The Sacramento Kings made a big decision involving veteran point guard Russell Westbrook for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After 12 games played in the new NBA season, head coach Doug Christie decided to insert Westbrook into the starting lineup, replacing veteran guard Dennis Schroder.
Westbrook, who has averaged 14.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.1 triples per game in his first season in Sacramento, took advantage of the opportunity by marking another career milestone. The former Most Valuable Player winner rewrote the history books yet again on Friday, prompting an announcement from the Kings.
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Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) during an NBA game.Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Westbrook is coming off a memorable campaign with the Denver Nuggets in 2024-25. He was an integral player in the rotation alongside Nikola Jokic and Co. The nine-time All-Star was a key piece for the team’s second unit, resulting in Westbrook finishing seventh in the Sixth Man of the Year vote.
Westbrook recently revealed, however, that the Nuggets did not want him back for another season. This led the two-time NBA scoring champion to opt out of the final year of his deal for the current season. He ultimately signed a one-year contract with the Kings via free agency.
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Entering Friday’s matchup against Minnesota, Westbrook had started six out of Sacramento’s 12 games thus far. He got his seventh start of the season, and it appears that this could potentially be a permanent move to the starting lineup for the veteran.
Westbrook responded by putting his elite playmaking abilities on full display. The nine-time All-NBA point guard registered his 10,000th career assist in the first half, becoming just the eighth player in history to reach this mark.
The Kings took to social media to announce Westbrook’s latest feat.
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Congratulations quickly poured in for Westbrook after he made history on Friday night.
“Russ is the only Point Guard in NBA history to reach 25K Points & 10K Assists 🔥Congrats to Brodie,” a comment on X read.
“Congrats,” said another.
“HISTORY GOAT,” a user posted.
“The Greatest,” a reaction read.
“GOATTTTTTT,” another said.
“MY GOAT 🫡” declared a fan.
As of writing, Westbrook already has 13 assists against the Wolves. The Kings are down, 92-91, with less than two minutes left in the third quarter.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.