SACRAMENTO, CA – March 9, 2026 – The Sacramento Kings, currently positioned near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, secured a 126-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday at Golden 1 Center. While a late-season slide might be expected for teams prioritizing draft position, the Kings aren’t shying away from competition, as evidenced by this win against a depleted Bulls squad.
The victory was fueled by a strong performance from veteran guard Malik Monk, who scored a season-high 30 points off the bench, and impressive contributions from rookie Maxime Raynaud, who recorded 26 points and 11 rebounds. Russell Westbrook also delivered a standout performance, notching a triple-double with 23 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds.
The Kings’ win came as other teams near the bottom of the Western Conference also saw action. The Dallas Mavericks continued their losing streak, falling to the Toronto Raptors 122-92, while the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Indiana Pacers 131-111. The New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs also secured wins against the Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets, respectively.
Monk’s Consistent Spark
Malik Monk has been a consistent source of energy and scoring for the Kings this season, providing a reliable spark off the bench. Against the Bulls, he showcased his scoring versatility, hitting a three-pointer and throwing down two dunks early in the game, finishing with 30 points in 31 minutes. His ability to instantly impact the game has been a valuable asset for Sacramento.
Raynaud’s Emerging Presence
Rookie Maxime Raynaud continues to demonstrate his potential, contributing significantly to the Kings’ offense. His 26 points and 11 rebounds against the Bulls highlighted his ability to score inside and on the glass. Raynaud’s performance was particularly notable as he outperformed Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele, who managed only 4 points on 1-of-6 shooting.
Westbrook’s All-Around Impact
Russell Westbrook’s triple-double underscored his continued ability to contribute across all facets of the game. Despite a recent public exchange with the Sacramento media, Westbrook remained focused on the court, delivering a well-rounded performance that helped propel the Kings to victory. His 23 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds showcased his versatility and leadership.
Bulls Struggle, Sexton Shines
The Chicago Bulls, missing key players, struggled to keep pace with the Kings. Collin Sexton was the lone bright spot for Chicago, scoring 28 points in 22 minutes off the bench. But, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Kings’ balanced attack.
Mavs Continue to Slide
The Dallas Mavericks suffered their seventh consecutive loss, falling to the Toronto Raptors 122-92. RJ Barrett led the Mavericks with 31 points, reaching 8,000 career points in the process. However, rookie Cooper Flagg struggled, scoring 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting and receiving his first technical foul of his career for arguing a non-call.
Blazers Eye Play-In Spot
The Portland Trail Blazers maintained their position in the play-in tournament race with a 131-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Scoot Henderson led the Blazers with 28 points, while Deni Avdija added 18 points in his return to the lineup. Portland is currently in a tight battle with the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors for play-in positioning.
Pelicans Dominate Wizards
The New Orleans Pelicans secured a convincing 138-118 win over the Washington Wizards, with five players scoring 18 points or more. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 24 points. The Wizards saw limited contributions from Alex Sarr (7 points, 4 rebounds in 18 minutes) and Trae Young (17 points, 8 assists), while Bilal Coulibaly struggled with his shooting, going 1-of-12 from the field.
Looking Ahead
The Kings will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season. Their next game is scheduled for [insert next game date/opponent/location here – *verification needed*]. The team’s performance down the stretch will be closely watched as they navigate the balance between development and competitive play.
The Sacramento Kings’ win over the Chicago Bulls demonstrates their resilience and determination, even as they face a challenging season. With contributions from key players like Monk, Raynaud, and Westbrook, the Kings are showing they won’t go down without a fight.
