Achiuwa bags 24 points as Kings fall to Pelicans

Precious Achiuwa put up 24 points for the Sacramento Kings, but they fell 132-120 to the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Centre. This marked the Kings' first loss of the 2026/27 NBA season, leaving them winless. The Kings had previously lost their first four games and traveled to New Orleans in pursuit of their maiden victory.

However, the Pelicans outperformed the Kings. Sacramento took an early lead in the first quarter, 30-24. But they faltered in the subsequent quarters, losing 39-31 and 39-27. They managed a comeback in the fourth quarter, winning 32-30, yet it was insufficient to overcome the 12-point deficit. Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. led the Kings with 34 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds in 41 minutes, achieving his first NBA double-double.

Achiuwa narrowly missed a double-double, tallying 24 points, nine rebounds, and four steals. De'Andre Hunter also netted 24 points, while Zach LaVine added 21. Dominant center Domantas Sabonis contributed 15 rebounds, along with nine points and seven assists.