Full Breakdown
Kings Capture Back-to-Back Summer League Wins, Spotlight Rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
7/6/2026, 1:04:54 PM
Kings Capture Back-to-Back Summer League Wins
The Sacramento Kings recorded a Summer League victory over the Brooklyn Nets, as reported on Feb 25, 2026, and followed it with a win against the Golden State Warriors Blue squad, reported on Apr 3, 2026. Both games were decided in the final minute. The Warriors lineup was missing Acuff Jr., Clifford, Cardwell and Karaban.
Performance Highlights and Numbers
Acuff Jr. scored 25 points, four assists on 9-29 shooting (1-9 threes). Sharp added 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists in 28:55 minutes, hitting four of 12 threes. Mogbo contributed eight points, three rebounds, three assists, one block. Kings posted 92 and 91 points while allowing 87 and 85.
Why It Matters for Sacramento
The wins show depth, with Sharp’s shooting and Mogbo’s size filling roster gaps, while Acuff Jr.’s scoring and playmaking hint at a future backcourt anchor. Early clutch experience may boost confidence for the regular season.
Official Statements & Responses
Acuff Jr. said his start was “rough,” that he was “moving too fast” and needed to “pace it out.” He noted he “saw [Clifford’s] man… and trusted him,” calling the pass the “right play.” Coaches urged him to find rhythm and choose shots patiently.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts flagged Acuff Jr.’s 9-29 shooting and 1-9 three-point rate as a concern, and noted a minus-14 defensive rating against the Nets as a weakness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree on scores and stats; detailed defensive data beyond the minus-14 rating are missing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a bit rough to start ... I think I was moving too fast. Nobody was making me move that fast. I think, in my mind, just ready to go and try to attack from the start. Should have paced it out a little more from the start. But like I said, it got easier over the game, probably around midway through the second quarter, I figured it out a little bit,” — Darius Acuff Jr., Rookie Guard, Sacramento Kings
- “I think I was in my mind just ready to go and attack from the start.” — Darius Acuff Jr.
- “No, I didn't even realize it,” — Darius Acuff Jr. on his shot volume
- “I was on an island by myself, but I saw [Clifford's] man kind of cheat over a little bit. So I trusted him, and I knew he would make it. He's a great shooter, he's been putting in great work this offseason. I just made the right play, and he knocked it down for me.” — Darius Acuff Jr., after the game-winning assist
What’s Next
The Kings will continue the California Classic later this week, adding more opportunities to test depth.
