Westbrook’s Historic Triple-Double
In a thrilling encounter in Sacramento, Russell Westbrook showcased his veteran prowess by securing his 204th career triple-double, leading the Kings to a 121-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors. This achievement came during his eighth outing with the Sacramento Kings, marking a significant moment in his long 18-year NBA career and with his seventh team.
Impressive Performance Despite Challenges
Westbrook, who recently joined the Kings on a veteran minimum deal during training camp, achieved stellar numbers: 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, despite the Kings missing key players such as Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray. The Warriors, too, were short-handed without their stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, leading to a match stripped of its usual star appeal.
“Every night is a dogfight,” Westbrook stated post-game, highlighting the challenging nature of the current schedule. “If we knuckle up and compete at a high level… that’s something I want to bring.”
Crucial Plays and Defensive Skills
With only 4:31 left on the clock, Westbrook delivered a crucial play, grabbing his 14th rebound and immediately assisting Dennis Schroder with a pinpoint pass that enabled him to sink a three-pointer, pushing the Kings ahead by eight. Westbrook’s efforts in grabbing additional rebounds in the closing moments helped the Kings manage the remaining time effectively. His defensive skills shone through as he forced a turnover from Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, finalizing the win for Sacramento. Westbrook’s exuberance was evident as he celebrated with the home crowd.
Breaking Records
Additionally, that night Westbrook made headlines for a more profound reason; his 16 rebounds in the game brought his career total to 8,734, surpassing Jason Kidd’s previous record of 8,725 for the most rebounds by a guard in NBA history. Surprised by this statistic, Westbrook humorously remarked,
“Oh, honestly, I didn’t even know that. I’m going to need the game ball.”
Westbrook’s Journey with the Kings
Initially, Westbrook began the season behind in the Kings’ rotation due to the late signing as front office changes unfolded over the summer. However, his energetic gameplay quickly earned him a prominent place in the lineup, culminating in significant playing time boosts over his last six games, where he averaged around 35 minutes.
Teammate Malik Monk praised Westbrook, noting, “We needed it bad… Especially in the starting unit. For the last few years, we’ve started games pretty badly. With him, it brings more oomph, more energy.”
Reflections on His Career
Earlier in the week, Westbrook stirred conversations after mentioning the Denver Nuggets showed disinterest in re-signing him after the playoffs, which led him to decline his player option and seek an opportunity with Sacramento. Affirming his self-respect, he commented,
“I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted. I don’t need to.”
With his 37th birthday approaching, his resilience and commitment to the game continue to shine brightly, reinforcing his legacy in the NBA.
“It’s crazy how he that old and still doing this,” Monk said. “Dominating the game.”
