Updated March 18, 2026, 1:10 p.m. ET
Sacramento Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud set a new career high in scoring on Tuesday, a performance that came against friend and fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama.
Raynaud finished with 32 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot in a 132-104 loss against the Spurs at the Golden 1 Center. He connected on 13 of his 25 attempts from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, in nearly 42 minutes of work.
The 42nd overall pick became the eighth rookie to score at least 30 or more points in a game this season, a group that includes teammate Nique Clifford. Raynaud is the ninth Kings rookie to reach that mark since Tyrese Evans in the 2009-10 season.
Raynaud characterized Wembanyama as a great friend after playing with him and against him in France, while also representing their country together on the international stage. He was thrilled to have such an impactful game against Wembanyama, who had 18 points.
“I think you’re always motivated to play against one of the best in the NBA,” Raynaud said. “You want to bring your A-game for that. Personally, when you play against one of your friends, you always want to trash-talk a little bit and give extra effort, but it kind of went my way today individually. Clearly, I have to find ways to impact the game a little bit more to help the team come out with the win or, at least, a closer score.”
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Raynaud is averaging 11.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 56.6% shooting from the field in 62 appearances, including 44 starts. He leads all first-year players in double-doubles (15) and is second in total rebounding (453).
The 7-footer has given coach Doug Christie & Co. strong production as a starter, registering each of his double-doubles in that role. He is tied for the most double-doubles by any rookie since Wembanyama registered 43 two years ago.
Raynaud projects to be a starter for the remainder of the season after Domantas Sabonis underwent season-ending knee surgery last month. He has provided strong production in that role after receiving the green light to log extended minutes.
In other words, the 22-year-old has made a compelling case for an NBA All-Rookie selection this season, despite an uneven campaign by the Kings (18-52). Christie has been pleased with his development.
“This is baptism by fire for Max and all of our rookies because they’re thrown in and have to figure out sink or swim, and they’re doing one heck of a job with swimming,” Christie said. “He continues to impress. … He has to go out to the deep end and see what it is like out in the deep end. Playing those types of minutes, a lot of them versus Victor and their starters, is only going to make him better.”