There was (finally) a positive to come out of the Sacramento Kings latest loss. One that dropped the team now to just 5-17, and right near the cellar in the Western Conference.
Russell Westbrook moved into the #17 spot on the all-time scoring list. A lay-up in the second quarter helped vault the legend another spot higher.
Westbrook’s role with the Kings this year has primarily been as a starter, something that wasn’t the case during his campaign with the Denver Nuggets. Though the team has struggled, the veteran has actually played good ball.
The basket he made in the video above put him ahead of Tim Duncan. The San Antonio Spurs legend, synonymous for his bank shot, now moves down to #18 on the list.
This was just the latest in a long line of accolades and milestones for Russ.
Russell Westbrook Continues to Shine
There was a time, late into the offseason, where Russell Westbrook still remained unsigned. He had been rumored to be linked to the Kings for a long time, with no concrete move ever being made.
The deal was officially announced with less than a week to go in the offseason. But even with that, he was able to usurp Dennis Schroder as the starter, helping to make the engine go here.
One thing about Westbrook, is that he hasn’t been one to complain as his role has changed. Playing now on a 5-17 team with internal problems, he’s gone about his business day in and day out. Zach LaVine, making nearly $50 million this year, has been getting benched by Doug Christie. The team’s defense is struggling to make plays.
Not having Domantas Sabonis in the lineup, they haven’t had any secondary playmakers on the court. He’s been a huge part of the Kings resurgence in recent years, and his absence has certainly been felt.
For Westbrook, moving past Tim Duncan on the scoring list, it proves one thing. Through the ups and downs of the last few years, he has kept his drive. Russ has stayed ready, and this year is proving to be rewarding for the 37-year-old.
Better Days Still Ahead for Russell Westbrook
Plenty of changes will be coming within the Kings in the coming months. They tried reuniting Zach LaVine with DeMar DeRozan, and for a little while, it was good. That has all but faded this season, and neither has been a net positive.
This is a team that is heavy on guards, with rotation players from a season ago sometimes finding themselves on the outside looking in.
The good news for the team at least, has been healthy Keegan Murray showing up. Murray has been playing great basketball since returning, and given the team the lift that has been missing.
As for Russell Westbrook, he still doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The league’s all-time triple-double leader has continued to put them up. The energy has continued, and it might be one of the only things from stopping this team from completely imploding.
The playoffs are not in sight for Sacramento. But the legacy of Russ is continuing to grow. He passed The Big Fundamental on the scoring list. He’s doing what he can as a vet for this sinking ship.
Good luck to the Kings front office though, who have a lot of decisions to make in the next two months.
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