San Antonio Spurs veteran Chris Paul leapfrogged Jason Kidd to take second place in the NBA career assists. With 12,099 assists, Paul is now only behind Utah Jazz legend and Hall of Famer John Stockton on the all-time list. Stockton is the NBA’s career leader, with 15,806 assists in over 19 seasons.
Paul overtook Kidd’s tally of 12091 when he provided an assist to Victor Wembanyama with 7:06 left in the first half for a 25-foot 3-pointer. The Spurs registered a 121-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, which was also the perfect icing on the cake.
“Vic had been out a few games,” Paul said. “He came back just in time. It’s been really cool to be a part of his journey. The guys, they gave me a memorable gift. Not only a win, but a ball and a big picture with all the teams I’ve played with, but more so all the guys I’ve assisted in my career. I definitely wasn’t expecting that.”
Paul finished with 11 points and 13 assists and thus delivered for the Spurs. The team’s interim coach Mitch Johnson said it is an amazing accomplishment.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson said. “It’s a privilege to be able to see it up close and personal. We are witnessing greatness. A lot of us have competed against him. We’ve all watched him. And to be able to experience it firsthand is a privilege. He’s still doing it at a high level. We are grateful of that. He deserves all the praise and attention that comes with that because it’s a hell of an honor.”
Wembanyama lauded Paul for his 100% commitment on the court and for playing a key role in the team’s success.
“I got to be on this one,” he said. “Just the celebration, it was the best. I’m very, very proud of him. He’s just incredible how he doesn’t just do things halfway. He’s never just on the court just to be on the court. He’s trying to win, trying to find solutions. It’s a trait you find in all these players, those greats that stick around for years and years.”
The Spurs will next take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
