Darius Acuff Shares Toughest Matchup of Young NBA Career

In the NBA, life comes at you fast.

For Sacramento Kings' standout rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., he has quickly learned that the professional level is a different beast, posting historic individual numbers, but struggling to string together wins.

Acuff recently admitted that this lack of success has been wearing on him, but he continues to focus on improvement.

On Thursday, Acuff joined The Road Trippin' Show, where he was asked about the toughest player he has had to defend thus far.

"It’s a no brainer Luka [Dončić], he had 40," Acuff said. "I tell you the truth, it’s not easy to go out there and be like, 'I can guard him.' I can definitely tell you that."

The Kings fell 116-103 to Dončić's Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 4, with the NBA's leading scorer pouring in 40 points on 11-for-23 shooting.

Dončić also scored 11 points from the charity stripe, which he continues to do at a high rate (nearly 12 FTA per game).

Against Sacramento, Dončić was able to dictate the pace he played at, which is a nightmare for opposing teams.

Acuff, Emanuel Sharp, De'Andre Hunter, and multiple other Kings defenders all attempted to slow down Dončić's scoring, but as Acuff said, that's easier said than done.

"When you look at the stat sheet... it say 38," Acuff said. "So it’s like, you know? He be going crazy I ain’t going to lie.”

Acuff was Sacramento's leading scorer in the 13-point defeat, dropping 22 points and adding 12 assists.

But, efficiency was a problem with Acuff shooting just 8-for-24 from the field.

Despite this showing, Acuff's shooting splits have been on the rise nearly each game he plays, with this outing being the only performance under 45% from the field in his past seven appearances.

The added value Acuff has begun providing through the assist game is encouraging as well, as the former Arkansas standout has talked about the game slowing down, and reads becoming more-apparent.

Sacramento is back in action on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, looking to make good on an eight-point loss earlier in the year.

In the two team's first matchup, veteran shooting guard Zach LaVine scored 22 points, while Acuff led the way with a 33-point outing.

Expect Acuff to look to get going early against a weaker defensive backcourt in Ja Morant and Damian Lillard.

The Kings look to pick up their second victory of the season Friday night at 10:00 p.m.