California Classic Day 1: Acuff brushes off rough start, Clifford comes up clutch
Sacramento Kings rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. struggled in his California Classic debut, but Nique Clifford shined in the clutch at Golden 1 Center.
questions? Uh, Darius, um, just what are your, your kind of general thoughts on getting out there for the first time, uh, the way the game, uh, kind of went, um, early on and, and, you know, how it kind of came to you *** little bit later in the game. Yeah it was *** little rough to start um I think I was, I was getting rushed *** little bit something I don’t normally do um but you know I’m just glad we got the win um stayed *** little poised down the stretch and you know I’m gonna be better next time for sure. There’s, um, this is being your, you know, kind of almost like the first time you had like *** real offseason maybe even since high school because you went from high school straight to college and now you’re here, um, what has been different about your preparation as far as like training in this short span of time leading up to these games? Um, if anything I’d say more like treatment wise, uh, like being on the table way more, um, like you said, it’s the off not really offseason but it is *** little bit, um, so. Still getting the same work in, working out *** lot, but also making sure I’m taking care of my body is probably the first priority for sure. Terry, that, that, that start that you had, I mean, some of the shooting struggles, was it bothering you at all in the moment of the game, or do you kind of just look forward and not let any of that kind of plague you *** little bit during the game? No, I was just, um, just trying to, you know, stay in the game and make sure we come out with the win, um, you know, just we had *** lot of guys play good today, um, especially off the bench, um, so. No, it wasn’t really bothering me. I was just, you know, as long as we came out with the win, that was the best outcome for me. Hey Darius, earlier this week you said that, uh, your passing is your most underrated skill. So, uh, what, what did that last play look like? Walk us through it with what you read with Nick. Yeah, I was, um, on an island, uh, by myself, but I seen his man kind of cheating over *** little bit, um, so I trusted him and I knew he would make it, um, he’s *** great shooter, he’s been putting in great work, you know, this offseason, and, you know, I just made the right play and he knocked it down for me. Hey, there’s, here. Um, as *** freshman here, uh, what’s your expectation for the rest of the game, especially in the California Classic and the Summer League? Um, just get more wins, um, just keep winning. That’s the main goal, um, if anything, uh, I’m just making sure I’m, you know, getting my teammates involved more. Um, don’t think I had enough, you know, assists today, so just trying to do that for sure. Uh, Darius, going back to what you said, you know, being, uh, rushed *** little bit. Don’t that, you know, give you, um, The thought process that, you know, this is some of the things to come because this is something that you’re going to be seeing during the regular season. Is that something that you can take away and try to understand that this is how this game is going to be? Yeah, I don’t think every game gonna be like that. Um, it’s the first game I played in what, 4 months, 3 months, whatever, so it just was *** little rusty to start, um, but like I said, it’s ***, it’s *** learning experience for me. I’m gonna learn from it, get better at it, and make sure, you know, it don’t happen. And if it happens, just keep fighting through it. Uh, this was your first game with, uh, Dylan Cardwell, uh, SEC guy just like you. I was just wondering if you could comment on the energy he brings, uh, his ability as *** lob threat, and how, uh, he sort of unlocks what you’re trying to do on offense. Yeah, he’s great. He brings the most energy on the team, um, you know, we feed off him *** little bit, um. You know, we’ve seen the jump ball at the end. Um, he was hyped, we was hyped for him. The crowd was hyped, so he just, he lit *** fire up in in the whole arena, I would say, you know, the whole every, every quarter, so he’s definitely *** great guy, great teammate for sure. OK, yeah, Darius, um, first time actually getting out on the floor here in Sacramento. How did it feel to kind of start your journey towards leading this team in the future? Yeah it felt good, um, great fans they showed love all night, um, just to finally play *** game that was the best part of me. I feel like I ain’t played in years, so just being out there was just fun and you know, like I said, just learning from it, learning from every, every possession. Darius, it looked like you really got yourself going by going downhill, uh, *** lot through the pre-draft process. I know you and some of your peers dealt with the label of like the small guards and playing below the rim and things like that. Can you speak about that part of your game, getting downhill, getting to the rim and using that to open up the jumper? Yeah, I don’t know why I wasn’t doing it more to start the game. um, like I said, I was *** little sped up, um, but you know, like I said, it’s it’s good to learn from it, but. You know, I think that’s one of my best abilities to get