The Sacramento Kings are going through a rough stretch this season. They are currently having a (12–36) record, and they are sitting far away from both the playoff race and the play-in tournament picture. It hasn’t been easy news for the fans. But despite the struggles, the Kings have continued to compete hard and try to make each game entertaining.
One such moment came during their 103-87 loss to the New York Knicks on Dec. 27, when an exchange between Russell Westbrook and Karl-Anthony Towns stole the spotlight.
Russell Westbrook’s Unique Gesture to Karl Anthony-Towns Is Making Waves Over the Internet
Early in the first quarter, with just over seven minutes left on the clock, Towns tried to make something happen offensively as he drove toward the basket and was looking to score. But he ran straight into Westbrook. The Kings’ player surprised everyone by locking Towns down near the rim.
Towns attempted to back Westbrook down and create space. But the move went nowhere. Unable to get a clean look, the possession broke down. The ball eventually swung to Precious Achiuwa. He then drove to the other end and finished with a two-point basket for the Kings.
What made the moment go viral, though, was Westbrook’s reaction. As soon as Towns lost control of the play, Westbrook turned toward him. He shook his head and loudly shouted, “NO.” It was clear Russ was sending a message. It was that he wasn’t going to let Towns get anything easy.
KAT tries to post up Russ 🫣 pic.twitter.com/PWP6VeGtTB
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 28, 2026
This isn’t the first time these two have had this kind of back-and-forth either.
Back in 2019, when Westbrook was with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he got into it with both Towns and Dario Saric during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Russ tried to get under their skin, shouting, “Get to the f*****g playoffs before you speak to me.”
Those were bold words, but they didn’t quite work out: the Timberwolves beat the Thunder 131-120 that night, and in that game KAT dropped 41 points.
Towns had his moments calling out Westbrook, too. In 2021, while Russ was playing for the Lakers, Towns appeared on a Twitch stream with personality Adin Ross and called Westbrook a “stat chaser.”
“I ain’t trying to play for no stats, I’m trying to win this game, boy… I’m from a place where, if you get stats and you lose, that [expletive]’s pointless. I don’t go home and get love for the stats,” Westbrook responded to Towns’ comment at that time.
If we see Westbrook entered the 2025 offseason as an unrestricted free agent after declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets. Just days before the 2025-26 season started, he signed a one-year veteran minimum deal with Sacramento.
Right now, he’s averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 assists, and six rebounds per game. Earlier in January, he even became the all-time leading scorer among point guards in NBA history.
“Gratitude, grateful… it’s a unique thing when you have for me, family, close friends, support your journey,” Westbrook said after receiving a tribute from the Kings regarding his achievement.
Meanwhile, KAT getting blocked by Westbrook has sparked a meme fest across social media. Now it remains to be seen if Towns will respond to this latest chapter in their ongoing rivalry.
