Passing a Legend: Westbrook Climbs to 7th in All-Time Assists as Kings Edge Mavericks
History was written at the Golden 1 Center on Saturday night, as a living legend of the triple-double era added another monumental chapter to his Hall of Fame resume. In a hard-fought 113-107 victory for the Sacramento Kings (8-23) over the Dallas Mavericks (12-21), veteran guard Russell Westbrook surpassed the iconic Magic Johnson for seventh place on the NBA’s all-time career assists leaderboard.
The milestone served as the emotional centerpiece of a night where Sacramento showed flashes of the defensive grit and transition speed that has often eluded them this season. For Westbrook, 37, the night was a dual celebration of longevity and individual excellence, as he also became just the 14th player in league history to reach 2,000 career steals.
The Milestone: Surpassing Magic
Entering the game, Westbrook needed only two assists to tie the Lakers’ legendary point guard. He didn’t make the crowd wait long. Early in the first half, Westbrook orchestrated the offense with the same frenetic intelligence that has defined his 18-year career. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Westbrook had tallied 9 assists, bringing his career total to 10,149—surpassing Magic Johnson’s 10,141.
“Passing Magic Johnson… it’s an honor,” Westbrook said post-game. “He’s a legend in so many different ways. To have my name mentioned alongside his is something I never took for granted when I started this journey.”
Westbrook’s night was as efficient as it was historic. He finished with:
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21 Points
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9 Assists
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5 Rebounds
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1 Steal (Milestone 2,000)
The “football mentality” Westbrook often cites was on full display. Even in the twilight of his career, his ability to manipulate the floor and find teammates in transition remains elite. He is now on pace to challenge Mark Jackson (10,334) and Steve Nash (10,335) for the 6th and 5th spots on the all-time list later this season.
Game Recap: Kings Light the Beam
While Westbrook grabbed the headlines, the Kings’ victory was a comprehensive team effort. Facing a Dallas team struggling with injuries to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, Sacramento jumped out to an early lead and refused to look back.
1. Keon Ellis Sets the Tone
With Keegan Murray and Zach LaVine sidelined, Keon Ellis stepped into the starting lineup and delivered a season-best performance. Ellis exploded for 13 points in the first quarter alone, finishing the night with 21 points on five 3-pointers. His defensive activity—3 steals and 2 blocks—mirrored the team’s overall intensity.
2. Managing the Flagg Effect
The Mavericks’ offensive load fell heavily on rookie standout Cooper Flagg. While Flagg finished with a respectable 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, the Kings’ defense forced him into 5 crucial turnovers. The physicality of Maxime Raynaud (19 points) and Precious Achiuwa in the paint made every look difficult for the 20-year-old rookie.
3. Holding Off the Late Charge
Dallas refused to go quietly, trimming an 18-point deficit down to just four points in the final minute. P.J. Washington (17 points, 4 blocks) and Klay Thompson (14 points) provided the veteran scoring needed to keep the Mavs in striking distance. However, DeMar DeRozan—who had a quiet scoring night with 7 points—sealed the game with two cold-blooded free throws with nine seconds remaining.
Statistical Breakdown: Kings vs. Mavericks
| Category | Dallas Mavericks | Sacramento Kings |
| Final Score | 107 | 113 |
| Top Scorer | Cooper Flagg (23) | Keon Ellis / Westbrook (21) |
| Team Steals | 7 | 16 |
| Points in Paint | 44 | 52 |
| Turnovers Forced | 11 | 19 |
Looking Ahead: Different Directions
For the Sacramento Kings, this win marks their eighth of the season and provides a much-needed morale boost for coach Doug Christie. The ability to win without their primary scorers (Murray and LaVine) suggests a developing depth that could make them a “trap team” for contenders in the second half of the season.
For the Dallas Mavericks, the loss extends a frustrating stretch that has seen them drop four of their last five games. The roster is currently a shell of itself, and the weight on Cooper Flagg’s shoulders is becoming palpable. As they head to Portland for their next matchup, the focus remains on health and the looming trade deadline rumors surrounding Anthony Davis.
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