Rookie Raynaud leads Kings to comeback win over Pelicans

Sacramento overcomes 17-point first-half deficit to defeat New Orleans 117-113

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:49am

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with the players' forms breaking down into vibrant brushstrokes and splatters.Rookie sensation Maxime Raynaud's scoring explosion powers the Kings' comeback victory over the Pelicans.New Orleans Today

Rookie Maxime Raynaud scored 28 points and the Sacramento Kings overcame a 17-point, first-half deficit to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 117-113 on Friday night. Raynaud was 11 of 14 from the field and made 6 of 7 free throws, while also contributing 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. The Kings have now won two in a row to improve to 21-57, while the Pelicans have lost seven straight and fall to 25-53.

Why it matters

This comeback win for the Kings showcases the potential of their young roster, led by rookie standout Maxime Raynaud. Despite their poor overall record, the Kings have shown flashes of promise this season and this victory over the struggling Pelicans could be a sign of better things to come. For New Orleans, the loss extends their losing skid and raises further questions about the direction of the team.

The details

Raynaud led the Kings' charge, scoring 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting and making 6-of-7 free throws. Nique Clifford added 23 points and 7 assists, while Daeqwon Plowden had 17 points. The Pelicans had built a 17-point lead in the second quarter, fueled by 9-of-19 shooting from 3-point range, with Jeremiah Fears scoring 18 of his 28 points in the first half. However, the Kings stormed back in the second half, taking the lead on Plowden's three free throws in the final 2:27 to secure the comeback victory.

  • The Kings overcame a 17-point, first-half deficit to beat the Pelicans on Friday night.
  • The Kings have now won two in a row to improve to 21-57 on the season.
  • The Pelicans have lost seven straight games and fall to 25-53 on the year.

The players

Maxime Raynaud

A rookie for the Sacramento Kings who scored 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in the win over the Pelicans.

Jeremiah Fears

A player for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in the losing effort.

Nique Clifford

A player for the Sacramento Kings who scored 23 points and had 7 assists in the comeback win.

Daeqwon Plowden

A player for the Sacramento Kings who scored 17 points, including the go-ahead free throws in the final minutes.

Zion Williamson

A player for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 13 points in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This comeback win for the young Sacramento Kings showcases the potential of their roster, led by impressive rookie Maxime Raynaud. While the Pelicans continue to struggle, the Kings have shown flashes of promise this season and this victory could be a sign of better things to come for the rebuilding franchise.