Russell Westbrook’s first game appearance in a Sacramento uniform
After a summer of uncertainty, Russell Westbrook he debuted for Sacramento Kings in the season opener against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Wednesday.
Westbrook was still without a team just weeks into the new campaign, until the Kings bought him out on a one-year, minimum-salary deal earlier this month. It was widely reported Sacramento watched Westbrook in the offseasonbut financial constraints delayed the move.
The former MVP checked in at 5:26 of the first quarter, giving the fans their due first appearance in the game in Westbrook in a Kings jersey. He replaced Dennis Schroder, who the team also acquired over the summer via a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons.
Was it weird seeing Westbrook in a Kings uniform?
The Kings lost to the Suns 120-116. The 36-year-old Westbrook contributed six points on 2-of-8 shooting, six rebounds and a block in 19 minutes off the bench. He had two turnovers.
The Mercury guard played a similar role with the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes per game. While flourishing with the Nuggets, he declined his $3.4 million player option to test free agency.
The Kings are Westbrook’s fourth team in as many years as critics believe his game has declined dramatically due to style changes in the NBA.
The nine-time All-Star, however, remains one of the most competitive players in the league, and Sacramento needs all the help it can get to make a deep run.
Westbrook will share backcourt minutes with Schroder, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk and Keon Ellis.
2025-10-23 06:47:00
