In his third game of NBA action, Darius Acuff Jr. scored 25 points against two-time MVP and Finals MVP Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 10.
In what was an otherwise rough offensive night for the Sacramento Kings, Acuff stood out as the team’s primary engine, showing why they drafted him seventh overall. In 27 minutes, he had 25 points and eight assists to go with four rebounds in the Kings’ loss.
Acuff shot 53% from the field (8-of-15) and 67% from three (4-of-6), and he was a perfect 5-of-5 at the free-throw line. His efficiency not only allowed him to lead the game in scoring but also opened up space for his teammates, which helped him dish out eight assists.
Veteran guard Zach LaVine and forward Nique Clifford played similar minutes to Acuff but had little impact. LaVine had 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting, while Clifford, who led the team in scoring against the Lakers, had just three points on 1-of-10 shooting.
Acuff’s three-point shooting was a bright spot after he shot just 29% in the Kings’ preseason opener against the Lakers. His 67% outpaced Curry’s 50% (2-of-4). The two sharpshooters traded threes a couple of times during the future Hall of Fame guard’s limited 17 minutes.
“I like how spaced out (the NBA style of play) is,” Acuff said of how his skills translate to the next level. “It allows me to play my game.”
Saturday night also marked the debut of new Kings forward Ben Simmons. The Philadelphia 76ers selected Simmons first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. After sitting out his rookie season with an injury, he won 2018 Rookie of the Year and later earned All-Defensive selections.
Simmons’ production fizzled after those seasons. He averaged 15.9 points and 7.7 assists per game for the Sixers before being traded to the Nets. After a short stint in Brooklyn, he signed with the Clippers, was cut and took another year off before signing with the Kings over the summer.
Acuff will face another test at guard when the Kings take on the Portland Trail Blazers and their newly acquired guards, Ja Morant and Damian Lillard, on Oct. 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m.