Keaton Wagler didn’t just show up for his NBA debut with the Clippers on Wednesday, he absolutely exploded, dropping 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists as LA took down the Sacramento Kings 116-93. Get this: the rookie guard is the youngest NBA debutant since LeBron James himself to hit those exact numbers: 15/5/5 on 50% shooting. Yeah, you read that right.
From First Shot to Fourth Quarter Fire
This wasn’t some garbage time filler, either. Wagler logged a solid 29 minutes off the bench. He wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, driving to the rim for a layup on his very first shot after subbing in during the first quarter. Then, he drained his first NBA three-pointer shortly after, converting on a wide-open shot in transition. After a relatively quiet couple of quarters, the kid got the green light in the fourth period. He went off for eight points in the final frame on four attempts, all from beyond the arc. He also hit both his free throws, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out an assist, capping off an incredibly efficient night where he shot 50% from the field and went an absolutely perfect 6/6 from the free throw line. That’s veteran composure from a rookie, and it was a clinic.
Garland’s Praise and Clippers Roll Deep
Clippers guard Darius Garland was hyped after the game, and for good reason. “He’s been working his butt off,” Garland said of Wagler. “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.”
Wagler wasn’t the only one putting on a show for the Clippers, though. Garland led the squad with a monster 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting, adding a rebound, four assists, and a steal. Brook Lopez also turned back the clock, dropping a vintage 17-point double-double with 11 rebounds. Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Isaiah Jackson, and Rui Hachimura all delivered well-rounded performances to help secure the win.
The Clippers have a much tougher test coming up this Friday. They’re set to face a new-look Lakers team that absolutely dominated the Golden State Warriors in their first game. This isn’t just another matchup, folks, it’s a grudge match. Can Wagler keep this insane confidence rolling against their biggest rival?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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