By TESN Staff

Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. experienced both the challenges and promise of professional basketball in his California Classic Summer League debut, helping lead the Kings to a 79-76 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft finished with a game-high 25 points, four assists, one rebound, and one steal. While his shooting numbers—9-for-29 from the field and 1-for-9 from three-point range—reflected an inefficient night, his ability to remain aggressive and contribute in key moments stood out.

"It was a rough start," Acuff said after the game. "I was getting rushed a little bit, something I don't normally do. But I'm just glad we got the win, and I stayed poised down the stretch."

That composure became evident in the fourth quarter.

Acuff attacked the paint with confidence, created scoring opportunities in the pick-and-roll, and knocked down his only three-pointer of the game during Sacramento's comeback. On the game's final possession, rather than forcing a contested shot, he found teammate Nique Clifford, who connected on the game-winning three-pointer.

The performance showcased several strengths that defined Acuff's standout freshman season at University of Arkansas. The 2025-26 SEC Player of the Year consistently demonstrated his ability to create off the dribble, change speeds, get into the lane, and make plays for teammates.

There were also expected learning moments. Acuff acknowledged that he was playing faster than usual early in the game, and his shooting efficiency reflected the adjustment to NBA-level pace and physicality. Summer League provides young players with opportunities to learn through game experience, and Acuff's debut illustrated both his current strengths and the areas that will continue to develop.

While one Summer League game is far from a complete evaluation, Acuff's first appearance in a Kings uniform offered encouraging signs. His confidence never wavered after a slow start, he continued to make plays throughout the second half, and he helped Sacramento secure a win by making the right decisions when the game mattered most.