Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook made some major NBA history on Wednesday night. The former MVP tallied 23 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in Sacramento’s 121-116 win over the Golden State Warriors. In the process, Westbrook set the league record for most rebounds by a guard.
Jason Kidd held the record previously with 8,725 rebounds. Westbrook now has 8,734 and counting. After the game, Westbook made a bold statement by declaring himself as the greatest guard rebounder ever.
"Humbly speaking, I'm the best rebounding guard ever," Westbrook said. "So if the ball come across the rim, I'm going to get it."
The funny thing is that Westbrook made that comment before even realizing that he had set the rebounding record for guards.
"Oh. Honestly, I didn't even know that,” Westbrook said. “I'm going to need the game ball."
While the claim is indeed bold, it’s tough to disagree with Westbrook. After all, the proof is in the pudding. No guard in the history of the league has been more productive when it comes to crashing the glass than Westbrook. Over the course of his career, hitting the glass became a point of pride for Westbrook, and now he has the record to show for it.
Westbook is in the midst of his 18th season in the league, but he’s still competing at a high level. He brought his trademark effort and intensity to Sacramento, and his teammates have been extremely impressed with his impact.
"We needed it bad," Kings guard Malik Monk said of Westbrook’s energy. "Especially in the starting unit. I feel like for the last few years, we've been starting games pretty bad. With him going to the starting unit, it brings more oomph, more energy.
"It's crazy how he that old and still doing this," Monk added. "Dominating the game."
Playing with a high motor is nothing new for Westbrook. The star guard has been criticized for his shot selection and decision making over the course of his career, but never for his effort.
"Every night is a dogfight," Westbrook said. "Our schedule is pretty rough right now, but if we knuckle up and compete at a high level ... that's something I want to bring."
The Kings have gotten off to an underwhelming 3-5 start to the current campaign, but there’s a lot of talent on the team, especially in the starting lineup. It’s also still early in the season – certainly too early to write them off, especially if Westbrook can continue to play like he did against the Warriors on Wednesday night.