Darius Acuff Jr. has clear takeaway after Kings’ preseason debut

Darius Acuff Jr. made his first preseason appearance at Golden 1 Center on Monday night, and the Sacramento Kings rookie gave fans plenty to be encouraged about despite a 127-103 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Acuff finished with 19 points, four assists and two rebounds on 8-of-17 shooting in 27 minutes. He scored 17 points in the first half, showcasing the aggressive, downhill style that made him the seventh overall pick in June.

But while Sacramento’s offense eventually stalled, Acuff doesn’t believe that’s why the Kings found themselves trailing by as many as 33 points.

“I don’t think offense is the problem,” Acuff said postgame. “I think defensively, we just weren’t racking up stops as a team as much as we needed to. I think that’s kind of what separated the game.”

Darius Acuff Jr. shined in the first half of his NBA preseason debut!

17 PTS (8-14 FGM)
3 AST https://t.co/xhNbxEw6Cl

— NBA (@NBA) October 6, 2026

More on Kings PG Darius Acuff Jr.

The Kings opened the night playing with the aggression Darius Acuff wanted to see.

He quickly found a rhythm alongside Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine before the Lakers turned the game around with a 26-2 run to open the second quarter.

Los Angeles shot 12-of-22 from three-point range in the first half, while Sacramento struggled to contain Luka Doncic and committed 14 turnovers.

For Acuff, the defensive struggles were more concerning than the offensive issues.

“I think when we locked in, we’re losing our gaps, using our low goals, losing our where we needed to be,” Acuff said. “We got good possessions, and you know the times we wouldn’t. That’s where you see the difference.”

Still, Acuff wasn’t discouraged by his team’s offensive performance.

He repeatedly attacked the Lakers’ defense, particularly in the mid-range and coming off screens. He also welcomed the challenge of facing Los Angeles’ physical perimeter defenders, including Quinten Grimes, who picked Acuff up full court at times.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball towards the basket past Ziaire Williams #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of the preseason game at Golden 1 Center on October 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“I know I’m gonna face a tough defender every night,” Acuff said. “That’s why I stay at the gym.”

The rookie also viewed the Lakers’ defensive pressure as valuable preparation for the regular season.

“It prepares me for sure,” Acuff said. “It takes watching film, just being smart and not trying to dribble air out the ball back there, just trying to get one over.”

Monday’s game also marked another step in Acuff’s transition from college basketball and Summer League to the NBA. After struggling at times during his Summer League experience, he said he wanted to simply play his game against the Lakers.

“I just wanted to come out here and just play like myself and just be myself,” Acuff said.

The result wasn’t what Sacramento wanted, but Darius Acuff left his first preseason game with confidence, and a clear understanding of what the Kings need to improve.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Darius Acuff Jr. impresses in preseason debut, but Lakers steamroll Kings
• Jerry Reynolds: Why the Sacramento Kings could outperform low win projections
• Doug Christie: Nothing I read about Ben Simmons was true
• Zach LaVine says he has ‘a lot left in the tank’ ahead of 13th season
• Ben Simmons is ready for a fresh start with the Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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