Nigerian forward Precious Achiuwa scored 24 points for the Sacramento Kings in their 132-120 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Centre. The Kings remain winless in the 2026/27 NBA season, having lost their first five games. Achiuwa's performance was a highlight for the Kings, who struggled to contain the Pelicans' offense. The Kings started well, taking the first quarter 30-24, but ultimately fell short. The loss extends the Kings' winless streak to start the season.
The Kings' rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. led his team with a game-high 34 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds in 41 minutes. His impressive performance earned him his first double-double in the NBA. Despite Acuff Jr.'s efforts, the Kings were unable to overcome the Pelicans' strong team play. The Pelicans' victory was led by a balanced offense, with multiple players contributing significant points. The Kings' loss was their fourth consecutive defeat, highlighting their struggles early in the season.
Achiuwa's 24 points, along with nine rebounds and a team-high four steals in 41 minutes, were crucial for the Kings. However, he narrowly missed achieving a double-double. De'Andre Hunter also scored 24 points for the Kings, while Zach LaVine added 21 points. Despite these performances, the Kings were unable to match the Pelicans' scoring. The Pelicans' win was a testament to their strong team chemistry and depth.
The Kings took an early lead, but the Pelicans responded by winning the second quarter 39-31 and the third quarter 39-27. The Kings won the fourth quarter 32-30 but were unable to overturn the 12-point deficit. Centre Domantas Sabonis had a game-high 15 rebounds, along with nine points and seven assists for the Kings. The Kings' bench struggled to make an impact, and their starters were unable to maintain a consistent level of performance.
The Pelicans' victory was a significant win for the team, showcasing their strength and resilience. The Kings, on the other hand, will look to regroup and find their form early in the season. With a young core, including Acuff Jr. and Achiuwa, the Kings have the potential to turn their season around. However, they will need to address their defensive struggles and find a way to win games.
The game was played in front of a lively crowd at the Smoothie King Centre, with fans cheering on the Pelicans to victory. The Pelicans' win will give them confidence as they look to build on their strong start to the season. The Kings, meanwhile, will look to learn from their mistakes and make adjustments for their next game.
The Sacramento Kings' loss to the New Orleans Pelicans highlights the challenges they face in the 2026/27 NBA season. With a new-look roster, the Kings are still finding their identity and chemistry. Despite the loss, Achiuwa's performance is a positive sign for the team, and they will look to build on his contributions in future games.
Key points
- Precious Achiuwa scored 24 points for the Sacramento Kings in their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
- The Kings remain winless in the 2026/27 NBA season, having lost their first five games.
- Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. led the Kings with a game-high 34 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds.
