It’s official! CP3 has entered the Top 5 on the NBA All-Time Assists lists, and he passed Los Angeles legend Magic Johnson (10,141) to do it!
In the remaining 4:05 in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Phoenix Suns PG launched a dazzling dime across the court to teammate Devin Booker for the circus-style dunk.
Chris Paul would set a new record for himself, adding a little extra sauce propelling his team in the race for an NBA title as the Suns now boast a 41-16 record, the second-best record in the league.
Paul would finish the matchup with 13 assists, along with 22 points and 7 rebounds in his team’s intense 128-127 OT win against the Bucks.
For CP3, the matchup was business as usual, much like his achievement 8 years ago.
In 2012, the former Los Angeles Clipper PG would reach 5,000 career assists with a quick strike to former teammate Blake Griffin and didn’t even know it! Talk about locked in. Paul immediately lined up for the next play, and as he motioned a teammate into position, the crowd burst into an ovation. Paul had no clue what was going on and even asked Griffin, “What happened?” It wasn’t long before he was made aware of the announcement that had just flooded the projector.
CP3 is infamous for being completely locked in during games as he is often a grounds marshal on the court for his team. I’m sure no teammate’s after shared complaints. Competitors, on the other hand, not so much…
After passing Magic Johnson with 10,145 assists, Paul trails only John Stockton (15,806), Jason Kidd (12,091), Steve Nash (10,335), and Mark Jackson (10,334). In addition to his place on the all-time assists list, CP3 ranks fifth all-time in steals. This places him in an elite fraternity of three as only he, Stockton (first in assists and steals), and Kidd (second in assists and steals) rank in the Top 5 All-Time in both categories.
Considering that it was just four weeks ago that the PG became the 6thplayer in NBA history to reach 10,000 career assists, it would hardly be a surprise to soon see his name higher on the assists list. It only seems right for him to be a little closer to Stockton and Kidd. I mean they do share an exclusive fraternity together.
Did I mention that the playoffs are only a breath away? One word… opportunity.
One thing for sure, Paul’s playmaking ability and basketball IQ is absolutely remarkable.
CP3 called his new achievement surreal and added afterward plans to send the ball to Johnson in hopes of getting it autographed.
In a post-game interview, the PG referred to Magic Johnson as the ‘G.O.A.T’ of PGs and said being in company with him is a blessing. With more left in the tank, the 11-time All-Star is most focused on what’s ahead.
“I’m honored and privileged, but shit I ain’t done yet.”
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