The Sacramento Kings fell to 0-5 on the season in a 132-120 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, October 30, 2026. Sactown Sports reported that rookie Darius Acuff Jr. poured in a season-best 34 points for Sacramento in the defeat.
Pelicans Capitalize on Sacramento Miscues
The Sacramento Kings arrived in New Orleans searching for their first victory of the 2026-27 campaign. The Kings became the first team in the league to drop five games this season.
Things started promisingly enough for the visitors. Sacramento built an early eight-point advantage in the early going, looking sharp and cohesive on the road. But the momentum dissolved as the game wore on. New Orleans seized control during the second and third quarters, launching a 12-0 run early in the second frame book-ended by Derik Queen’s 3-pointer and short jumper that pushed the hosts ahead 36-32.
The Kings managed to stay within striking distance early in the third period when Acuff drove to the hoop, narrowing the deficit to 67-65. That was as close as they would get. The Pelicans answered with a decisive 21-4 flurry fueled by consecutive 3-pointers from Jeremiah Fears and Trey Murphy III alongside six points from Zion Williamson. Though Zach LaVine hit a 3-pointer with 7:11 remaining to cut the margin to 113-106, New Orleans reeled off the next 10 points to put the game out of reach.
Rookie Acuff Joins Elite Company Despite the Loss
While the team struggled, rookie Darius Acuff Jr. put on a historic individual display. Acuff finished with 34 points and six rebounds, shooting 13-of-26 from the field. According to data highlighted by Underdog NBA, Acuff joined LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Stephon Marbury as the only teenagers in NBA history to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in a single game.
Acuff’s previous high-water mark was 33 points, set on October 23 against Portland. Alongside his scoring outburst, De’Andre Hunter and Precious Achiuwa each contributed 24 points for Sacramento, while LaVine added 21. Domantas Sabonis grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds, adding nine points and seven assists, though he also committed seven turnovers.
For New Orleans, Jeremiah Fears flirted with a triple-double, scoring 22 points to go with a career-best 13 assists, four blocks, and two steals while missing a triple-double by just two rebounds. Zion Williamson also notched 22 points and recorded five steals, helping the Pelicans break into the win column just 24 hours after suffering a 104-91 home loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Upcoming Schedule
The Kings continue their road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, October 31, followed by a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, November 2. They return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, November 4.