downhill. uh, it’s like I got, I got good moves, you know, to get anywhere, so I think, you know, just trying to do certain stuff to get the win, that was part of it too, but you know, just working on my game for sure. Hey Darius, and can you tell me just, were you nervous at all for your first game, and if so, can you tell me at what point did you feel comfortable, um, just kind of out there on the floor? No, I wasn’t nervous. I don’t really, I, I wouldn’t lie to you if I was nervous, but I, I actually wasn’t nervous. I thought I was going to be, but I actually wasn’t nervous. I was like, you know, hyped to play *** little bit. Um, I got some good sleep. I ain’t, you know. Didn’t I, I did not rest. Um, I got *** great sleep, uh, woke up, had *** great breakfast, whatever. And I thought, you know, the start I had wasn’t gonna happen, but you know it happened to the best of us, um, but no, I wasn’t nervous. I was more excited to play with those guys get on the court and play *** game again that was the best part to me for sure. You mentioned uh feeling sped up at the beginning. Was there like any specific reason that you felt like that was the case? No, I think I was just moving too fast. Like nobody was making me move that fast. I think I was just in my, in my mind, like ready to like go, like ready to, you know, let go and just try to, you know, attack from the start and should have paced it out *** little more to start, but like I said, it got easier, you know, over the game probably around midway through the 2nd quarter I figured it out *** little bit. The 29 shots, did you expect to put up that many? No, I ain’t even realize it for real, but. We got to win, so I’m trying.
California Classic Day 1: Acuff brushes off rough start, Clifford comes up clutch
Sacramento Kings rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. struggled in his California Classic debut, but Nique Clifford shined in the clutch at Golden 1 Center.
Updated: 11:58 PM PDT Jul 4, 2026
California Classic Day 1: Acuff’s G1C debut comes in a thrillerBefore fireworks covered the Sacramento skyline on Saturday afternoon, those in attendance at Golden 1 Center witnessed some summer hoops as prized seventh-overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. made his Kings debut at the California Classic.Acuff, the 7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Arkansas, took the floor to a loud ovation before struggling to a one-of-nine start from the field in the first quarter–but those struggles weren’t isolated.Brooklyn led by as many as 18 points during the first half, but 45th overall pick Emanuel Sharp helped erase the deficit with strong contributions on both ends of the floor.Sharp, known for his three-and-D skillset during his college days with Houston, led all scorers with 11 points during the first half, but his defense may have been the biggest takeaway from the start of California Classic play.The 6’3 guard brought fans to their feet during a single play that saw him force a turnover, push the pace in transition, then find a soaring Nique Clifford for an alley-oop.Thanks to Sharp’s impressive debut and a strong second period from the Kings’ offense (10-of-19 FG, 59%), Sacramento overcame a 28-10 deficit by mounting a 27-9 run to end the half and tie things up at 37 apiece.As valiant as Sacramento’s comeback effort was near the end of the first half, that momentum would disappear as play entered the third quarter.Summer League hoops can get ugly at times, and the Kings’ offense fell flat in the third, with Sacramento shooting just 37 percent from the field as Brooklyn regained the lead.With the game on the line late, the Kings’ new prized rookie shook off a slow start and cashed in late by scoring seven points in crunch time, including a triple to trim the Nets’ lead to 74-73 with two minutes to play.Trailing by one with less than a minute to go, Acuff attacked the basket and drew a foul, leading him to the foul line where he made one of his two attempts, tying the game at 76-76.Following a short delay due to a small scuffle that involved fan-favorite center Dylan Cardwell, the Kings came up big with a stop in transition, allowing Acuff to set up the offense for one final play in regulation.Acuff, who passed out all five of his assists during the second half, dished his fifth and final dime to Clifford, who pump-faked to get free, then splashed a game-winning triple that sent Golden 1 Center into a Fourth of July frenzy.It wasn’t pretty at times, but Acuff and Clifford executed late, and the Summer League Kings opened up the California Classic with a thrilling 79-76 victory.Even in July, the crowd pops never disappoint in this building.Clifford told the media postgame that he expected Acuff to go with an isolation possession as he looked to secure the win, but he passed it to the now second-year wing instead.