Stockton Moves Past Oscar Robertson

Spokane’s John Stockton has moved past Oscar Robertson on the NBA’s career assists list. Next up is Magic Johnson, whose total of 9,923 is just 25 away.

Stockton, who needed five assists to pass Robertson, handed out 14 Saturday night in Utah’s 111-94 victory over the New Jersey Nets at Salt Lake City.

“I’m just playing; I’m not worrying about the stats,” said Stockton, who could pass Johnson on Wednesday when the Jazz play the Denver Nuggets at home. “Win or lose, this has been the best group of guys I’ve played with.”

Especially lately.

The Jazz won their 12th straight game and improved their record against Eastern Conference opponents to 19-1. Stockton scored 20 points and Karl Malone added 20 as the Jazz won their seventh straight home game to go along with their near-record 15 straight road wins.

Chris Morris led the Nets, losers of three straight, with 23 points, but he had just 2 in the second half. Derrick Coleman scored just eight points on 2-of-11 shooting.

Stockton passed Robertson while standing near the top of the key, one-handing a pass to Jazz forward Adam Keefe under the basket.