Despite a tough loss, Westbrook etched his name in history, climbing past Nash and Jackson to secure a top-five all-time assists spot.
Despite the Sacramento Kings' blowout 132-104 loss against the red-hot San Antonio Spurs last night, former NBA MVP point guard Russell Westbrook made history, jumping both Mark Jackson and Steve Nash for the fifth-most assists in league history.
Westbrook scored just five points against the Spurs, but added ten dimes. His second assist of the night, a pass to the baseline for a Maxime Raynaud short jumper, eclipsed Jackson for sixth place, while tying Nash for that top-five spot.
One quarter later, Westbrook once again found Raynaud, this time on a slick bounce pass in the lane, to move into sole possession of No. 5 All-Time.
Raynaud talked about how special it is to witness Westbrook continue to produce at a high level at this point in his career following the game.
"Given how good of a scorer and a rebounder he is as well, for his position, its unbelievable that he's still able to pass at that level," Raynaud said. "And I've said it multiple times, but he's someone I really look up to. He's an amazing human being, one of the best vets I could ever hope for and really, he's earned everything he's got.
Westbrook, after being the last free agent signed in the offseason, has produced his best statistical season since 2022, averaging 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game on 33.8-percent shooting from 3-point range.
He has also served as a vocal leader for a struggling Kings team, going viral for his unorthodox media appearance earlier this month.
After receiving mixed feedback about his bold questioning of reporters, Westbrook posted perhaps his best game of the season, turning back the clocks with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists and joining Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James as the only two players to have 10 or more triple-doubles after turning 35.
Westbrook also became the oldest player in NBA history to record 20/10/10 with no turnovers, according to the Real App.
This was Westbrook's first triple-double since early December, adding to his lead on the All-Time Triple-Double List with No. 208.
Westbrook now sits within the top five for all major categories among point guards, ranking first in points, first in rebounds and now fifth in assists, while claiming the crown as Triple Double King.
It is hard to believe that Westbrook nearly went unsigned in free agency, but the Kings are lucky to have him. Not only for his impressive play on the court, but the leadership and guidance he has provided Raynaud and other young guys, like Nique Clifford.
Following Westbrook's discussion with the media, Clifford shared his support for Westbrook, telling reporters, "Russ is the leader of this team, he's been big-time. Teaching me a lot of stuff. ... Just sticking up for our team. He always shows up, has his routine, does his same thing every single day. He's a true professional."
He seconded these remarks Tuesday evening, calling it "special" to play with a "Hall of Fame level dude."
The Kings play their third game of a four-game home stand Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers at 10:00 p.m. ET.
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