Full Breakdown
Kings Edge Nets with Last-Second Three in California Classic Summer League
7/5/2026, 12:55:28 PM
Game Summary
On April 12, 2026 the Sacramento Kings defeated the Brooklyn Nets 79-76 at the Golden 1 Center in the opening game of the California Classic Summer League. With five seconds remaining, guard Nique Clifford received a pass from rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and knocked down a go-ahead three-pointer to secure the win.
Background & Context
The California Classic is a preseason exhibition featuring rookies, second-year players and recent draft picks. Both teams used the contest to evaluate talent ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Sacramento entered the game with a roster that included the No. 7 overall pick Acuff, while Brooklyn fielded the No. 22 overall pick Drake Powell and other recent draftees.
Key Performers
- Darius Acuff Jr. (Kings) – 25 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds on 9-of-29 shooting.
- Nique Clifford (Kings) – 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; hit the decisive three.
- Egor Demin (Nets) – 23 points, 7 rebounds.
- Drake Powell (Nets) – 4 points on 0-for-9 shooting, 8 rebounds, 2 assists.
- Tyler Bilodeau (Nets) – 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block.
- Ben Saraf (Nets) – 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block.
Data & Statistics
Both squads shot 37.3 % from the field. Sacramento recorded 18.5 % on three-point attempts versus Brooklyn’s 21.7 %. The Kings forced 20 turnovers, converting them into a 22-6 advantage in points off turnovers. Sacramento attempted 75 shots compared with the Nets’ 59. Defensive highlights included Dylan Cardwell’s four blocks and two steals for the Kings.
Official Statements & Responses
Kings summer-league coach Chris Darnell noted the team’s early shooting woes but emphasized a shift after establishing defensive rhythm: “We were struggling to make shots early…once we found that rhythm and were able to use our defensive impact to create some offense for us, I thought we found our way a little bit.”
Acuff reflected on his start, acknowledging a rushed feel and the need for composure: “It was a little rough to start…I’m just glad we got the win. Stayed poised down the stretch and I’m going to be better next time.”
Clifford described his readiness for the final play: “I thought he was going to ISO and drive to the rim, but I stay ready. That’s what I work on every single day, staying ready for those type of shots.”
Criticism & Opposition
Brooklyn’s performance was hampered by poor shooting efficiency and turnover volume. Powell’s 0-for-9 field-goal line illustrated the Nets’ offensive struggles, while the decision to sit Mikel Brown Jr., the No. 6 overall pick, limited the team’s rookie showcase options. The Nets also recorded fewer possessions, reflecting a less effective transition game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every time we step on this floor, we’re trying to protect homecourt and play for our fans, so to come away with a win, that’s all I really care about,” — Nique Clifford, Guard, Sacramento Kings
- “That’s who Dylan is. He’s going to fight for our team. He’s the energy guy. He’s the guy that hypes the crowd up and gets us all going.” — Nique Clifford, Guard, Sacramento Kings
- “Once we found that rhythm and were able to use our defensive impact to create some offense for us, I thought we found our way a little bit.” — Chris Darnell, Summer-League Coach, Sacramento Kings
- “I was on an island by myself, but I saw his man kind of cheating over a little bit, so I trusted him and I knew he would make it,” — Darius Acuff Jr., Guard, Sacramento Kings
- “I thought he was going to ISO and drive to the rim, but I stay ready,” — Nique Clifford, Guard, Sacramento Kings
Why It Matters
The victory provides early validation for Acuff’s transition to the NBA and highlights Clifford’s ability to execute under pressure, both factors that could influence roster decisions for the Kings. Conversely, the Nets must address Powell’s shooting slump and overall offensive cohesion to secure meaningful minutes for their 2025-26 draft class.
What’s Next
Both franchises have additional California Classic matchups scheduled later this week, offering further opportunities to assess rookie development and refine rotations ahead of the regular season.
