California Classic Day 1: Acuff brushes off rough start, Clifford comes up clutch

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.

defense ➡️ offense 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bio02iDiQH

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 4, 2026

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.

CALI CLASSIC CHAOS.

Kings win a thriller thanks to Nique Clifford’s game-winner. pic.twitter.com/xzQrtHQQ21

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) July 4, 2026

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.

Darius Acuff Jr. is introduced at Golden 1 Center for the first time; pic.twitter.com/6mZM5vg5cA

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) July 4, 2026

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.

Acuff Jr. with a high IQ play 🧠 pic.twitter.com/WecrXyddPz

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 4, 2026

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.

Keegan Murray, Daeqwon Plowden, Scott Perry & Doug Christie are all courtside. pic.twitter.com/XmToVCMlyw

— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) July 4, 2026

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.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

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

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Will the 26-27 Kings be a Bottom-5 Team in the NBA?A’s Injury Updates: Clarke mashing during rehab stint, Severino progressingUC Davis Football enters 2026 with Big Sky championship expectationsESPN projects Sacramento Kings to finish last in Western ConferenceSacramento Kings to honor Rick Adelman with jersey band during 2026-27 seasonKeegan Murray still has a key role to play in Kings’ rebuild