It has been said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. It’s just possible that the Sacramento Kings took that first step against the Miami Heat on Sunday night.

As the Heat ultimately bested the Kings by a score of 114–108, one might ask how anyone can say the team took a positive step after walking away with a defeat.

While first-round draft choice Darius Acuff Jr. chalked up a 32-point, 10-assist night, the Sacramento Kings overcame a 16-point deficit in the second half to tie the score at 95 apiece with six minutes remaining in the game.

No, the Kings did not close it out, and that remains an area they have yet to master. But suffice it to say, Sacramento kept its faithful fans engaged and gave the fans at Golden 1 Center a reason to get excited for more than a moment.

Without question, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo are genuine NBA superstars. Combined with former King Davion Mitchell, a talented, defense-minded point guard, they gave the Miami Heat the horses to close out a very competitive game.

Miami’s stars and featured players appeared in this contest, as the Kings gave an earnest effort. Even with Domantas Sabonis sitting this one out, Sacramento let Miami know it had a game on its hands.

The NBA’s longest-tenured active head coach with his current team, Erik Spoelstra, had to bear down in the final six minutes to put this game in the victory column.

For the Kings, this game represents a small step forward, but one that sends a message of confidence to a team sorely in need of it.

Before Sunday’s game came the news that the Kings had traded former first-round draft choice Nique Clifford to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round draft picks.

Clifford spent less than 18 months with the Kings. During that time, he was occasionally played out of position at point guard, but this was not a two-year experiment to turn him into one.

With the acquisition of Darius Acuff Jr. and his noteworthy start to the season, the handwriting was on the wall. Although I have been at odds with most of the trades the Kings have made in recent years, this one admittedly makes sense. And although the draft picks aren’t until 2028 and 2030, Sacramento could ultimately come away with a positive result.

Truth be told, with Malik Monk returning from injury, the Kings faced a logjam that would have relegated Clifford to the bench. Instead, Sacramento chose to make a move that may very well benefit both Clifford and the Kings.

Meanwhile, Zach LaVine and De’Andre Hunter chipped in 15 and 14 points, respectively, but without question, young Darius Acuff was the offensive star of the show.

What is encouraging for Kings fans is the progression in Darius’s game over the first 10 games of the season. He is learning his craft, and what stands out to me is his comfort on the floor.

Defense is a bit of a moving target, but I would not label Acuff a poor defender. He is not Davion Mitchell and probably never will be, but if anyone questions whether Acuff is the Kings’ point guard of the future, just buy a ticket and see for yourself.

Coach Christie is currently tightening his substitutions. Going 11 deep, Christie left Alex Karaban on the bench, and I’m convinced that has to change.

Once again, fans are scratching their heads as evaluating talent takes center stage. That assessment was on display all night as Sacramento watched former King Davion Mitchell in action.

Few point guards in the NBA have the defensive ability to shut down the competition that Davion Mitchell does. He is the poster child for defense.

If you go to my website, thekingskorner.com, I have a spot where fans can see the players who have gotten away in recent years. I’m hopeful I don’t have to add any more names to the list.

Wins begin with competitive games, and that’s what we’re starting to see!

All the best, Kings fans!

V.G. Harris