Two decades after his debut in the NBA, Chris Paul has become second in the all-time NBA assists list, finally surpassing legend Jason Kidd on Sunday with his No. 12,092 assist. Now the Spurs star is only tracing Jazz icon John Stockton, who leads the league with 15,806 to his name.
The historic dime happened last night during the Point God’s third assist of the 121-116 win against New Orleans, when he directed the ball into teammate Victor Wembanyama’s hands, who dropped in a 25-foot three-pointer. The versatile big man ended the night with a game-high 25 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.
“Vic had been out a few games,” Chris said postgame. “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.”
Chris Paul has officially passed Jason Kidd to become second on the All-Time Assist Leaders list! pic.twitter.com/iYXh4qXPJR
— PJ Hoops (@RealPjHoops) December 9, 2024
As for the 39-year-old, he finished the contest with 11 points and 13 assists, which added to his career tally to 12,099 assists. The veteran player also become the second player in NBA history to accumulate 600 10-assist performances, still behind Stockton’s 863.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” shared his interim coach Mitch Johnson. “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.”
As for Wemby, who has been the recipient of so many of his dimes this season, admitted to feeling proud to have been a part of this historic moment. “I got to be on this one. 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 French star expressed.
After this weekend’s display, Paul’s assists have gone out to 173 different recipients during the course of his 20-year NBA career
Once the contest was over, even his rivals addressed Chris’ milestone, as his incredible 12,099 assists have been handed out to 173 different teammates. Pelicans coach Willie Green delivered praise to his former teammate, as they’ve shared the same jersey with the New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers.
“Incredible to see what he’s still doing,” the tactician said once the match had ended in San Antonio. “His mind is still working like he’s processing the game. He’s working with these guys in practice, and you can see the team’s growth since he’s gotten here.
“As for surpassing Jason Kidd, the veteran guard joked about what this meant to him, recalling that the current Mavericks coach once earned a huge milestone against him. In a way, years later, he was able to have his revenge.
“He got his 100th triple-double against me,” CP3 said. “[The milestone] means I have played a long time. But J. Kidd did, too, and that’s what I appreciate. I don’t think people realize the longer you play in this league, the longer you pay attention to the guys who had longevity. So, [I’m] definitely grateful to still be here.”
