In a moment that will be etched in basketball history, veteran guard Russell Westbrook achieved a monumental personal milestone, solidifying his legacy among the game's all-time greats. On January 2, 2026, while playing for the Sacramento Kings against the Phoenix Suns, Westbrook officially became the highest-scoring point guard the National Basketball Association has ever seen.
A Historic Layup for the Record Books
The record-breaking moment came at the 4:23 mark of the fourth quarter at the PHX Arena. With a driving layup, Westbrook scored his 26,711th career point, moving past the legendary Oscar Robertson, whose record had stood as a benchmark for point guards for generations. This single basket propelled Westbrook into 15th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, a staggering achievement for any player, especially one in his 18th professional season.
The game itself was a tough outing for the Kings, who entered with an 8-26 record and suffered their fourth consecutive loss, falling 102-129 to the Western Conference's seventh-seeded Suns. However, the night belonged to Westbrook's individual accomplishment. Needing 16 points to tie Robertson, he finished the contest with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting an efficient 6-12 from the field.
Coach's Praise and a Legacy of Breaking Records
Kings' head coach Doug Christie was full of admiration for his player's relentless pursuit of greatness. When informed about the new milestone, Christie reacted with praise, stating, "I didn't know he broke another record tonight. He continues to break records. Russ is a freak of nature… I've always been a fan of his. It’s an absolute honor to coach him."
This record adds another chapter to Westbrook's history of shattering expectations. Years earlier, he had made Robertson's once-untouchable triple-double records seem routine by averaging a triple-double for entire seasons. With this scoring feat, he has now also outscored other iconic Hall of Famers like Dominique Wilkins, Tim Duncan, and Paul Pierce. The next legends in his sights on the scoring ladder are Hakeem Olajuwon (26,946 points) and Elvin Hayes (27,313).
Longevity and Resilience Define the Achievement
What makes Westbrook's climb to 15th all-time truly remarkable is the context of his career trajectory. Now in his 18th season, he is no longer the primary offensive option he once was. Embracing a role as a sixth man coming off the bench, he has adapted his game, relying on veteran savvy and high basketball IQ to remain profoundly effective.
His statistics this season are a testament to his evolved play. He is shooting a career-high 36% from the three-point line and 42.7% from the field, while averaging 14.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. This milestone is particularly sweet given the recent turbulence in his career, which saw him play for five different teams between 2020 and 2025 before finding a home with the Sacramento Kings in 2025. The record silences many critics who had questioned his ability to contribute at an elite level.
The Sacramento Kings will look to bounce back from their recent skid when they host the Milwaukee Bucks at the Golden 1 Center in their next matchup.
