SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points and the San Antonio Spurs spoiled the regular season opener at Sacramento’s new downtown arena, beating the Kings 102-94 on Thursday night.
LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points as the Spurs clamped down on defense in the second half led by Leonard’s strong play to win their second straight game to open the season. San Antonio spoiled Kevin Durant’s home debut for Golden State on Tuesday before sending Kings fans home unhappy on what began as a celebratory night in Sacramento.
The arena was raucous pregame for its first game that counts as there was plenty of emotion from fans who remembered how close the franchise was to moving to Seattle before Vivek Ranadive bought the team in 2013 and reached a deal to build the arena.
It didn’t end as well despite a strong night from DeMarcus Cousins, who led Sacramento with 37 points and 16 rebounds.