Keaton Wagler Gets Off to Hot Start in Clippers Debut

Los Angeles Clippers rookie guard Keaton Wagler put on a show in his NBA debut Wednesday as the Clippers took down the Sacramento Kings, 116-93.

Wagler didn’t start for the Clippers but still logged 29 minutes in the contest, recording 15 points, five rebounds and five assists while shooting 50% from the field and 6/6 from the free throw line. He is the youngest NBA debutant since LeBron James to record 15/5/5 on 50% shooting.

It only took Wagler one shot to record his first NBA points, as he drove to the rim and scored a layup after subbing into the game in the first quarter. He drilled his first NBA 3-pointer shortly afterwards, converting on a wide open shot in transition. After a quiet couple of quarters, Wagler got the green light in the fourth period of play.

He scored eight points in the fourth quarter on four attempts, all from 3-point range, and made both of his free throws while recording two rebounds and an assist.

“He’s been working his butt off,” Clippers guard Darius Garland said of Wagler after the game. “He’s been in the gym every day. His confidence is growing out the roof. All we’ve been telling him is keep his confidence high. We got his back no matter what. He’s gonna take lumps, that’s what happens in a rookie year. We’re right behind him. We’re gonna stick behind him. Gonna have his back through all the trials and tribulations he’s gonna go through this year. His confidence is sky high right now. You seen it today. It was really good.”

Who Else Played Well For the Clippers?

Garland led the way for the Clippers on Wednesday, scoring 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting with a rebound, four assists and a steal.

Brook Lopez also turned in a vintage performance, posting a 17-point double-double with 11 rebounds. Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Isaiah Jackson and Rui Hachimura also turned in well-rounded performances in the win.

The Clippers have a much taller task in front of them in their next game on Friday, as they face a new-look Lakers team who won their first game over the Golden State Warriors by a wide margin. The grudge match comes Friday at

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