George: Kings may start 0-10 after falling to Pelicans

The Sacramento Kings’ search for their first win will continue after a 132-120 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans dropped them to 0-5.

Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. had a career-high 34 points and 14 assists, but 25 turnovers helped New Orleans pull away on Wednesday night.

On the latest episode of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, George said he wanted to celebrate the bright spots but couldn’t overlook the mistakes. “They didn’t because they couldn’t take care of the basketball,” he said.

The Kings’ 25 turnovers were their most in a game since January 2023. The Pelicans converted them into 40 points.

Sacramento gave the ball away nine times in the third quarter alone, leading to 18 New Orleans points and helping the Pelicans build a lead they never relinquished.

“They couldn’t get a handle on the basketball to save their life,” George said. Sacramento briefly cut the deficit to single digits late, but costly turnovers ended the comeback push.

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The Sacramento Kings made 12 three-pointers to New Orleans’ 10, yet the Pelicans shot 58.8% from the field and scored 80 points in the paint.

“The Kings did the unthinkable,” George said. “They made more threes than their opponent, and they still lost.”

Acuff was the clearest bright spot for Sacramento. He shot 13-of-26 from the field, added six rebounds and finished with six turnovers alongside his 14 assists. George praised the rookie’s improving court vision and ability to react to defenses.

“Acuff’s decision making just looks a lot better,” George said. “He looks more like a point guard, not just a scoring guard out there.” He also urged Acuff to cut out “these early shot clock three point shots.”

De’Andre Hunter added 24 points, shooting 7-of-13 from the field and 4-of-8 from three. George said Hunter has played well in consecutive games and is spacing the floor, though he wants to see more from the forward defensively.

George also recognized rookie Alex Karaban, who scored six points on two three-pointers, and Emmanuel Sharp, who posted a team-best plus-13 in 18 minutes. He called the rookies’ promising moments a “small bit of good in a sea of bad.”

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 29: Trendon Watford #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by Alex Karaban #33 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of the game at Smoothie King Center on October 29, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

The loss stung more because New Orleans entered the game 0-4 and was playing the second night of a back-to-back. George called it Sacramento’s best chance at a win so far.

While the Kings showed stretches of competitiveness, he cautioned against reading too much into them: “Be careful not to trip over the bar with how low it is.”

Sacramento next faces Memphis, then has a difficult stretch ahead. George said he believes the Kings could start 0-10. For now, the path to a first win begins with the issue that defined the night: taking care of the basketball.

Listen to all episodes of The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Sam Amick shares his intel on Doug Christie’s job security with the Kings
• Why the Kings should give Darius Acuff Jr. room to grow
• Sacramento Kings exercise third-year option on Nique Clifford
• Kings Injury Updates: Raynaud, Cardwell, and Murray

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Saturday, October 31st @ Memphis Grizzlies (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Monday, November 2nd @ Dallas Mavericks (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 4th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, November 6th vs. San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, November 8th vs. Miami Heat (6:00 P.M. PT)

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