Russell Westbrook added another milestone to one of the most decorated careers in NBA history on October 28.
With a first-half steal against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Sacramento Kings guard officially passed Derek Harper for 15th place on the NBA’s all-time steals leaderboard, according to the Basketball Reference.
With under four minutes to go in the second quarter, Westbrook scooped up an errant pass from Jaylin Williams. Williams tried to throw a pass behind his legs to a teammate he presumed to be still in motion. The pass bounced awkwardly and Westbrook retrieved it to start a fast break and set up Keon Ellis for an easy layup.
A Fitting Milestone Against Russell Westbrook’s Former Team
For Westbrook, the setting made the moment even more symbolic. The 36-year-old earned his 2017 NBA MVP award and built his legacy with the Thunder, the franchise that drafted him fourth overall in 2008. Returning to Oklahoma City, he not only received a warm ovation but etched his name one line higher on another historical list.
According to Basketball Reference, Westbrook entered the game tied with Harper at 1,957 career steals. The record-breaking swipe pushed him to 1,958 and counting, cementing him among the top 15 defenders in NBA history by total steals — a number built on nearly two decades of consistency, hustle, and elite anticipation.
Harper had held the No. 15 spot for almost 20 years. The Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks guard compiled his total over 16 seasons from 1983 to 1999. Westbrook reached and surpassed that mark in his 18th NBA season and 1,241st career game, showing how his trademark energy continues to yield production deep into his career.
A Career Built on Relentless Drive
While Westbrook’s triple-doubles, rebounding, and explosive scoring have long defined his reputation, his defensive consistency is one of the most underrated elements of his game. He’s averaged 1.6 steals per game across his career and has never finished a season below one steal per contest — a feat few active players can claim.
For perspective, only 14 players in NBA history have recorded more career steals than Westbrook. The next name in his path is Allen Iverson, who ranks 14th with 1,983. At Westbrook’s current pace, he could surpass Iverson later this season.
Now in his first year with the Kings, Westbrook has shifted into a veteran leadership role but continues to impact games on both ends. He’s averaging 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists through three games, per ESPN box scores, and has already logged three steals this season.
Legacy Still Growing
For Westbrook, this latest milestone adds to a resume that already includes nine All-Star appearances, two scoring titles, and the distinction of being the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles. But more than anything, the steal record underscores his longevity and two-way intensity — qualities that have kept him relevant through stylistic eras that have reshaped the league.
From MVP glory in Oklahoma City to this late-career resurgence in Sacramento, Westbrook’s place among the game’s all-time greats keeps evolving. And as of October 28, he can officially claim a new title: one of the 15 most prolific steal artists the NBA has ever seen.
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