Chris Paul moves into third all-time in NBA assists

Jul 17, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) reacts after a call in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks during game five of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns reached the .500 mark on Tuesday night in their 112-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, thanks to another strong game from their point guard, Chris Paul. In 36 minutes of action, Paul had a double-double as he had 14 points and 18 assists.

If you think the 18 assists in the box score looks impressive, it should. The 18 helpers was the most by any player in one game in the NBA this season.

What made Tuesday so special for Paul is the fact that he moved into third place all-time on the NBA assist list with 10 346. In one night, Paul passed Steve Nash and Mark Jackson. Nash had 10 335 assists in his career, while Jackson had 10 334 assists.

Paul became the sixth player in NBA history to record 10 000 assists last season. He achieved that mark on March 21, 2021, in a 111-94 Suns win over a Los Angeles Lakers squad that was without LeBron James. The three other players to record 10 000 assists in a career are John Stockton (15 806), Jason Kidd (12 091), and Magic Johnson (10 141).

Earlier this season, Paul became the first NBA player to record 20 000 points and 10 000 assists in his career. He also achieved that mark against the Lakers in a 115-105 Phoenix win on October 22.

Paul is averaging a double-double so far in 2021-22. He has 13 points per game and 11.8 assists per game. Paul’s 71 assists is tied for the second most in the NBA. He is tied with James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets. The only player with more assists at the moment than Paul is Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, who has 76 assists.

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