Darius Acuff Jr.’s Kings debut was way too KANGZ

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Darius Acuff Jr.’s Kings debut was way too KANGZ

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Paolo Mariano, ClutchPoints | Last updated Oct 22, 2026 10:56 AM ET

Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. woke up on Wednesday feeling dangerous.

He probably should have kept sleeping.

Acuff made his debut with the Kings against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. The rookie guard, however, left a lot to be desired, as the Clippers blew out the Kings, 121-96.

Acuff scored 12 points on 5-of-24 shooting , including 0-of-7 from long distance. He took more attempts than Domantas Sabonis, De’Andre Hunter, and Keegan Murray combined. He also had three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and four turnovers.

Darius Acuff Jr. in his NBA debut:

12 PTS
5-24 FG
0-7 3P
2-5 FT

Only VJ Edgecombe had more FGA by a rookie in a season-opener in the last 30 seasons. pic.twitter.com/oTIMcdUrNn

— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 22, 2026

Despite his efficiency woes, coach Doug Christie kept him in the game, finishing with a team-high 35 minutes.

Well, at least the 19-year-old Acuff got the memo. Because his performance was very, um—we’ll let the fans say it.

“Kangz,” said @ProlificMaxwel.

“He really was meant for the Kangz ,” exclaimed @KaiBOBOtto.

“Keep it up, Kangz,” urged @Dev_roams.

“Yeah, Doug is getting fired by mid-November. KANGZ,” worried @_JOTUS.

“Acuff doesn’t have his legs, Murray is nowhere to be found offensively, Nique (Clifford) is below average, and we still suck on Defense. #Kangz,” declared @Irvgottie.

“I’m just here for the Kangz rewind,” beamed @colonialocean.

Acuff, whom the Kings (Kangz?) drafted with the No. 7 pick, tried to do too much against the Clippers. He has to learn to let the game come to him instead of forcing it. Luckily for him, he still has 81 games to redeem himself.

According to Underdog NBA, Acuff had the second-lowest field goal percentage by a rookie with at least 20 attempts in his debut, trailing only Sidney Wicks, who went 5-of-27 in 1971.

Perhaps Acuff should be in a cuff. No? Okay.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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