Tyronn Lue Dedicates Clippers 121-96 Win Over Kings To Suspended Owner Steve Ballmer Clippers coach Tyronn Lue dedicated the team's 121-96 opening win over the Sacramento Kings to owner Steve Ballmer, who is serving a one-year NBA suspension for salary cap circumvention. Players said Ballmer was with the team in spirit. Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue dedicated the team's 121-96 opening night win over the Sacramento Kings to owner Steve Ballmer, who is serving a one-year suspension from the NBA for violating salary cap circumvention rules. The victory came at Intuit Dome, the arena Ballmer built. Ballmer is banned for the season and is not allowed to participate in any league or team activities during the suspension, which includes all communication with the Clippers. The NBA also fined the Clippers 30 million dollars and stripped the team of five first-round picks. President of business operations Gillian Zucker received a one-year ban, and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month ban.Clippers accept penalties and trade Kawhi LeonardBallmer and the Clippers decided not to challenge the penalties. Ballmer later apologized and said owners should not be a distraction for their teams. After the findings came out, the Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft picks."First off, that win was for Mr. Ballmer," Lue said. "Just want to say thank you for everything, and we're still fighting for him. " The entire team echoed Lue's sentiments. "We were trying to protect home court," Darius Garland said."It's the house he built. He was definitely here in spirit. We felt his energy for sure.Team works to rebuild trust with fanbase" Since the NBA handed out its punishment, the organization has attempted to rebuild trust with the fanbase. Their effort began at media day, where interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden issued an apology to fans. Opening Night was another opportunity for the Clippers to reengage fans after a summer of scandal. The team offered free parking to those who arrived an hour before tip off at Intuit Dome.Ingram is out indefinitely as he recovers from a partially torn Achilles. Dick scored 12 points off the bench in the win over Sacramento. Leonard, who was fined 700,000 dollars, scored a game-high 23 points in 24 minutes in his Raptors debut, a 135-92 win over the Chicago Bulls. Ballmer may not be with the Clippers for the 2026-27 campaign.