Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Paul recorded a triple-double en route to his 10,000th career assist and the Phoenix Suns took advantage of the absence of LeBron James to record a front-running 111-94 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.
The win not only pushed the Suns one game ahead of the defending NBA champions in the Pacific Division, but also clinched the three-game season series.
🙌 @CP3 drops a triple-double and becomes the 6th player in NBA history with 10,000 career assists in the @Suns win!
11 PTS | 10 REB | 13 AST | 3 STL pic.twitter.com/TBoofW92Uk
— NBA (@NBA) March 22, 2021
Phoenix had won at Los Angeles 114-104 earlier this month.
Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton shared game-high scoring honors with 26 points apiece for the Suns, who won their second straight on the eve of a four-game Southeastern swing.
Paul finished with 11 points, a game-high-tying 10 rebounds and a game-high 13 assists, the ninth of which made him the sixth player in NBA history to reach the 10,000 milestone.
Chris Paul becomes the 6th player in NBA history with 10,000 CAREER ASSISTS! pic.twitter.com/pavbc9t6OY
— NBA (@NBA) March 22, 2021
He joins John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Mark Jackson and Magic Johnson in the exclusive club.