Chris Paul passes Magic Johnson for career All-Star Game assists record
Chris Paul dishes 16 assists in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game
Chris Paul’s standard of point guard excellence has endured since 2005 — long enough for him to pass arguably his most decorated predecessor at the position in at least one respect.
With his 16th and final assist in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, the Phoenix Suns point guard passed Magic Johnson in all-time career assists made in the NBA’s midseason classic. Paul now holds the record with 128 total All-Star assists.
#PhantomCam look at Chris Paul's lob to Steph Curry!@CP3's 16 assists put him one ahead of Magic Johnson for the MOST in #NBAAllStar Game history (128). pic.twitter.com/6iDBaqJdAR
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2021
The feat is another feather in Paul’s seemingly ageless cap. A former lottery pick with the then-New Orleans Hornets, Paul has become synonymous with his position and with winning. The 36-year-old has not missed the playoffs since 2011 despite captaining vastly different situations over his career. His latest stop — guiding a once-listless Suns franchise to the league’s second-best record at the All-Star break — helped earn him his 11th career All-Star nod.
Individually, Paul’s name will likely stand the test of time in the record books. Besides his new place atop the All-Star assists list, Paul also ranks sixth and seventh on the NBA’s all-time assists and steals lists, respectively. Barring unforeseen injury, he will likely pass several legends in each category before his playing days are done.
LeBron James also moved up on the career All-Star assists list, passing Hall of Fame point guard Isiah Thomas for third-most all-time.
NBA All-Star Game Assists Leaders
| Player | Number of All-Star Games played | Career All-Star Game assists |
| Chris Paul | 11 | 128 |
| Magic Johnson | 12 | 127 |
| LeBron James | 17 | 98 |
| Isiah Thomas | 12 | 97 |
| Bob Cousy | 13 | 86 |
