Sports News Report
League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Breaking News

Darius Acuff Jr. praises Damian Lillard ahead of first matchup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 23, 2026, 9:44 PM

Last updated Oct 23, 2026

Darius Acuff Jr. praises Damian Lillard ahead of first matchup
Summary

Darius Acuff Jr. of the Sacramento Kings expressed admiration for Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard before their first-ever matchup, highlighting their similar playing styles and Lillard’s work ethic. Acuff, who had a difficult debut scoring 12 points on 24 shots, contrasts with Lillard, who scored 25 points on 88 percent shooting in his first game following an Achilles injury. Both players will take the court in Sacramento, with Acuff aiming to improve after a challenging start.

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Latest Updates
  • •Darius Acuff Jr. praises Damian Lillard's work ethic.
  • •Acuff scored 12 points in his NBA debut.
  • •Lillard scored 25 points in his season opener.
  • •Acuff and Lillard face off for the first time.
  • •Acuff highlights similarities in their playing styles.
Latest Updates
  • 9:44 PMYahoo Sports — Kings Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Gives Damian Lillard Flowers Before First Matchup
What they're saying
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Rookie Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. is giving Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard some serious props ahead of their first-ever matchup. Speaking to Kings NBA insider James Ham yesterday (Oct. 22), Acuff commended Lillard’s work ethic while noting an overlap in the way they play. “I see a lot of similarities in my […] The post Kings Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Gives Damian Lillard Flowers Before First Matchup appeared first on HEAVY.

Related Teams & Leagues
Milwaukee BucksPortland Trail BlazersSacramento KingsNBABasketball

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