Russell Westbrook, Sacramento Kings
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Through 40 games, Russell Westbrook is averaging 14.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
The Sacramento Kings won their second straight game after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 124-112 on Monday. Russell Westbrook had a solid performance finishing with 22 points, seven assists, and five rebounds against his former team.
After the game, Westbrook was asked how he feels playing against former teams he’s played with. “I play the same way every night, but I do enjoy beating teams that I was formerly at, for different reasons,” he said. “Tonight was different reasons, Houston was different reasons. Definitely enjoy taking care of business against them.”
Before defeating the Lakers, the Kings defeated the Houston Rockets the day before, another team Westbrook played for. He finished that game with 15 points and 10 assists.
In year 18, Westbrook continues to leave everything out there on the court when he plays and that’s something he plans on doing until he decides to hang his shoes up.
Russell Westbrook has Played for Numerous Teams
Throughout his career, Westbrook has played for seven different teams. When he steps on that court, he wants to go out there and give his team the best chance to win, no matter who he’s playing against.
No matter what team he’s on, he’s going to bring that energy. Westbrook is a team player and knows how to impact the game when he’s on the court. In the win over the Lakers, Westbrook commended his team on the way they played together.
“Just making the next [pass]. A lot of one mores. Did a good job of getting our spacing right. I thought it generated some open threes. Pushing in transition generated some open looks,” he said. “Just dove into our defense. Got stops when we needed to. Executed down the stretch. Did a good job of playing together for 48 minutes.”
Westbrook is the oldest player on the Kings and is a vocal leader on and off the court. He has played a lot of basketball throughout his career and has had a lot of success as well. As a young player, you want someone like Westbrook on your team. Here’s someone who has won an MVP award, played in the finals, and has numerous accolades.
He knows what it takes to be successful in this league and now he has the opportunity to mentor and be a positive example to the young players not only on his team, but across the league.
Russell Westbrook Continues to Play at a High-Level in Year 18
Despite the Kings record, Wesbrook continues to show that he can impact the game in a positive way. He still has the ability to be a floor general and made the right reads on the court. Westbrook also can grab rebounds on the offensive and defensive side.
He’s recorded four triple-doubles on the season and has scored in double figures in his last 12 games. With the ball in his hands, Westbrook can still go out there and make a play and he’s not going to back down from anything.
When he decides to retire from basketball, his impressive resume will get him in the Hall of Fame.