Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) shoots around Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Russell Westbrook moves up on all-time career list as Kings claim rare win

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 11:55 PM ET

It took Russell Westbrook until the final days of the offseason to find a team, but the all-time great has been making the most of his opportunity nonetheless. Westbrook has had a stellar season individually despite the struggles of a now 6-17 Sacramento Kings team.

And on Saturday night, the former NBA MVP moved up on a list that shows just how versatile he's been throughout his 18-year career.

As part of Sacramento's 127-111 win over the Miami Heat, Westbrook advanced into 14th place on the league's all-time steals list with 1,984.

Russell Westbrook passed a legend

He's now one ahead of Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson and sitting behind Mookie Blaylock and Karl Malone, as they sit in 12th and 13th, respectively. The next step for Westbrook is to surpass the 2,000 milestone.

Congrats to @russwest44 of the @SacramentoKings for moving into 14th on the all-time STEALS list! pic.twitter.com/Io3614DjUT
— NBA (@NBA) December 7, 2025

Westbrook, who entered the historic night averaging 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.9 assists, did far more than just record four steals for the necessary career mark.

Westbrook is proving he can still be productive

He registered a double-double with 12 points, 10 assists and added a rebound as well. Westbrook's 12 points gave him his 17th game with double-digits in scoring of the season.

So even though some may view calling Sacramento home as beneath an NBA legend, Westbrook is holding his own and proving to still be a productive player. It will now be interesting if he's shown enough for a contender to recuse him in a trade before the playoff push.

Because, of course, the only thing the 37-year-old nine-time All-Star has yet to accomplish is playing on an NBA championship team. His only appearance in the Finals came as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder to cap off the 2011-12 season.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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