Nash breaks franchise career assist record

Steve Nash surpassed Kevin Johnson as the Suns' all-time leader in assists -- returning to the lineup against the New Orleans Hornets Wednesday after nursing a left knee contusion.

Nash, who entered the game needing seven assists for the record, tallied record-breaking 6,519 on a fastbreak outlet pass to Josh Childress for a layup.

The two-time MVP started the third quarter on fire, scoring four points and six assists in under seven minutes. Despite the Suns' troubles this season, Nash has still averaged a league-best 9.9 assists per game despite playing the fewest minutes in his 12 year career.

Nash credited Johnson as a mentor in his first two seasons with the Suns, so it's especially fitting that he was able to surpass an iconic hero of his own in route to building upon his own remarkable legacy -- ranking sixth all-time in NBA history for assists.

The Suns defeated the Hornets, 120-103, and Nash finished the game with 30 points and 10 assists.