California Classic Day 2: Acuff sits, Sharp shines in Kings win

California Classic Day 2: Acuff & Clifford sit, Sharp shines

Golden 1 Center was buzzing for Day 2 of the California Classic on Saturday as the Sacramento Kings hosted the Golden State Warriors, even with rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. on the sideline.

Acuff, who scored 25 points on nine-of-29 (31%) shooting from the field and one-of-nine from downtown during Saturday’s California Classic opener, did not suit up for Sunday’s game as the Kings opted to rest the seventh-overall pick and avoid playing him back-to-back days.

Joining Acuff on the bench against Golden State were Nique Clifford and Dylan Cardwell, while 29th overall pick Alex Karaban (ankle) continues to rest an ankle injury ahead of next week’s Summer League action in Las Vegas.

With their core contributors sidelined, Sacramento had to lean on two-way guard Isaiah Stevens, who scored 13 points over 13 minutes during the first half–but Stevens would be the lone King to head into the break in double figures.

Golden State, also playing without its prized lottery pick in Yaxel Lendeborg due to rest purposes, shot 50 percent from the field en route to taking a 52-42 lead into the third.

Zay for 👌

His three pointer brings your Summer Kings within 4. pic.twitter.com/DuppWUUN7P

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 5, 2026

45th overall pick Emanuel Sharp had some big moments during Saturday night’s California Classic opener, including a chasedown on the defensive end that led to a crucial Kings stop in crunch time, and he had another strong showing on Sunday.

The Houston product found his stride in the third quarter, scoring 11 points on three-of-four shooting from beyond the arc in the period to help Sacramento trim an 11-point deficit to one heading into the fourth.

Sharp and Stevens led the way for the Kings’ final push, with some help from Marquel Sutton–who drilled a clutch go-ahead triple with less than three minutes to play–and recent two-way signee Adam Flagler, who joined Sharp, Stevens, Sutton, and Viktor Lakhin in double figures.

Thanks to a steady balance of scoring and some timely defense down the stretch, Sacramento did just enough to pull out a 91-85 win over Golden State to improve to 2-0 in California Classic play.

Stevens finished the day with 18 points, four assists and one steal, while Sutton added 16 off the bench during the win.

😳😳😳 https://t.co/LBwi61eEks pic.twitter.com/9eA1WcWKVM

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 5, 2026

Sharp was the main star of this one, as the 45th pick continues to skyrocket towards becoming a fan favorite due to his three-and-D skillset–not to mention his active motor and non-stop hustle.

Over 28 minutes of play, Sharp scored 18 points (four-of-12 from three-point range), pulled down seven rebounds, swiped two steals and blocked two shots.

“There’s a reason why I’m here,” Sharp said postgame. “They tell me to go out there and play my game.”

If this is how Sharp plays his game on a nightly basis–with hustle, defensive intensity and timely three-point shot making–he’s going to fit in just fine with Sacramento.

Return of The Pizza Guy

Former Sacramento guard Isaiah Thomas was in the building for Sunday’s action.

Thomas, the 60th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, received a loud ovation when he was shown on the jumbotron. The fan favorite spent the 2011-14 seasons with the Kings before going on to make two All-Star appearances with the Boston Celtics.

After taking in Kings vs. Warriors, Thomas made it clear he had plans to visit another place that felt like home during his time in Sacramento:

About to head to pizza guys later 😂 https://t.co/PjogiBmqO3

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 5, 2026

Injury Update

29th overall pick and UConn product 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 conclude the California Classic on Monday night at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento will face the Milwaukee Bucks in what will serve as their final tune-up before heading to the desert for the NBA’s 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

• 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

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