The Sacramento Kings faced a challenging matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, missing three of their starters. However, veteran guard Russell Westbrook stepped up significantly, showcasing his skills and making history.
Historic Achievements by Russell Westbrook
During this game, Westbrook notched his 10,142nd career assist, surpassing Magic Johnson to secure the seventh spot on the NBA’s all-time assist leaderboard. This remarkable feat came just three minutes into the first quarter when he delivered his second assist of the game.
- Milestone Achieved: 10,142 career assists
- Previous Record Holder: Magic Johnson (10,141 assists)
- Ranking: 7th in all-time assists
As one of the best passers in the history of the league, Westbrook’s achievement underscores his talent. He is on track to surpass both Mark Jackson and Steve Nash in assists this season, potentially elevating him to fifth place.
2,000 Career Steals
Westbrook’s performance didn’t stop there. He also secured a steal during the game, making him the 14th player in NBA history to reach 2,000 career steals. This milestone places him among an elite group, being the seventh point guard to achieve this mark.
- Milestone Achieved: 2,000 career steals
- Historical Ranking: 14th all-time in steals
- Point Guards in the 2,000 Steal Club: 7
Westbrook joins LeBron James as the only players to rank in the top 20 for steals, the top 10 for points, and the top 10 for assists, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Current Season Stats and Impact
As of this game, Westbrook was averaging 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 42.8% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc. His contributions have been invaluable for the Kings, the only team that offered him an opportunity during the offseason.
Although the team’s success has been inconsistent, Westbrook’s individual achievements highlight why he remains one of the most influential players in the league.
