Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. has made NBA history by attempting a record 50 field goals in his first two career games. This aggressive start comes as the Kings search for positives during a winless opening week, culminating in a 112-123 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on October 25, 2026.
Acuff, the seventh overall pick, has shown zero hesitation. He launched 24 shots in his debut and followed it with 26 more in his second outing. That 50-attempt total is the most by any player in league history through their first two games. It’s a clear signal of the franchise's intent to let their top prospect develop through trial and error.
Through those two games, Acuff connected on just 15 of his 50 attempts for a 30% field goal percentage. His three-point shooting sits at 11.1%, having made only 2 of 18 tries from deep. The numbers aren't pretty, but the volume is the story. After a tough 5-for-24 performance on opening night drew criticism online, Acuff didn't change his approach. He came out firing again in the next game, maintaining the same aggressive mindset regardless of the results.
Head coach Mike Brown and the Kings' front office appear fully committed to this path. With the team in a rebuilding phase, prioritizing Acuff's development and confidence is the main objective. Letting him 'cook' and learn from these early experiences is considered more important than short-term efficiency.
The Kings are in a difficult spot. Their 0-3 record includes losses to the LA Clippers (121-96 on Oct. 21), the Portland Trail Blazers (128-120 on Oct. 23), and the Grizzlies. They need a cornerstone star, and Acuff's fearlessness offers a glimmer of long-term hope. His willingness to keep shooting through struggles demonstrates a mental toughness that can't be taught.
This historic shot volume isn't just a quirky stat. It shows the organization is handing him the keys to the offense immediately. Building his game against NBA defenses now could accelerate his growth. Fans can track his progress and the team's schedule on our schedule page.
The immediate focus shifts to ending the losing streak. The Kings travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on October 27. It's another prime opportunity for Acuff to find his rhythm against a fellow Western Conference team. The key will be balancing his aggressive scoring instincts with better shot selection as he adjusts to the NBA's speed and physicality.
Improving his efficiency is the obvious next step. Working with the coaching staff on shot creation and finishing at the rim will be vital. But for now, the message from Sacramento is clear: keep shooting. The team's future is tied to his development, and these historic first steps are just the beginning of that journey.
