‘That’s Magic’: Suns’ Chris Paul passes Johnson for 5th in all-time NBA assists

Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul continues to add to his first ballot Hall-of-Fame career.

Coming into Monday’s contest, Paul was just nine assists shy from tying Lakers guard Magic Johnson for fifth on the NBA’s all-time assist leaders.

In Monday’s overtime win against the Milwaukee Bucks, Paul finished the night with a double-double. He recorded 22 points and 13 assists, surpassing the Lakers legend in the process to claim that fifth spot on the all-time assist list.

“When you come into this game you never know how long it’s going be, what it’s going to look like,” Paul said. “You put a lot of things into perspective. My pops, my dad, that’s who I thank for this. My dad was the first person to put a ball in my hand. The commitment he gave me and my brother, just like my mom. I’m grateful man. When you have experiences like this, it’s dope to be able to share with a great group of guys.”

Chris Paul passes Magic Johnson for 5th on the all-time assists list with this pinpoint dime! pic.twitter.com/WXykknOazY

— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2021

Devin Booker was the recipient of Paul’s tenth assist that would solidify him into the fifth spot on the all-time list.

“It’s hard to put it in words. That’s Magic Johnson and that’s Chris Paul,” Booker said. “So for me being a fan of this game for so long being inspired by these guys and watching continuous film on both of them, there is no words for it.”

Booker went on to say that during the course of this season he continues to pick Paul’s brain and doesn’t take his point guard for granted.

“I listen to him closely, watch how he moves even when he’s not talking or leading us I just watch how he goes about his business,” Booker said. “There’s so much respect for him, not just from me league wide and worldwide.”

Following his postgame media availability, Booker received the game ball and jokingly stated his starting bid at $1,000,000.

Hit up @DevinBook on eBay for Chris Paul's 10,142nd career assist to pass Magic Johnson for 5th all-time.

Starting bid for the game ball: $1,000,000 pic.twitter.com/E0C668Clru

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) April 20, 2021

Paul called the moment “surreal” passing an icon like Johnson on the list, saying his plan is to send the ball to Johnson for the Hall of Famer to sign it.

Suns big man Deandre Ayton also showed his appreciation for his point guard and the work he has put in for Phoenix this season.

“The man has proven that he’s a Point God every time he plays,” Ayton said. “Breaking milestones and stuff like these accolades. It’s an honor to be a part of it. I dapped him up as he got the game ball, we all celebrated, you know, like, ‘I appreciate you man.’ I’m really honored to be a part of this.”

Paul now currently sits at 10,145 assists for his career and trails Mark Jackson (10,334) by 189 assists for fourth on the all-time assists list.