“Pop and the Spurs definitely got the deepest tree in the league — everybody branches off from here and ends up better,” Paul said during Tuesday’s press conference. Credit: Kiko Martinez

Veteran guard Chris Paul made NBA history Sunday during San Antonio’s 116-121 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, becoming the player with the second-most assists in league history.

The 39-year-old Paul got his 12,092nd assist on an inbound 3-pointer pass to Victor Wembanyama with just over 7 minutes to go in the first half.

With that inbound pass, Paul surpassed Hall of Famer Jason Kidd in assists. He now sits behind John Stockton, who garnered a career total of 15,806 assists during his 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz.

“I mean, I remember being a rookie, I said that before, looking up in Utah, seeing John Stockton, all-time steals and assist leader,” Paul told reporters after the game. “So, yeah, it is kind of crazy. I mean, I’m grateful for the opportunity to still continue to play.”

Paul finished Sunday’s game with 10 assists, seven rebounds and six points. He was celebrated in the locker room after the game, where interim Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson presented the guard with the game ball and a collage memorializing the historical moment.

“We have all watched and admired you in this long journey. And, we’ve all been privileged this year to experience it up close,” Johnson said. “It’s been a hell of a journey. We are very privileged to be a part of it. And, in typical CP fashion … he got it with a win.”

The Silver and Black will next take on the Trailblazers this Friday in Portland on. Tipoff is at 9 p.m. Central, and the game will air on Bally Sports Southwest.

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This article appears in Nov 28-29, 2024.

Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...