The Phoenix Suns’ Marquese Chriss enjoyed an outstanding performance in the team's 102-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, but what no one realized was how historic it actually was.
As good as he was offensively, it was his defense that cemented his place in the history books.
According to NBA.com/Stats, Chriss became just the fourth player in NBA history to record 100 3-pointers, blocks, and steals before turning 21. He joined Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James as the only players to have accomplished the feat.
Marquese Chriss:
Joins Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant & LeBron James as the only players in @NBAHistory with 100 three-pointers, blocks & steals before turning 21. #SunsAt50 pic.twitter.com/oX6m5wEebc
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) February 1, 2018
Chriss entered the game needing just one more steal to join the elite club. The notable moment came early in the third quarter when Chriss intercepted a pass from Dirk Nowitzki for his only steal of the night. He then passed the ball to Tyson Chandler on the fastbreak. After Nowitzki committed to him, Chandler lobbed an alley-oop pass to Chriss for the two-handed slam as if to celebrate the accomplishment.
The second-year forward finished the game with 15 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. This was his best outing since January when the Suns won against the Atlanta Hawks 104-103. In that game, Chriss had 17 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
For those keeping score, Chriss currently has 108 3-pointers, 115 blocks, and 100 steals in his career.
Despite the game being marred by a horrendous injury suffered by teammate Isaiah Canaan early in the game, it is refreshing to see Chriss’ achievement take some weight off of the day’s difficult circumstances for the Suns.