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San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker passes Kobe Bryant on all-time wins list

By Rob Wolkenbrod
SAN ANTONIO,TX - DECEMBER 18 : Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs scores in front of Austin Rivers #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers at AT&T Center on December 18, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX - DECEMBER 18 : Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs scores in front of Austin Rivers #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers at AT&T Center on December 18, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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With Monday’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker moved up the all-time wins list, passing an NBA legend.

Since 2001, the San Antonio Spurs used Tony Parker at point guard, making at least 50 starts in every season before 2017-18. Some of these seasons were among the best in franchise history, with the Frenchman playing on 60-win teams and putting up stellar numbers. Along with winning four NBA championships, his run with the Silver and Black remains historically successful.

On Monday night, the Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 109-91. Parker played 23 minutes, with a season-high 16 points and adding 7 assists. It was a vintage performance in a shortened span, and enough to be a catalyst towards this victory.

However, it was also a historic night for Parker. He moved into eighth place on the all-time wins list, past Kobe Bryant and Clifford Robinson, with his 837th career victory. Maneuvering past Derek Fisher will be next, as his 853 wins are in reach.

Last night @tonyparker passed Kobe Bryant to move into 8th place on the @NBA all-time wins list. pic.twitter.com/nSDHkThAbO

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 19, 2017

It’s ironic this happened on Monday, as it was also the night Bryant had his No. 8 and 24 jersey numbers retired by the Los Angeles Lakers. Of course, Parker’s movement up the list is a footnote in comparison, but still a remarkable achievement.

The 35-year-old started his Spurs career in the 2001-02 season, after being selected in Round 1 of the 2001 NBA Draft. His teams never won fewer than 50 games and, prior to the 2017-18 season, he never missed more than 27 contests in 16 years.

Next: Top 25 players in Spurs history

If Parker stays healthy, he should pass Fisher by January or early February. Dirk Nowitzki (882 wins), who hasn’t retired, is next. Afterward, it’s a steeper climb, with Utah Jazz legends Karl Malone (952) and John Stockton (953) next. Followed by a man named Tim Duncan. How far will Parker go on the all-time wins list before his career ends?

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