Westbrook Triple-Double, Raynaud Double-Double Lead Kings to Win

Russell Westbrook set the tone for Sacramento Kings with a triple-double, helping guide the Kings to a 126–110 win over the Chicago Bulls. Alongside him, rookie Maxime Renaud continued his remarkable season, further strengthening his case as the NBA rookie with the most double-doubles this year.

The Sacramento center delivered another dominant performance, finishing with 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting (6-of-6 from the free-throw line), 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks in 38 minutes. The former Stanford standout now has 14 games with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds this season, coming within three points of his personal scoring record.

Raynaud’s production, combined with Westbrook’s all-around leadership, helped Sacramento secure just its third win since mid-January. The Kings also finished the night with 33 assists, highlighting a collective offensive performance built on ball movement and unselfish play.

Rising confidence and improved conditioning

« It was incredible. And the way we did it was even better, I think we finished with 33 assists. You could really feel it on the court, we shared the ball, played for each other, and defended hard. It was really great, » Raynaud said in his post-game press conference. « Winning games is the ultimate goal at the end of the day, individual performances are just a way to get there. Statistics don’t mean anything when you lose, they don’t mean much. But being able to produce to help your team win, whether you’re on the court or not, is the most important thing. »

The French center has benefited greatly from playing alongside veteran point guard Russell Westbrook, who recorded another triple-double at age 37 with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists. Raynaud praised his teammate as a « basketball legend » who « sets the tone for the whole team. » He added, « Touch around the basket has always been one of my strengths. But when you’re with an elite-level passer like Russ, and a team that moves the ball, it makes things easier. »

All-Rookie Teams within reach

Currently ranked 6th in the NBA’s Rookie Ladder, Raynaud has emerged as the second rookie with the most 20-10 games this season, trailing only Cooper Flagg but ahead of Kon Knueppel. While the Rookie of the Year trophy appears out of reach, a spot on the All-Rookie Teams is increasingly realistic for the 42nd pick of the draft.

His main competition for the center position comes from New Orleans Pelicans‘ Derik Queen, whose performance has declined in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Raynaud continues to surge, having overcome the typical rookie wall that challenges first-year players.

« There’s always room for improvement, but I feel much better than I did 3-4 months ago, » Raynaud explained, crediting his improved physical condition. « I didn’t even feel like I had played 38 minutes tonight, so that’s a good sign. It’s always important to be in good shape, you can go get more rebounds, set good screens… » Since the All-Star Break, he has averaged 16.7 points and 10.2 rebounds, proving himself a true steal as the 42nd pick in the draft.