Sacramento Kings Fall to Wizards in Summer League
Kings’ First Summer League Setback
The Sacramento Kings dropped their opening game of the 2026 NBA Summer League, losing 104‑85 to the Washington Wizards. After a 4‑0 start to the tournament, the Kings could not recover from a slow second quarter. The Wizards rode a 36‑17 run in the middle period to take a 54‑41 advantage into halftime. Despite a stronger second‑half effort, the Kings fell short by 19 points.
On the Kings’ side, Maxime Raynaud posted a 20‑point, 12‑rebound double‑double, hitting two 3‑pointers. The second‑year big man arrived from the French national team after the FIBA qualifiers and showed early promise with five points and five rebounds in the first quarter. His performance highlighted his role as the team’s primary offensive option.
AJ Dybantsa Puts on Show
The Wizards’ offense was powered by AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick, who finished with 23 points. Dybantsa added seven rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks. He found the lane frequently, drawing fouls and converting at the free‑throw line. His 6 points in the second quarter helped the Wizards pull away and set the tone for the win.
Will Riley’s Scorching 32‑Point Game
Washington’s second scorer was Will Riley, who erupted for 32 points on the night. Riley drained 6 of 8 three‑point attempts, including back‑to‑back triples in the final quarter. The former Illinois product attacked the basket repeatedly, finishing with 13 points in the fourth period to seal the victory. His 32‑point haul was a career‑high for the second‑year forward in Summer League play.
Maxime Raynaud Leads with Double‑Double
Raynaud’s effort was the only bright spot for Sacramento, as he combined 20 points and 12 rebounds. He collected five points and five rebounds early, then added two more 3‑pointers later in the game. Raynaud’s ability to score and rebound in the low post gave the Kings a constant interior threat. Going forward, he will pair with Darius Acuff Jr. to develop pick‑and‑roll combinations.
Darius Acuff Jr. Struggles with Shot Selection
In contrast, the No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. had a rough debut, shooting 4 of 14 from the field and missing all three attempts from long range. Acuff also committed five turnovers, struggling to find rhythm alongside Raynaud. He remains a work in progress as he adjusts to the team’s offense. The expectation is that his next appearance will show improvement.
Next Up: Brooklyn Nets
The Kings will be back in action on Tuesday, July 14, facing the Brooklyn Nets for the second time this offseason. They aim to bounce back from the loss and continue their Summer League journey. The matchup will also give Acuff another chance to showcase his developing game. Fans can expect renewed intensity as the team looks to turn the page on this setback.
sports.yahoo.com.
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