Unideal debut for the Sacramento Kings. Shot profile and Acuff stood out for the wrong reasons. My takeaways on the way out of the Intuit Dome:

Doug Christie after the Kings season debut loss to Clippers: Offense affecting their defense, settling for mid-range shots, Darius Acuff’s tough shooting night, and more:

Emanuel Sharp on making his NBA debut in game one, defending Darius Garland, his mindset, and more:

Zach LaVine on Kings needing to generate more 3Ps: “The right people got to shoot them. But, I mean, certain people aren’t off-the-dribble shooters, you know. So you have to help them get shots.” “You need to have downhill penetration. You got to have, you know, people being willing to help off of these guys. If they’re not willing to help, or if defenders aren’t getting beat and put in situations to rotate, you know, you’re not going to generate them unless you’re a good off-the-dribble three-point shooter, create your own shot.” “We only have so many of those guys on the team.”

De’Andre Hunter on his role and comfort with the Kings after playing 1 game with them last season: “It’s something to still, you know, figure out. It’s only been one game, so. I mean, the preseason is a lot different than regular season.”

Domantas Sabonis has broken the Sac era record for rebounds in a season opener. He passed Chris Webber (15 vs. MIN, 11/5/99) and LaSalle Thompson (15 vs. LAC, 10/31/86). Sabonis has 17 with 8+ min to play

Kareem and Wilt had 27 FGA in their rookie debuts. That's tied for the 2nd most with three other players. Record for rookie debut FGA was set by John Drew (34 FGA in 1974). Darius Acuff is 3/21 in 30 minutes at the end of the third. Kings down 93-70.

Kings bench heavy units are really struggling tonight

Lotta Acuff trying to finish with his right while driving left

Doug Christie mentioned staggering Acuff and LaVine in pregame. Darius came out earlier in Q3, now he checks back in replacing LaVine.

I've never understood the whole "rookies don't get calls" thing. It's a foul or it's not.

Much better 2nd quarter defensively. Lotta minutes for the staters but they've needed them. Acuff is at 20. LaVine, Sabonis, and Murray all played 19. Kings down 61-54.

Anyone know the record for FGAs in a rookie debut? lol

1/9 start for Acuff before he finally gets to the line. Never seen a shot he doesn't like lol

Didn't expect to see Sharp, Plowden, and Mogbo all sharing the floor in game one...

Assumedly looking for some size, Kings putting two-way player Jonathan Mogbo out there in Q1. Next to Achiuwa.