Spurs Point guard Chris Paul reached another milestone on Friday evening, handing in the 12,000th assist of his career, he writes Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. John Stockton may be out of reach at 15,806, but Paul is getting closer Jason Kidds Second place total 12,091. At the age of 39, Paul attributes his longevity to staying in top shape and staying engaged with the game.
“We train all day and all night” he said. “The massages until late at night. It gets up in the morning. It's eating right. It's training while you're on vacation. It’s about watching films day after day.”
At 6-foot-2, Paul is by far the shortest player to ever play 20 NBA seasons, McDonald adds. This list includes mostly big men as well as some hyper-athletic wingers. One of them is Paul's close friend LeBron Jameswho met him after the game and talked about what it was like to be at the end of their careers.
“Me and 'Bron talked about it a little bit.” Paul said. “We don’t know how long it will last, but I’m so grateful for this game and the things I’ve been able to do and learn over the years.”
There's more from San Antonio:
- James also spoke briefly Stephon Castle After the end of the game, which left a strong impression on the rookie guard, McDonald explains in one separate story. After Lakers After scoring a narrow victory, James offered some advice on some readings Castle could have made. “I have watched him since I was a child” Castle said. “For him to come up to me and talk to me, even for a little while, it really meant a lot.” … I really respect him and appreciate him coming up to me and telling me that. He didn’t really have to.”
- Friday's losses make the Spurs and Grizzlies the only teams without an NBA Cup win since the tournament was introduced last season, McDonald added in the same article. San Antonio will get three more chances, hosting Oklahoma City on Tuesday and then traveling to Utah on November 26th and Phoenix on December 3rd.
- Victor Wembanyama will miss today's game in Dallas due to a bruised right knee, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon (Twitter link). Zach Collins will replace him in the starting line-up.