“I stay ready,” Clifford said. “ trusted me, passed it to me, and I made a play.”Welcome to Sacramento, Mr. AcuffIt didn’t take long for fans to show their admiration for Darius Acuff Jr.As soon as the first game of the day–Golden State vs. Milwaukee–concluded, Sacramento took the floor for opening warmups to a loud ovation as Acuff took the floor for the very first time at Golden 1 Center.Acuff, coming off a remarkable freshman season at Arkansas that saw him average 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from three-point range, struggled to find the bottom of the net early.The high-scoring guard missed his first seven shots from the field before finally knocking down a mid-range jumper during the closing seconds of the first quarter, finishing the opening period one-of-eight from the floor (0-of-3 from downtown).Acuff’s opening half was disappointing, but the former Razorback’s aggression held strong as the game continued.Following a three-for-14 (21%) showing during the first half, Acuff went six-for-15 (40%) during the second half while also handing out all five of his assists after the start of the third quarter.Acuff finished the night one attempt short of 30 for the game, but those numbers were expected for an offensive engine like the seventh-overall pick.The 6’2 guard had several looks go in-and-out en route to a 25-point outing, but Acuff made it clear he expects better from himself moving forward.“It was a little rough to start. I was a little sped up,” Acuff said of his rough start. “I’m going to be better next time, for sure.”As for his 29 shot attempts? Acuff could only laugh and say he had no idea he took that many attempts. 29 shots or not, Acuff only cared about one thing.“We got the win,” he said with a laugh.Rounding Out The Box ScoreNique Clifford scored 14 points (6/13 FG), grabbed four rebounds, and handed out three assists over 30 minutes.Dylan Cardwell did what Dylan Cardwell does best during his California Classic debut: block shots and get the crowd hyped up. Cardwell blocked four shots, grabbed eight rebounds, and scored eight points during his 28 minutes of play.45th overall pick Emanuel Sharp showcased his two-way abilities, scoring 13 points, swiping two steals, and blocking a shot over 32 minutes.Recently-signed two-way contract forward Jonathan Mogbo blocked five shots and pulled down seven boards during his Kings debut.Kings In The HouseKings forwards Keegan Murray, guard Daeqwon Plowden–fresh off signing a two-year deal to return to Sacramento–and head coach Doug Christie were sitting courtside during Saturday’s 4th of July action.Forward De’Andre Hunter, general manager Scott Perry, and assistant general manager BJ Armstrong would later join the trio to take in the California Classic action.Injury Update29th overall pick Alex Karaban sustained a right ankle sprain during team practice on Thursday, July 2. Karaban will be reevaluated in one week, around when Las Vegas Summer League action begins at UNLV.What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?The Sacramento Kings will continue the California Classic on Sunday afternoon at Golden 1 Center.Sacramento will face the Golden State Warriors in the second of three matchups on their home floor, with Sunday’s finale against Milwaukee serving as their final tune-up before heading to the Las Vegas Summer League.Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason ScheduleSaturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 CenterThursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League beginsMonday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become officialSacramento Kings California Classic ScheduleGames played at Golden 1 CenterSunday, July 5th – vs. Golden State Warriors (2 p.m. PT)Monday, July 6th – vs. Milwaukee Bucks (7 p.m. PT)2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League ScheduleThursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m. PT)Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards (5 p.m. PT)Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 p.m. PT)Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. PT)Final game TBDThis story first appeared on SactownSports.com.
California Classic Day 1: Acuff’s G1C debut comes in a thriller
Before fireworks covered the Sacramento skyline on Saturday afternoon, those in attendance at Golden 1 Center witnessed some summer hoops as prized seventh-overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. made his Kings debut at the California Classic.
Acuff, the 7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Arkansas, took the floor to a loud ovation before struggling to a one-of-nine start from the field in the first quarter–but those struggles weren’t isolated.
Brooklyn led by as many as 18 points during the first half, but 45th overall pick Emanuel Sharp helped erase the deficit with strong contributions on both ends of the floor.
Sharp, known for his three-and-D skillset during his college days with Houston, led all scorers with 11 points during the first half, but his defense may have been the biggest takeaway from the start of California Classic play.
The 6’3 guard brought fans to their feet during a single play that saw him force a turnover, push the pace in transition, then find a soaring Nique Clifford for an alley-oop.
Thanks to Sharp’s impressive debut and a strong second period from the Kings’ offense (10-of-19 FG, 59%), Sacramento overcame a 28-10 deficit by mounting a 27-9 run to end the half and tie things up at 37 apiece.
As valiant as Sacramento’s comeback effort was near the end of the first half, that momentum would disappear as play entered the third quarter.
Summer League hoops can get ugly at times, and the Kings’ offense fell flat in the third, with Sacramento shooting just 37 percent from the field as Brooklyn regained the lead.
