Show summary Hide summary
Maxime Raynaud just set a career-high 18 points in a single half, leading the Sacramento Kings to snap a devastating nine-game home losing streak with a 126-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The rookie center’s dominant first-half performance marks the most points any Kings rookie has scored in a half since Skal Labissière in 2017.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Raynaud’s half points: 18 on 7-of-13 shooting (53%) inside the paint with 7 rebounds
- Kings record-breaker: Highest by a Sacramento rookie since Skal Labissière’s 26 in March 2017
- Historic win: Sacramento snaps nine-game home skid at Golden 1 Center
- Team dominance: Kings recorded 33 assists with just 4 turnovers for the night
Raynaud Shines in Paint Against Struggling Bulls Defense
Maxime Raynaud showed why the Stanford product continues to impress scouts with his fundamentals and touch. The 7-foot-1 center connected repeatedly with Russell Westbrook in pick-and-roll sets, finding his sweet spot about 10 feet from the basket. Raynaud, who enters most nights shooting 58 percent from that range, nearly matched that percentage during the first half.
Rather than relying on flashy dunks or isolation plays, the French-born rookie executed with efficiency and poise. His ability to finish in the paint off Westbrook’s feeds showcased the chemistry developing between the veteran point guard and young center.
Maxime Raynaud sets career-high 18 points in single half tonight
Rooster premieres tonight on HBO with Steve Carell in new comedy
Russell Westbrook’s Triple-Double Orchestrates Kings Offense
Westbrook posted his fifth triple-double of the season with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, running a seamless pick-and-roll clinic. The veteran guard had zero turnovers over 32 minutes, displaying the playmaking precision that made him a league MVP candidate in his prime.
The Kings’ ball movement was exceptional. Westbrook found Raynaud and fellow big Drew Eubanks repeatedly on lobs and short-range chances. Raynaud praised the veteran’s work ethic, saying, “He’s an amazing worker, a great human being. I have nothing but positive things to say about him.”
Historic First Half Propels Kings Past Chicago
| Player | Points | Role |
| Raynaud | 18 (half high) | Paint dominance |
| Westbrook | 23 | Playmaker, triple-double |
| Malik Monk | TBA | Microwave scorer first half |
| Final Score | Kings 126 | Bulls 110 |
Sacramento cruised to a 65-51 halftime lead behind Raynaud’s efficient scoring. The Kings extended their advantage in the third quarter, momentarily leading by 17 points. Chicago’s Collin Sexton kept the Bulls competitive with 12 third-quarter points, but Sacramento’s offensive execution proved too much.
“Rather than initiate off the dribble or soar above the rim, Raynaud connected with Westbrook in the pick-and-roll, finding himself in his sweet spot about ten feet from the basket.”
— Sactown Sports, Game Analysis
Kings Break Nine-Game Home Curse with Historic Offensive Display
This victory ends a nightmare stretch. Sacramento has lost 20 of their last 22 games overall, entering Sunday’s action on the second-longest home losing streak in franchise history. The 65-51 halftime score demonstrated the Kings could win when executing on both ends consistently.
Beyond Raynaud and Westbrook, Precious Achiuwa and Malik Monk attacked the rim with authority early, setting an attacking tone. The team finished with 33 assists on just 4 turnovers, marking only the second time in franchise history Sacramento posted 30+ assists with three or fewer turnovers.
What Does the Future Hold for Rising Rookie Raynaud?
Raynaud’s career trajectory continues climbing after entering the 2025 Draft as a second-round pick from Stanford. At 22 years old, the Paris-born center averaged nearly 21 points and 11 rebounds per game in his senior season before turning pro. Early success in the NBA suggests the Kings made an excellent value pick.
The rookie’s development alongside veterans like Westbrook provides an ideal learning environment. If Raynaud continues improving his conditioning and expanding his offensive game, Sacramento could have found a cornerstone piece for the future despite the team’s current struggles.
Sources
- Sactown Sports – Game recap and player statistics from March 8, 2026 Kings-Bulls matchup
- ESPN NBA – Official box scores and play-by-play data
- NBA.com – Player profiles and historical franchise records verification
