On Sunday, Chris Paul became the first player in NBA history to start all 82 games in their 20th season.
The Spurs guard broke the previous record set by Hall of Famer John Stockton, who started all 82 in his 19th and final season in 2002-03.
Paul, who turns 40 on May 6, also became just the third player ever to play all 82 games this late into their career. Previously, Stockton accomplished the feat in his age-39 and age-40 seasons, and Michael Jordan played all 82 games in his age-39 season with the Wizards.
For Paul, the feat meant more as it ended in victory. The veteran guard finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals to guide the Spurs to a 125-118 win over the Raptors.
Paul had appeared in all 82 games only once before — in 2014-15 — and had failed to crack the 60-game barrier in recent years due to injuries. It’s rather remarkable that he repeated the feat 10 years later.
“It’s crazy,” Paul said of playing all 82 games, via Associated Press. “I was talking to my wife about this. When you’re sort of in it, you’re not really thinking about it. It’s like, ‘OK, it’s Game 30. OK, it’s Game 40-something. It’s game such and such.’ Year 20, this is only the second time in my career playing 82 games. And also playing as long as I have, I think I know how hard it is.”
Paul made it a point to praise teammate Harrison Barnes and Knicks forward Mikal Bridges, two others who played all 82 games this season. Others on the list include Buddy Hield, Malik Beasley, Jarrett Allen, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaden McDaniels, Jalen Green, Julian Champagnie and Bub Carrington.
The Spurs won’t be going to the postseason, but the franchise ought to be thrilled with Paul’s leadership. The “Point God” finished with 605 assists from 82 games, the most by any player in their 20th season, shattering the previous record set by LeBron James, who had 375 dimes in the 2022-23 campaign.
It’s unknown if Paul will return for a 21st season. The veteran guard recently said he has yet to decide on his status for next year.
