20 points and 10 assists! Westbrook is fired up again! The strongest veteran on a non-guaranteed contract.

The divine weapon, DeRozan, nailed a clutch mid-range jumper for the win.

However, Avdija caused a foul on Westbrook, securing the counter game-winning play, and the call generated significant debate...

NBC Sports reporter Aaron Bruski tweeted about it:Avdija struck Westbrook’s face with the ball, causing him to lose full control of his body; then Avdija deliberately raised his arm to make contact with Westbrook’s palm, triggering this extremely absurd final call.

After the game, Avdija spoke about the call, saying he didn’t expect the whistle at the last second and that he only intended to shoot over the defense, thinking many referees wouldn’t call a foul on Westbrook.

In the end, the Trail Blazers narrowly won at home 134-133, with three players scoring 20+ points. Avdija led all scorers with 35 points, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. As expected, Yang Hansen was DNP in this game.

Here are the Kings’ stats:

Unfortunately, Westbrook shot 8 of 11, achieving an impressive 73% field goal percentage and posting a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists.

This offseason, Westbrook joined the Kings on a veteran minimum non-guaranteed deal and delivered a highly cost-effective season, appearing in 27 games with 21 starts, averaging 29 minutes per game,contributing a well-rounded stat line of 14 points, 6.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 35.9% from three-point range and making 1.7 threes per game.This three-point shooting percentage marks a career high.

However, due to the Kings’ poor performance—only 6 wins and 21 losses so far, ranking 13th in the West with slim playoff hopes—they are already considering rebuilding. Naturally, they have no plans to convert 37-year-old Westbrook’s deal into a guaranteed one, and the two sides are likely to part ways soon.

If Westbrook is traded or waived by the Kings and can join a championship-contending team, it would be a blessing in disguise. With little time left in his career, he should chase a title rather than waste time on a struggling team.

The Rockets (16-8, fifth in the West) are undoubtedly one of the best fits for Westbrook’s next destination, as they desperately need a point guard and have championship potential. The question is whether he’s willing to reunite with Durant. Of course, many things are out of his control now; if the Kings trade him to Houston, he’ll have to accept it. He can’t just refuse and risk unemployment by demanding a buyout out of spite.

“Cherish the journey, as more and more stories have come to an end.”