Sacramento Kings routed by Nets in Summer League opener
The Sacramento Kings were dismantled by the Brooklyn Nets 115-83 on Tuesday in the 2026 NBA Summer League, extending their recent slide with a third straight loss dating back to the 2026 playoffs. Brooklyn’s defense stifled Sacramento’s transition game, forcing 16 turnovers and converting them into 41 points. The Kings’ last result came on April 13, 2026, when they beat the Portland Trail Blazers 122-110, but their Summer League form has been erratic.
What happened in Las Vegas?
Egor Dëmin torched the Kings early, finishing with 22 points, eight assists, and four steals without a single turnover. Brooklyn jumped out to a 38-18 lead after one quarter, with Dëmin dropping 16 of those points in the opening 10 minutes. The Nets’ bench sparkled too—Ben Saraf added 11 points, five assists, and four steals off the pine. Sacramento’s Darius Acuff Jr. paced all scorers with 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting, but the Kings couldn’t keep pace as Brooklyn dominated the paint (56-34) and fast breaks (30-3).
Why it matters for the Sacramento Kings
This Summer League loss is the third in a row for Sacramento, whose recent form reads 2W-0D-3L. The Kings’ porous defense in Vegas—allowing 30 points off turnovers—mirrors issues that plagued them late in the 2026 season. Sacramento’s offensive struggles extended beyond turnovers, with just 83 points on 38.6% shooting. The Kings face the Boston Celtics next, a matchup that could further expose their defensive frailties.
Brooklyn’s depth shines while Sacramento searches for answers
Brooklyn’s bench outscored Sacramento’s by 32 points, with six players logging at least two steals. Mikel Brown Jr. (16 points, five assists) and Danny Wolf (14 points) provided steady production, while Chaney Johnson posted a +31 rating. For Sacramento, Acuff’s 26 points were a bright spot, but his five turnovers underscored the Kings’ struggles to protect the ball. The Kings’ next test comes Wednesday against Boston, a game that could define their Summer League trajectory.
Summer League standings and what’s next
Brooklyn improved to 2-1 with the win, while Sacramento fell to 1-2. The Kings’ recent form—lost the last two—raises questions about their cohesion heading into the 2026-27 season. Brooklyn’s defensive intensity and depth suggest they’re building momentum, while Sacramento must address turnovers and transition defense. The Kings’ next outing pits them against Boston, a team that will look to exploit any lingering issues.