That Timberwolves guard Rod Strickland ranks sixth all-time on the NBA's assists list is impressive.

That Strickland, despite his lofty status, has fewer than half as many assists as all-time leader John Stockton is astounding.

Strickland, a 14-year veteran who signed with the Wolves in October, was a solid sixth, with 7,539 assists heading into Friday night's 95-77 loss at Utah. He trailed No. 5 Isiah Thomas by 1,522, but had 147 more than Maurice Cheeks and 328 more than Lenny Wilkens. Gary Payton, the nearest active player, was No. 10 at 7,094.

"I've always prided myself on getting the ball to the right people at the right time," Strickland said before tipoff. "I've always wanted to end up on top somewhere in assists."