Clifford Shines with 18 Points Amid Kings' Rout, Coach Praises Rookie Growth

Rookie guard Nique Clifford was a lone bright spot for the Sacramento Kings, leading the team with 18 points (7-12 FG, 3 3PM), two assists, and one rebound in a 131-90 loss to the Clippers. Despite the 41-point rout and the Kings' 8-25 record, coach Doug Christie praised Clifford's continued growth, calling his struggles against stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden a "rite of passage." Drafted 24th overall in 2025, Clifford now has six double-digit scoring games, showing promise amidst team difficulties.