Kings Standout Rookie Acuff Speaks on Team’s 1-10 Start

Darius Acuff Jr. continues to look like the top point guard in his loaded 2026 NBA Draft class through the Sacramento Kings' opening 11 games, putting forth another stellar performance in the team's 107-100 loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

The No. 7 overall pick poured in 29 points, adding six assists, four rebounds, and two steals, but it was not enough for Sacramento to come away with a win.

Following the game, Acuff once again shrugged off his individual brilliance, while admitting the team's losing is weighing on him.

"A lot," Acuff responded when asked how this start has affected him. "I’m not a loser … I don’t know what to do, man. I feel like we are trying as a whole, we’re just not coming out with a win. 1-10 just don’t sound right.”

Tuesday's loss marked a fourth-straight defeat since the Kings' lone victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 4, and displayed another game of the team's defensive shortcomings.

The Magic, who are without their top player in Paolo Banchero, got 74 points from the trio of Anthony Black, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane, who were likely the players circled on the scouting report entering the game.

Wagner, who is definitely the Magic's No. 1 option without Banchero, did the most damage, scoring a season-high 33 points, while adding seven rebounds and seven dimes.

The Kings had no answer for Wagner's driving ability, putting him at the free-throw line ten times and failing to slow him down.

As the Kings look for ways to turn this season around, taking more individual pride on the defensive end must be a focus.

But, for Acuff, he once again shined, looking the part as one of the brightest, young scorers in the NBA.

Sitting at 26.2 points per game, Acuff is the NBA's ninth-leading scorer, while his 7.3 assists per contest ranks twelfth.

These are remarkable numbers for a 19-year-old, especially considering he is already the No. 1 option circle by opposing teams night-in and night-out.

Acuff's efficiencies continue to rise as well, with the former Arkansas standout talking about the game slowing down, and beginning to feel more comfortable.

While it is not resulting in winning, Acuff shunning his individual success in pursuit of the team's is a very promising sign as the year progresses.

The Kings look to end the skid and pick up a victory on Friday, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers at 10:00 p.m.