Achiuwa explodes to power Kings’ 118-109 win News

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Achiuwa explodes to power Kings’ 118-109 win

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 16, 2026

Nigeria international Precious Achiuwa delivered a dominant performance with a double-double to help the Sacramento Kings defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 118-109 in an NBA game on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The D’Tigers star scored 25 points while adding 13 rebounds, one assist and a season-high four blocks in 37 minutes as Sacramento secured a crucial victory.

Achiuwa shot an efficient 10-of-14 from the field, including three of four from three-point range, and converted both of his free throws in an all-around display that proved decisive for the Kings.

The Port Harcourt-born forward has become increasingly influential in Sacramento’s starting line-up. Over his last 14 consecutive starts, the Memphis product has averaged 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.

Sacramento were led in scoring by DeMar DeRozan, who finished with 27 points, while Russell Westbrook recorded his 209th career triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Maxime Raynaud added 23 points, and Daeqwon Plowden contributed 15 as the Kings claimed their third win in four games.

The contest was evenly poised early, with the score tied at 39 midway through the second quarter, before Sacramento took control.

The Kings went into halftime with a 68-54 advantage and stretched the lead to 20 points in the third quarter when Plowden converted a three-pointer to make it 90-70.

The Clippers mounted a late rally in the fourth period and cut the deficit to 103-100 after a pull-up basket from Mathurin with just over four minutes remaining.

Sacramento, however, held its composure down the stretch and outscored Los Angeles 15-9 in the closing stages to secure the win.

Achiuwa’s growing influence has been one of the more encouraging developments in what has otherwise been a difficult season for Sacramento.

The Kings are edging towards the end of a campaign widely viewed as one of the franchise’s most challenging in recent years and are expected to enter a rebuilding phase aimed at restoring competitiveness in the coming seasons.

The Nigerian forward himself began the 2025–26 season without a team before Sacramento signed him a few games into the campaign on a veteran minimum contract. The deal runs only until the end of the season, meaning Achiuwa will become an unrestricted free agent when the campaign concludes.

Given his recent performances, the Kings’ front office could soon face an important decision regarding his future.

The Kings will host the Utah Jazz in their next game on Sunday night, while the Clippers return home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 16, 2026