With the game on the line late, the Kings’ new prized rookie shook off a slow start and cashed in late by scoring seven points in crunch time, including a triple to trim the Nets’ lead to 74-73 with two minutes to play.
Trailing by one with less than a minute to go, Acuff attacked the basket and drew a foul, leading him to the foul line where he made one of his two attempts, tying the game at 76-76.
Following a short delay due to a small scuffle that involved fan-favorite center Dylan Cardwell, the Kings came up big with a stop in transition, allowing Acuff to set up the offense for one final play in regulation.
Acuff, who passed out all five of his assists during the second half, dished his fifth and final dime to Clifford, who pump-faked to get free, then splashed a game-winning triple that sent Golden 1 Center into a Fourth of July frenzy.
It wasn’t pretty at times, but Acuff and Clifford executed late, and the Summer League Kings opened up the California Classic with a thrilling 79-76 victory.
Even in July, the crowd pops never disappoint in this building.
Clifford told the media postgame that he expected Acuff to go with an isolation possession as he looked to secure the win, but he passed it to the now second-year wing instead.
“I stay ready,” Clifford said. “[Acuff] trusted me, passed it to me, and I made a play.”
Welcome to Sacramento, Mr. Acuff
It didn’t take long for fans to show their admiration for Darius Acuff Jr.
As soon as the first game of the day–Golden State vs. Milwaukee–concluded, Sacramento took the floor for opening warmups to a loud ovation as Acuff took the floor for the very first time at Golden 1 Center.
Acuff, coming off a remarkable freshman season at Arkansas that saw him average 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from three-point range, struggled to find the bottom of the net early.
The high-scoring guard missed his first seven shots from the field before finally knocking down a mid-range jumper during the closing seconds of the first quarter, finishing the opening period one-of-eight from the floor (0-of-3 from downtown).
Acuff’s opening half was disappointing, but the former Razorback’s aggression held strong as the game continued.
Following a three-for-14 (21%) showing during the first half, Acuff went six-for-15 (40%) during the second half while also handing out all five of his assists after the start of the third quarter.
Acuff finished the night one attempt short of 30 for the game, but those numbers were expected for an offensive engine like the seventh-overall pick.
The 6’2 guard had several looks go in-and-out en route to a 25-point outing, but Acuff made it clear he expects better from himself moving forward.
“It was a little rough to start. I was a little sped up,” Acuff said of his rough start. “I’m going to be better next time, for sure.”
As for his 29 shot attempts? Acuff could only laugh and say he had no idea he took that many attempts. 29 shots or not, Acuff only cared about one thing.
“We got the win,” he said with a laugh.
Rounding Out The Box Score
Nique Clifford scored 14 points (6/13 FG), grabbed four rebounds, and handed out three assists over 30 minutes.
Dylan Cardwell did what Dylan Cardwell does best during his California Classic debut: block shots and get the crowd hyped up. Cardwell blocked four shots, grabbed eight rebounds, and scored eight points during his 28 minutes of play.
45th overall pick Emanuel Sharp showcased his two-way abilities, scoring 13 points, swiping two steals, and blocking a shot over 32 minutes.
Recently-signed two-way contract forward Jonathan Mogbo blocked five shots and pulled down seven boards during his Kings debut.
Kings In The House
Kings forwards Keegan Murray, guard Daeqwon Plowden–fresh off signing a two-year deal to return to Sacramento–and head coach Doug Christie were sitting courtside during Saturday’s 4th of July action.
Forward De’Andre Hunter, general manager Scott Perry, and assistant general manager BJ Armstrong would later join the trio to take in the California Classic action.
Injury Update
29th overall pick Alex Karaban sustained a right ankle sprain during team practice on Thursday, July 2. Karaban will be reevaluated in one week, around when Las Vegas Summer League action begins at UNLV.
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings will continue the California Classic on Sunday afternoon at Golden 1 Center.
Sacramento will face the Golden State Warriors in the second of three matchups on their home floor, with Sunday’s finale against Milwaukee serving as their final tune-up before heading to the Las Vegas Summer League.
Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!
Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule
- Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
- Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
- Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
Sacramento Kings California Classic Schedule
Games played at Golden 1 Center
- Sunday, July 5th – vs. Golden State Warriors (2 p.m. PT)
- Monday, July 6th – vs. Milwaukee Bucks (7 p.m. PT)
2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule
- Thursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m. PT)
- Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards (5 p.m. PT)
- Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 p.m. PT)
- Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. PT)
- Final game TBD