center had 16 points in 18 minutes of play shooting 4-5 from the three point line. The Clippers have been missing a backup center adding Lopez to the roster sets up Zubac to get some well deserved rest. Unlike Zubac who is a traditional center, Lopez’s games translate to today’s game for big men who can stretch the floor and shoot threes while also being a good rim protector. 

After losing in the first round to the Nuggets last year, the Clippers had a number of holes they had to fill going into the off-season. These additions add a balance of athleticism, playmaking, and size. That is not counting the best player of the off-season pick up who hasn’t played yet Clippers guard Bradley Beal.  

If the Clippers’ bench continues to produce like this then it’s going to be an exciting year.