Suns' Chris Paul makes NBA history, becomes first player with 20,000 points and 10,000 assists

Chris Paul has created a category all his own.

During Friday night's game between the Suns and Lakers, the Phoenix star became the first player in NBA history to score at least 20,000 points and dish out at least 10,000 assists. Paul, who had 10,285 career assists heading into the contest, scored on a free-throw in the second quarter to hit 20,000 total points.

Chris Paul knocks down the free throw to reach 20,000 career points!

He becomes the only player in @NBAHistory with 20,000 points and 10,000 assists. pic.twitter.com/E2ryTafiz9

— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2021

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Heading into the game, Paul was 49 points behind Antawn Jamison for the No. 46 spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list and 49 assists behind Mark Jackson for the No. 4 spot on the NBA's all-time assist list. He has reached those incredible numbers while playing for five franchises over 17 seasons.

One of the greatest point guards in league history, Paul was recently named a member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team. The 36-year-old was one of 11 active players who made the team, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook.

"It means a lot," Paul said on Friday. "I got a chance to go home yesterday with my family, my parents, my brother. Everybody sort of surprised me with, like, a Zoom toast with a lot of people who meant a lot [to me]. Especially to have my dad sitting right next to me meant a lot because my dad is the one who the ball in my hands, and I appreciate him for it.

"I'm just glad and grateful to be a part of it."

"I'm just glad and grateful to be a part of it."

- @CP3 on being named to the @NBA 75th Anniversary Team pic.twitter.com/lBEheQFcUp

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 22, 2021