Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Feb. 1, 2025.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Feb. 1, 1995, Utah Jazz guard John Stockton passed Magic Johnson’s all-time NBA assists mark of 9,221, in a 129-98 win over the Denver Nuggets at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Jazz fans had already become enamored with the point guard out of Gonzaga, but NBA fans in general soon realized this guy was pretty good at dishing out assists.
Coverage leading up to the record-setting night was intense, and game coverage on that night against the Nuggets was focused on Stockton.
The assist, a pass to of course Karl Malone, was a sweet moment for Jazz faithful.
The headlines the next day in the Deseret News:
“Passing Magic: Stockton leapfrogs former Laker great on all-time assists list”
“Pass perfect: Stockton gets niche in NBA history”
“Jazz’s John Stockton: Perfection at the point”
Photos included a shot of Stockton’s parents enjoying the moment from the stands. Stockton himself didn’t care much for the attention, but later admitted breaking the record and enjoying the moment with the hometown fans was a nice thing.
In 1988, Stockton had broken Isiah Thomas’ single-season assist mark of 1,123 assists. In 1992, he passed Celtics great Bob Cousy on the list. Soon, Johnson’s all-time mark of 9,221 assists was in sight.
Stockton finished his career with 15,806 assists, a mark that will likely stand forever.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about Stockton, his run-up to the record, and some of his career highlights, a video of the “Magic moment,” as well as articles of NBA all-time records:
“Stockton sets NBA assist record and nets a career-high 27 points”
“Stockton: Of assists, anniversaries and all-stars”
“Utah Jazz: Stockton a ‘perfect’ point guard, a fierce floor general”
“Morning links: Chris Paul says ‘ain’t nobody catching’ Stockton’s assist record”
“Stockton ties Cousy, dishes off comparison to former Celtic great”
“Stockton reaches 5,000 career assists”
“LeBron James just passed John Stockton on this list”
“LeBron James becomes 1st NBA player to score 40,000 points”
“Jabbar says Malone won’t break record”
“Gregg Popovich could break the NBA’s all-time wins record tonight vs. Utah Jazz”