The 2021-22 NBA playoff semifinals continued, and in the game that has ended, the 36-year-old Paul scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists to help the Suns beat the Lone Rangers 121-114, making the series opener while also surpassing Parker in total career assists, ranking among the top 5 in history. So the question is, who is in the top 5 of the NBA's all-time playoff assists list? Details are as follows:
Number 1 in assists - Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson, 62, was selected by the Lakers with the first overall pick in the first round in 1979 and has since helped the team win five championships. According to statistics, during the regular season, Magic Johnson averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game; during the playoffs, he averaged 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 12.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
In the NBA regular season total assists list, Magic Johnson ranked 6th with 10,141; in the NBA playoff total assists list, Magic Johnson topped the list with 2346. Even after retiring, Magic Johnson has not stayed away from his beloved basketball, but has participated in various interview programs about NBA games as a guest.
2nd place in assists - James
James, 37, has played for the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers and won four championships, and is considered one of the greatest players in active history. According to statistics, during the regular season, James can average 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game; during the playoffs, James can average 28.7 points, 9 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
In the NBA regular season total assists list, James ranked 7th with 10,045 assists, and in the NBA playoff total assists list, James ranked second with 1919. This season, because the Lakers have no chance of playoff competition, James can only act as a "spectator" and become a social maniac to comment on the game and players.
3rd place in assists - Stockton
Stockton, 60, played for the Jazz and, although not a championship, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. According to statistics, during the regular season, Stockton averaged 13.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game; during the playoffs, Stockton averaged 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 10.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Stockton ranked No. 1 with 15,806 total assists in the NBA regular season; Stockton ranked No. 3 with 1,839 total assists in the NBA's playoff total assists list. After retiring, Stockton chose to return to his family, but occasionally gave interviews about the performance of active players, such as publicly expressing pride in Irving.
4th in assists - Kidd
Kidd, 49, has played for the Lone Rangers, Suns, Nets and Knicks once, winning one championship. According to statistics, during the regular season, Kidd averaged 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game; during the playoffs, Kidd averaged 12.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 8 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Kidd ranked No. 2 with 12,091 assists in the NBA regular season, and No. 4 with 1,263 total assists in the NBA's playoff total assists list. After retiring, Kidd took up the coaching whip and led the young Lone Rangers to the semifinals this season, and it is worth looking forward to whether he can go further.
5th place in assists - Paul
Paul, 36, has played for the Hornets, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder and Suns, and has yet to win the championship like Stockton. According to statistics, during the regular season, Paul can average 18.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game; during the playoffs, Paul can average 20.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game.
Paul ranked 3rd in 10,977 in the NBA regular season total assists list, and 5th with 1,144 total assists in the NBA playoffs. Even though he was questioned about "low energy and high salary" and was "abandoned" by the Rockets, Paul, who did not accept defeat, forcefully countered the external doubts with practical actions and led the Suns to the championship.
From the above list, it can be seen that in the top 5 list of the NBA's playoff total assists, there are only two active players, James and Paul, which also reflects their greatness. So, what do you say about James and Paul? Welcome to the interactive communication below!
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