“Disrespect to Russ is Loud”: Fans In Disbelief as Russell Westbrook Gets Benched for $44.4M PG Despite Averaging Near Triple-Double

The Sacramento Kings opened Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with Russell Westbrook on the bench. Kings coach Doug Christie rolled with Dennis Schroder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa and Domantas Sabonis. Westbrook came on as a reliever for the sixth time in 10 games this season.

Fans who wanted the former MVP to open the game over Schroder reacted:

“The disrespect to Russ is loud.”

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One fan said:

Another fan added:

One more fan continued:

Another fan reacted:

Schroder, who signed a three-year, $44.4 million deal in July, and Westbrook are point guards, but Christie has preferred the former over the latter. The German has been part of the starting lineup as the lead playmaker since the start of the season. Christie has used Westbrook to play as an undersized small forward in a small-ball setting.

To match up against Minnesota's size and length, Christie decided to give Precious Achiuwa his first start. The 6-foot-10 forward opened the game guarding former New York Knicks teammate Julius Randle, who has averaged over 25 points per game this season. The Timberwolves’ frontline includes the 7-foot Rudy Gobert and 6-foot-11 Jaden McDaniels, prompting Christie’s adjustments.

Russell Westbrook entered the game averaging 16.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, forcing fans to react to his benching. They would have preferred him over Dennis Schroder’s 13.0 ppg, 7.0 apg and 3.7 rpg.

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Russell Westbrook arguably had his worst game of season against Kings

Two days before the game against the Timberwolves, Russell Westbrook put up 24 points, nine assists and seven rebounds against the OKC Thunder. He scored over 20 points in his previous three games.

The return to the bench did not suit Westbrook well. Against Minnesota, he struggled, finishing with six points, one assist, one block and one steal. Before Sunday, his previous worst outing was on opening night in a clash with the Phoenix Suns. He ended that game with six points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.

Doug Christie’s adjustment to battle the Timberwolves’ size and length failed. The Kings lacked rhythm and energy in their 144-117 loss. Russell Westbrook could not give his team a spark coming from the bench.

Edited by Michael Macasero