Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. becomes NBA's first teenager to make 9 3-pointers in a game

November 1, 2026

Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. etched his name into NBA history on Thursday, becoming the first teenager ever to make nine three-pointers in a single game.

The 19-year-old point guard delivered a career-high 34 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds against the New Orleans Pelicans, joining an exclusive group of teenage players—including LeBron James and Luka Dončić—who have achieved 30 points and 10 assists in a game. Despite his standout performance, the Kings fell to a 0-5 start, with Acuff’s 25 turnovers and a lackluster supporting cast ultimately proving too much for the struggling franchise.

The loss marked New Orleans’ first victory under head coach Jamahl Mosley, while Acuff’s explosive debut continued to draw comparisons to NBA legends for his ability to carry a team single-handedly.

Acuff’s latest outing further cemented his status as one of the league’s most electrifying rookies, though the Kings’ broader struggles remain a pressing concern. Drafted seventh overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, he has already shown flashes of superstar potential, though his team’s early-season woes have limited his immediate impact.

The Pelicans’ win, meanwhile, was led by rookie Cameron Boozer (27 points, nine rebounds) and Isaiah Stewart (24 points), who helped Memphis maintain an unbeaten record in their own season-opening victory.