Westbrook elevates to fifth all-time in assists, surpassing Steve Nash. Witness history as he joins an elite club of playmakers.
The best player in the world right now arguably plays point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and is in the midst of a two season run that saw him make NBA history last week and very likely could culminate in winning back to back Most Valuable Player awards.
But it was another legendary former OKC Thunder point guard and MVP who made a bit of NBA history on Tuesday night.
Russell Westbrook moved past iconic playmaker Steve Nash and into the #5 spot on the league's all-time list of total assists leaders. The current Sacramento King now trails only John Stockton, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd and Lebron James.
"Yeah, it really don't even feel real. It's special to be a part of that," Sacramento Kings rookie Nique Clifford said of Westbrook's historical milestone. "We are really a part of history. He's making his legacy. Displaying his greatness on a night to night basis. Breaking records, him and DBo. So for us to be a part of that, I mean, we can't take that for granted. It's pretty special to be around Hall of Fame level dudes like him. It's really special to to watch and to be able to play with a guy like that."
Showing no signs of losing his passing touch as the ripe young age of 37, Westbrook dished out double digit assists against the San Antonio Spurs. Though this is his 18th season in the league, the former assists title winner is still averaging an impressive 6.6 dimes per game for the rebuilding Kings.
Westbrook's career total now sits at a robust 10,343 assists. A vast majority, 6.897 to be exact, of those helpers came while he wore a Thunder jersey. But it's not just the assists leaderboard that the OKC forever fan favorite finds himself climbing.
Earlier this season, Westbrook jumped into the Top 15 of the all-time total points leaders. It's pretty remarkable to bump Steve Nash and Magic Johnson on the assists list and Hakeem Olajuwon and Oscar Robertson on the scoring list both in the same season. Westbrook and LeBron James are the only two players in NBA history in the Top 5 for assists and Top 15 for points.
Top 10 NBA Career Assists Leaders
1. John Stockton 15,806
2. Chris Paul 12,552
3. Jason Kidd 12,091
4. LeBron James 11,909
5. Russell Westbrook 10,343
6. Steve Nash 10,335
7. Mark Jackson 10,334
8. Magic Johnson 10,141
9. Oscar Robertson 9,887
10. Isiah Thomas 9,061