Darius Acuff Jr. etched his name into NBA history on Saturday, becoming the first teenager in league history to sink nine three-pointers in a single contest. The Sacramento Kings rookie delivered a 38-point performance, shooting 12-of-25 from the field, while also contributing five rebounds and five assists. This feat tied the single-game rookie record for three-pointers made, marking a stunning start to his professional career just weeks after entering the league.
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Despite Acuff’s individual brilliance, the Kings suffered a lopsided 136-105 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, extending their winless streak to six games. The loss highlights the stark contrast between the two teams’ rosters, as Memphis remains undefeated at 6-0. On the other side of the ball, fellow rookie Cameron Boozer led the Grizzlies with 27 points on 8-of-14 shooting, adding nine rebounds and three assists, though he struggled with seven turnovers. Acuff’s game was his second consecutive 30-point outing and his third in six career appearances, showcasing remarkable consistency for a first-year player.
Acuff’s emergence underscores the depth of what is widely considered one of the most hyped NBA rookie classes in recent memory. Sacramento selected the former Arkansas star seventh overall following a dominant college season where he earned SEC Player of the Year honors and the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s best point guard. While the Kings’ 0-6 record paints a bleak picture for the franchise, Acuff’s historic shooting display offers a bright spot and a clear indication of the high ceiling expected from the young guard.
Source: Yahoo Sports
