Russell Westbrook continues to make history in the NBA

The 204th triple-double in Russell Westbrook's career, after 18 years in the NBA, came in his eighth game with his seventh professional team. And it was as thunderous and impactful as many of those before it.

Westbrook, who signed a veteran minimum contract with the Sacramento Kings at the end of training camp, finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists in the 121-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

The Kings were without Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray; the Warriors, on the other hand, were missing Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. In a star-depleted matchup, Westbrook prevailed with his usual energy and led Sacramento to improve their record to 3-5. "Every night is a battle," Westbrook said after the game. "We have a tough schedule right now, but if we compete at the highest level, that's something I want to contribute."

With just over four minutes left, the guard secured his triple-double by tipping a rebound to assist Dennis Schroder, who hit a crucial three-pointer. His last rebounds provided valuable second chances for Sacramento, and on defense, he forced a crucial turnover by Brandin Podziemski with just seconds on the clock. He then roared at the Golden 1 Center crowd.

"With humility, I am the best rebounding guard in history," he declared. And the statistics back it up: with those 16 rebounds, Westbrook reached 8,734 in his career, surpassing Jason Kidd (8,725) and becoming the guard with the most rebounds in NBA history.

"Really? I didn't know that," he reacted with laughter. "I'm going to need the game ball." Westbrook started the season with a secondary role after signing late with the Kings. In the first few games, he played only 19 and 17 minutes, but his impact was immediate. In the last six games, he has played over 30 minutes per game and earned a spot in the starting lineup.

"We needed him," Malik Monk admitted. "His energy changes everything. In recent years, we've started games very flat, but with him as a starter, there is a different intensity."

The Nuggets' Rejection of Westbrook

The veteran also made headlines days before by stating that the Denver Nuggets, his former team, informed him they did not want him back. Westbrook declined his player option and waited until Sacramento offered him an opportunity.

"I'm not going anywhere I'm not wanted," he said. "I don't need that." A week shy of turning 37, he continues to defy time. "It's incredible that at this age, he's still dominating like this," Monk commented. "What he's doing is on another level."

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