On Wednesday night, the Sacramento Kings played the Houston Rockets in Texas.
The Kings got blown out, losing by a score of 128-97.
Despite the loss, Russell Westbrook finished with 22 points, five rebounds and three assists while shooting 10/19 from the field in 25 minutes of playing time.
NBA World Reacts To Russell Westbrook’s Performance In Kings-Rockets
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 11: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a three-point shot against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Golden 1 Center on January 11, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Here’s what people were saying about Westbrook:
Legion Hoops: “Russell Westbrook has dropped 20+ in back-to-back games Still doing it. Respect.”
Still doing it. Respect.
NBA on ESPN: “Russell Westbrook dropped 17 PTS in just the first quarter vs. the Rockets 🔥 BRODIE HOOPING 😤”
BRODIE HOOPING 😤
Hoop Central: “RUSSELL WESTBROOK IN THE 1ST QUARTER: 17 POINTS 8/14 FGM 12 MINUTES Against his former team. 🔥”
17 POINTS 8/14 FGM 12 MINUTES
Against his former team. 🔥
ClutchPoints: “Russell Westbrook in the first 10 minutes vs. the Rockets: 17 points 8-of-11 FG Rest of the Kings: 5 points 1-of-9 FG”
17 points 8-of-11 FG
Rest of the Kings:
5 points 1-of-9 FG
@CDan7el: “Russell Westbrook today 🆚 Rockets : 22 PTS 5 REB 3 AST 56.6%TS 25 mins Back to back 20 points games for Russ. I can’t believe this man isn’t going to play in the playoffs this season.”
22 PTS 5 REB 3 AST 56.6%TS 25 mins
Back to back 20 points games for Russ. I can’t believe this man isn’t going to play in the playoffs this season.
Russell Westbrook’s Season With Kings
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Westbrook is in his first season playing for the Kings after signing with the franchise right before the year began.
The 2017 MVP came into play with averages of 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 42.8% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range in 55 games.
He has also spent time playing for the Houston Rockets, OKC Thunder, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards over 18 seasons.
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a three-point shot in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Kings are the 15th seed in the Western Conference with a 13-47 record in 60 games.
They are 1-9 over their last ten games (and 4-27 in the 31 games they have played on the road).
Following the Rockets, the Kings will play their next game on Thursday night when they visit the Dallas Mavericks.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported during the game: “Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray has suffered a left ankle injury. Another injury for the Kings who are already without Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and De’Andre Hunter for the rest of the season. Sacramento has the league’s worst record at 13-46.”
On the other side, the Rockets were led by Reed Sheppard (who put up 28 points), and Westbrook’s former teammate (Kevin Durant) had 21.
With their victory over Sacramento, they improved to 36-21 in 57 games, which has them as the third seed in the Western Conference.
Following the Rockets, the Kings will play their next game on Thursday night when they visit the Orlando Magic in Florida.
NBA World Reacts To Russell Westbrook’s Performance Against Kevin Durant And Rockets