NBA Finals 2014: Tony Parker needs four assists to pass Michael Jordan on all-time playoff list
By Chris Walder
The San Antonio Spurs are looking at taking a 2-0 series lead over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, but that’s not the only thing the team is chasing on Sunday night. With a strong performance distributing the basketball tonight against the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker can pass Michael Jordan on the all-time postseason list.
Parker has 1,019 career assists in the NBA playoffs. Jordan has four more at 1,023. It’s not inconceivable to think Parker can get at least four dimes at the AT&T Center tonight.
He’s had at least four in 14 of 19 games during San Antonio’s playoff run this year. Parker is also coming off a game where he dished out eight helpers in a 110-95 win in Game 1 this past Thursday night.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson sits atop the list with 2,346 assists. John Stockton of the Utah Jazz is second with 1,839, while a huge margin separates him and Jason Kidd’s 1,263.
Parker could also find himself moving up another all-time list as well. Ironically enough, he would be pushing down one of Jordan’s teammates in the process if he were to achieve it.
With nine more points, Parker will move past Scottie Pippen (3,642) for 13th on the NBA’s all-time postseason scoring list.
Tony Parker needs 9 points to pass Scottie Pippen (3,642) for 13th on the all-time postseason scoring list #NBAFinals
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) June 8, 2014
While Parker would love nothing more than to move up the standings in both categories, I’m sure a win at home to extend San Antonio’s series lead to two games would be sufficient enough.