When Keegan Murray left the Sacramento Kings' game against the Pistons early, fans were understandably upset. Then, rookie Nique Clifford stepped in and had the best game of his young career. It was a glimpse into the future of the Kings' franchise that fans should be excited about.
Nique at night 😈 pic.twitter.com/VLWLgzHO6o
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) December 24, 2025
The first half of the Kings versus Pistons game was not a good scene for Sacramento. The Kings went into halftime down 75 to 58. Detroit was definitely in charge of the game from the jump ball. To make matters worse, Keegan Murray left the game with another injury.
It was definitely a PTSD inducing situation for fans as they spent the first half of this season with Murray on the bench. That extended injury definitely played a role in the Kings' tough start. At least the second half of the Pistons game was a lot better for the Kings.
Their defense was better, and their offensive flow improved. By the final buzzer, they were only down nine points. A big part of that was Nique Clifford, who took over for the injured Murray. He finished the game with 14 points, two rebounds, and two steals. It was a difference-making performance.
The future of Kings' basketball is already on the court
Nique's performance is a strong indication of how much he's developed in a short period of time. Going into a game with your team in such a tough position is a lot of pressure for even the most seasoned professional. Clifford rose to the challenge and succeeded in a big way.
The same was true of his fellow rookies. Dylan Cardwell has six points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block, plus an impressive all-around defensive performance. Maxime Raynaud had eight points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one block, cementing him as a starter.
This trio of rookies is the future of the franchise, assuming the Kings' front office doesn't trade them or run them off by not developing them correctly. Look at Keon Ellis and Devin Carter. Assuming Sacramento doesn't screw this up, Clifford, Cardwell, and Raynuad are the next evolution.
They are the foundation on which this Kings' rebuild will rise from. If done right, they will provide Sacramento with a potent offense as well as a stabilizing defense. Everything else will extend from them as the Kings continue to prepare for a better future, which should also include Ellis and Carter.