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Kobe Bryant has more assists than points in win over Pistons

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant drives to the basket during a 106-96 victory over the Pistons in Detroit on Dec. 2.
(Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)
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Kobe Bryant is known for his scoring prowess, but this past week he became the first player in NBA history with over 32,000 points and 6,000 assists.

As the 5.3-to-1 ratio would suggest, it’s rare for Bryant to generate more assists than points, but that’s exactly what he did on Tuesday night in the Lakers’ 106-96 victory over the Pistons in Detroit.

Bryant finished with 12 points, all scored with a brief third-quarter burst, along with 13 assists.

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The last time the veteran guard accomplished the same feat was on Dec. 13, 2013, in a 122-97 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, dishing 13 assists with just four points scored. That was one of Bryant’s six games played last season, when he sidelined with Achilles and knee injuries.

Going back to the 2012-13 season, Bryant scored just four points while handing out nine assists in a 91-85 win over the Phoenix Suns.

It didn’t happen the two prior seasons, but the all-star did hand out six assists with just five points in a 99-97 win over the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) on Feb. 3, 2010.

Bryant is currently averaging 25.8 points and 5.1 assists a game. For three of his 19 seasons (including the one in progress) Bryant has averaged at least six assists -- a high mark for an off guard.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus

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