The Sacramento Kings rookie had struggled, but hit a new mark against the Lakers.
Nique Clifford took a backseat to Maxime Raynaud for too long on the Sacramento Kings.
The second rounder for the Kings rose as the impressive rookie -- but Clifford became the standout Sunday performer: Hitting 26 points despite losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Clifford's big night down in Crypto Arena sparked reactions...mostly from convinced Kings fans in peering ahead to the future.
"The Kings will fail. The Kings will lose. Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud have visibly grown so much since their first rotational minutes. It looks ugly at times, but this is the right path," said sports editor for the State Hornet Jack Dunn on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Dunn isn't the only Sacramento-based analyst convinced about Clifford.
"Nique Clifford was the bright spot for the Kings tonight, 26 points on 11-18 field goals in 42 minutes. Definitely looking much more confident offensively," chimed in Deuce Mason of NBC Authentic.
James Ham of ESPN Sacramento became one more raving about the big night from Clifford. Ham listed Clifford's night as what stood out first.
"Give him the keys and don't ask about the dents. Nique Clifford was a focal point of the Kings' attack, both as a shooter and a creator," Ham posted. "Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, but this is the next step in his progression. Clifford finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists."
Lastly, Sactown 1140 AM Kings reporter Matt George is a believer that Clifford is blossoming into an excitable player in the league.
Clifford and the Kings walked in as a massive 13-point underdog against the annual rival Lakers. Yet he put the Lakers on their heels early via the scoring end.
He hit a five-foot shot off an assist from Russell Westbrook for his first points of the night at the 8:10 mark of the first. Clifford then hit an 11-foot pullup jump shot off another Westbrook dish -- this one coming at the 6:51 mark of the first. He came back nailing a nine-foot driving floater with 4:01 left.
Clifford eventually scored nine first quarter points to start the game, including banking a 23-foot jumper with under 1:35 in the first.
Sacramento remains linked to names like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. Raynaud has become lauded as the future among fans for his early consistency. But Clifford reminded fans and the franchise he's here too.
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