Watching Russell Westbrook in 2026 is a lot like riding a roller coaster that was built in 1998. It’s loud, it’s a little shaky, and you definitely feel every single bump, but man, it's never boring. If you’ve been keeping an eye on Russell Westbrook last 10 games, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The man is 37 years old and still plays like someone just told him he’s about to be cut.
Right now, he's suiting up for the Sacramento Kings. It’s a weird fit on paper, especially after that strange exit from Denver where he basically told the Nuggets he wasn’t going to stay where he wasn’t wanted. Honestly, he’s found a niche in Northern California that most people didn’t see coming.
Over this recent stretch, Russ is averaging about 15.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. Those aren’t MVP numbers, sure. But for a guy who many thought was headed to a retirement home in the BIG3 league, he’s still a nightly problem for opposing defenses.
The Stat Sheet Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
You can’t just look at a box score and understand what Russ is doing for this Kings team. For instance, in a massive win against the Washington Wizards on January 16, he went off for 26 points. He hit six three-pointers! Six! If you told a Lakers fan three years ago that Russ would be splashing six triples in a game in 2026, they’d have asked for whatever you were smoking.
But that’s the Brodie.
He’s shooting about 33.3% from deep over the last 10 games. It’s not Steph Curry territory, but it’s enough to keep teams from sagging off him into the paint every single possession.
Breaking Down the Recent Game Log
If we look at the specific games from late December through mid-January, you see the wild variance that defines his late-career arc:
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- Jan 12 vs. Lakers: 22 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists. He loves playing his former teams. He was 50% from the field and looked like the fastest guy on the court.
- Jan 11 vs. Rockets: 15 points and 10 assists. A classic double-double that helped snap a nasty losing streak.
- Jan 4 vs. Bucks: A weird one. 21 points, but he shot 5-of-16. He made up for it by getting to the line 12 times. That’s pure aggression.
- Jan 1 vs. Celtics: Rough night. 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting. The Kings got hammered, and the plus-minus wasn't pretty.
He’s averaging nearly 30 minutes a night. At 37! That speaks to two things: his incredible conditioning and the fact that the Kings are kinda desperate for playmaking. With Domantas Sabonis recently returning from a meniscus injury and Zach LaVine still finding his rhythm, Russ has had to carry a heavier load than anyone expected.
Why the Denver Nuggets "Revenge" Still Lingers
There is a lot of talk about how things ended in Denver. The Nuggets basically asked him to opt out of his player option because they wanted to move in a different direction. Russ didn't just leave; he's been playing like he wants to personally bankrupt the Nuggets franchise ever since.
In a November matchup, he dropped 21 and 11 against them. Even though that's outside the immediate Russell Westbrook last 10 games window, that energy has carried over. He plays with a chip on his shoulder that is visible from the nosebleed seats.
Quinn Everts over at NuggLove pointed out something interesting recently. He noted that Kings fans are learning the same lesson Nuggets fans did: Russ is a "roller coaster." You get the high-energy rebounds and the transition dunks, but you also get the occasional step-back three in the clutch that hits the side of the backboard.
The Sacramento "Tank Commander" Narrative
Is he just a tank commander? Some people on Reddit and Twitter think so. They see the Kings’ record (currently 12-30) and assume Russ is just putting up "empty stats."
I think that's a lazy take.
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If you watch the tape, he’s the one diving for loose balls in the fourth quarter when they’re down by 15. He’s the one screaming at the young guys to get back on defense. He leads the team in assists (6.9) and is surprisingly second in rebounds (6.5) for the season.
He’s basically the emotional heartbeat of a team that is struggling to find an identity.
The Shooting Efficiency Struggle
Let’s be real for a second. The shooting is still an issue. Over the last 10 games, he’s hovered around 41% from the field. In the modern NBA, that’s... not great.
But when he’s on, like he was against the Lakers or Wizards, he changes the entire geometry of the game. He forces the defense to collapse, which opens up lanes for DeMar DeRozan and LaVine.
What Really Happened with the Shooting?
There’s been a slight tweak in his mechanics. He seems to be taking more "set" shots rather than trying to elevate over everyone on his jumpers. In the game against the Wizards, he was 9-of-14 from the floor. That’s elite efficiency.
The problem is the consistency. One night it's 64% True Shooting, the next night it's 32%. You just never know which version of the Brodie is showing up until the first quarter is over.
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Key Stats at a Glance (Last 10 Games)
Instead of a boring table, let's just look at the raw impact:
He's putting up 15.5 PPG. That's solid for a veteran guard.
He's grabbing 5.2 RPG. Most of these are "contested" boards where he’s out-jumping centers.
He's dishing 6.0 APG. He still sees the floor better than almost anyone.
He's coughing it up 3.7 times per game. Yeah, the turnovers are still there. It's the "Westbrook Tax."
What’s Next for Russ in 2026?
The Kings are in a weird spot. They’ve won four of their last ten, which is actually an improvement. Sabonis being back helps immensely because it takes the "point-center" pressure off Russ.
If you're looking for actionable insights into how to view Westbrook's current value—whether for fantasy basketball or just as a fan—keep an eye on his minutes. When he plays over 30 minutes, the Kings are generally more competitive, even if his individual stats look "messy."
Final Thoughts on the Brodie
Russell Westbrook isn't going to win another MVP. He might not even be an All-Star ever again. But what he's doing in this 10-game stretch proves that he’s still a functional, high-impact NBA player.
He's transitioning from a superstar to a high-usage veteran mentor, and while it's not always pretty, it's undeniably effective.
Next Steps for Following the Kings:
- Watch the upcoming Portland game on Sunday night; Russ usually feasts against their younger backcourt.
- Monitor the Sabonis/Westbrook chemistry. If they can figure out the high-post handoffs, Sacramento might actually climb out of the basement.
- Check the injury report for hamstring tightness; at 37, those back-to-backs are starting to get risky.
Westbrook is still Westbrook. Love him or hate him, you're going to keep watching.