The Sacramento Kings recently had a four-game win streak that saw them beat some of the top teams in the league and the Wizards. Three of them were former teams of the living legend, Russell Westbrook. And by beating them, Brodie put the league on notice that his career isn't over yet.
When a player has been in the league around the 20-season mark, it would be easy to write him off. Yet, guys like DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and James Harden continue to hit the floor and deliver solid games basically every time.
Russell Westbrook is one of those guys. He is in his 18th season in the league, playing great basketball with the Sacramento Kings. It feels like he breaks a record or climbs another spot up an all-time list every second or third game. It's been incredible for Sactown fans to watch.
Even more impressive is the fact that he played so well that he took over as the Kings' starting point guard. In season 18, he's averaging 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. He's top 100 in the league in all three categories among active players, including being 12th in assists.
Westbrook reminds his former teams who he is
During the course of the win streak that started January 11th and ended January 18th, Westbrook faced three of his former teams. They were the Rockets, the Lakers, and the Wizards, and the Kings beat all three of them. It was a solid performance from a team that has been having a tough season.
It wasn't just that Sacramento won those games. Westbrook also played incredibly well. In those victories, he collected 63 points, 13 rebounds, 23 assists, and three steals. This was an impressive all-around performance against two of the top teams in the league and, again, the Washington Wizards.
These games against his former franchises were a statement from Westbrook, one that has put the rest of the league on notice. He may only play a handful of seasons after this one, but every other team should expect him to keep fighting every last second he's on the court.
Russell Westbrook is not going to phone it in simply because retirement is looming. He's going to give 150% when he plays, chasing down every rebound and raining threes on unsuspecting rookies. Westbrook is still at war on the hardwood, and no quarter will be given, especially to his former teams.