During a season with its share of ups and downs, the development of Sacramento Kings rookie center Maxime Raynaud has been one of the team’s brightest spots. According to Raynaud, a big reason for his continued growth has been the presence of veteran point guard Russell Westbrook.
Following Sunday’s much-needed win over the Chicago Bulls, Raynaud spoke highly of the former MVP and future Hall of Famer, emphasizing both his leadership and the daily impact he has on the locker room.
“I mean, first of all, he’s a legend of the game,” Raynaud said. “So everything he tells us basketball-wise is just golden hints here and there. You just have to be able to pick it up and listen.”
Brodie throws a DIME to Max 🪙 pic.twitter.com/Jo0fHpwqCo
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) March 9, 2026
More on Maxime Raynaud & Russell Westbrook
Beyond basketball advice, Raynaud said Westbrook’s personality and energy have helped set the tone for the entire team, particularly for younger players.
“He’s just a really joyful, driven individual that brings that energy, that talk, that laughter in the locker room while still being a high-level professional and setting the tone for us rookies, but really for the whole team,” Raynaud said. “He’s been really a plus for us this entire year.”
Raynaud also pointed to Russell Westbrook’s legendary work ethic, noting that his historic career numbers are no accident.
Westbrook continued to add to his impressive Hall of Fame resume on Sunday by racking up the 208th triple-double of his career–the most in NBA history, 21 ahead of three-time MVP award winner Nikola Jokic on the all-time list.
“You just said it—208 triple-doubles, most in NBA history,” Raynaud said. “You don’t just do that off pure talent, right? He’s an amazing worker, a great human being. I just have nothing but positive things to say about him.”
That chemistry has shown up on the court as well. In Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bulls, Westbrook recorded his fifth triple-double of the season, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists, and one steal while committing zero turnovers in 32 minutes.
Brodie throws a lob to Eubanks 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Z9WW082S7j
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) March 9, 2026
Russell Westbrook’s play highlighted a group effort that included 33 assists and just three team turnovers.
The veteran orchestrated the offense masterfully, running smooth pick-and-roll sets and connecting with Raynaud and Drew Eubanks for easy looks near the rim.
For Raynaud, playing alongside an elite playmaker like Russell Westbrook has only boosted one of his strengths.
“I do believe it’s always been a strength of mine,” Raynaud said about finishing around the basket. “But when you pair it with such an elite passer as Russ and good team basketball — I mentioned 33 assists earlier — it makes it much easier.”
Through 57 games this season, Raynaud is averaging 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds — which leads all rookies with at least 30 games played — and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 56 percent from the field.
Russell Westbrook, in Year 18 of his storied NBA career, holds averages of 15.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists–all his highest-per-game marks since the 2022-23 season on 43/34/71 shooting splits over 60 games.
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will continue a five-game homestand on Tuesday night when they face the Indiana Pacers at Golden 1 Center.
Sacramento lost to the Pacers by a final of 116-105 in Indiana back on December 8th.
Both teams will enter play on Tuesday with the bottom-two records in the NBA, giving each team a 14% chance of securing the top pick in May’s NBA Draft Lottery (52.1% chance of landing a top-four pick).
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Indiana Pacers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Tuesday, March 10th vs. Indiana Pacers – 7:00 PM PT
Wednesday, March 11th vs. Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM PT
Saturday, March 14th @ Los Angeles Clippers – 7:30 PM PT
Sunday, March 15th vs. Utah Jazz – 7:00 PM PT
Tuesday, March 17th vs. San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM PT
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