Achiuwa bags 24 points as Kings fall to Pelicans

Sacramento Kings' forward Precious Achiuwa netted 24 points, but the team suffered a 132-120 defeat against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Centre, leaving them winless in the 2026/27 NBA season. Unbeknownst to the Kings, they entered their game in New Orleans with the aim of securing their first victory of the season.

However, the Pelicans proved to be formidable opponents. Sacramento's strong start was evident as they took control in the first quarter with a 30-24 margin. But their momentum waned, surrendering a 39-31 deficit in the second quarter and a 39-27 setback in the third. Despite winning the final quarter 32-30, the 12-point gap was too substantial to overcome.

Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. led the Kings with a career-best 34 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds in 41 minutes, marking his first double-double in the NBA. Achiuwa, narrowly missing a double-double himself, contributed 24 points, nine rebounds, and four steals. De'Andre Hunter also scored 24 points, while Zach LaVine added 21.

Dominant in the paint, centre Domantas Sabonis recorded a game-high 15 rebounds, along with nine points and seven assists.