Anyone who keeps up with the NBA knows who Russell Westbrook is. Currently in his 18th season, Westbrook (37) has earned an MVP award, nine All-Star and All-NBA appearances, and is a two-time scoring champ and three-time assist champ.
With the most triple-doubles in NBA history, including four seasons of averaging a triple-double, he was an obvious selection for the 75th anniversary team as well. Now playing for the Sacramento Kings, his teammates are well aware of his impressive history.
Rookie Nique Clifford said his new teammate was one of his favorite players growing up. The veteran point guard didn’t officially join Sacramento’s roster until after training camp, giving him little time to acclimate to his new squad.
Yet, his impact was apparent early, including a stretch of three games where he was flirting with 20-point triple-doubles. Given his ability, and the early struggles of Dennis Schroder, Kings head coach Doug Christie elected to move Westbrook into the starting unit.
It’s a move that’s worked well for both parties. Schroder gets to be more focused on creating his own looks in the second unit while Westbrook has embraced a pass-first mentality alongside a unit that includes a few high-level scorers in Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Keegan Murray.
“I’m still trying to figure it out (in the starting unit),” Westbrook said after Monday’s practice. “Just trying to manage and find ways to get guys easy looks, find ways to be able to keep them involved, keep their confidence high, simultaneously doing the same, you know, for guys off the bench as well.”
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In his last 10 games since being moved to the first five, the future Hall of Famer is averaging 12.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 7.8 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per game. He averages 7.3 assists in 15 games as a starter compared to 5.5 in six games as a bench performer.
While Sunday night’s loss against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies isn’t a great example of how Sacramento wants to perform, Westbrook’s five assists in the first six minutes speak to his evolving role this season.
“As a Hall of Famer, to watch him be malleable, to use your word, is super impressive,” Coach Christie said Monday. “From MVP to now, starting here, but starting coming off the bench as a reserve. He just does whatever you need. And I think it kind of speaks to his career, as far as who he’s been. You are going to get so many different facets of Russell.”
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“He’s going to rebound, he’s going to defend, he’s going to get steals, he’s going to get assists, and he’s going to get hot. He’s going to do it from three point line. He’s going to drive to drive to the hole. He’s going to get fouled and get to the free throw line. He’s going to do it with emotion, like there are so many different ways that he affects the game. To watch him continuously go out there and find ways to make that happen has been super impressive.”
Sacramento Kings head coach on the malleability of Russell Westbrook
Before Sunday’s action, Christie shared that Westbrook had sat in on a meeting between assistant coach Mike Miller and the big man, outlining to Drew Eubanks and rookie Maxime Raynaud the best ways they can help each other succeed.
While his reputation and public perception can seem rocky at times, there are countless examples of teammates speaking highly of Westbrook’s leadership both on and off the court. Of course, the Kings hope that would lead to a better record than their current 5-16 standing.
In his message to the group amid their struggles, Westbrook emphasized the importance of internal communication.
“Just communicate amongst each other,” he said. “Don’t look out. Look within.”
“I think that’s the first, most important part of team sports,” he continued. “Individually, you have a role, you have a responsibility that I think each of us can be able to own, and then collectively come together and figure out how we can become a better team. That’s all you can do.”
With plenty of their 2025-26 season remaining, the Kings sit 3.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers (8-12). They’re far from eliminated from postseason contention (even in spirit), but it’s going to be an uphill battle for Westbrook and Sacramento moving forward.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
There are several questions regarding the future of Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis, but one thing is certain: NBA teams are beginning to line up for his services.
Ellis, who has fallen out of the Kings’ rotation due to a current logjam that includes Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, Dennis Schroder, and Russell Westbrook, is playing 16.6 minutes per game this season, down from the 24.4 he logged during the 2024-25 campaign.
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will hit the road for a three-stop road trip that begins Wednesday night in Houston.
Sacramento will face the Rockets for the first time this season, a team that is off to a strong start and enters play against the Kings with a top-five seed in the loaded Western Conference.
Last season, Sacramento swept the season series (3-0) against Houston, winning the lone matchup at Toyota Center by a final of 113-103 on March 1st behind 21 points from DeMar DeRozan.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before a 5:00 pm PT tip-off from Houston, Texas.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Wednesday, December 3rd – @ Houston Rockets – 5:00 PM PT
Saturday, December 6th – @ Miami Heat – 5:00 PM PT
Monday, December 8th – @ Indiana Pacers – 4:00 PM PT
Thursday, December 11th – vs. Denver Nuggets – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, December 14th – @ Minnesota Timberwolves – 4:00 PM PT
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