Most Assists In A Single NBA Game
Let’s discover who holds the record for the most assists in a single NBA game and explore the complete ranking of players based on the number of assists in one NBA game.
In a basketball game, an assist is given to a player who passes the ball to a teammate who successfully scores a basket. To be counted as an assist, the pass must be made before the shot is taken and within a specific time frame, typically five seconds. Now, let’s discover who holds the record for the most assists in a single NBA game and explore the complete ranking of players based on the number of assists in one NBA game.
NBA Single Game Assists Record
Scott Skiles holds the record for the most assists in a single NBA game, accomplishing a remarkable 30 assists during the Orlando Magic-Denver Nuggets match on December 30, 1990. The game ended with a final score of 155-116.
Scott Skiles’ outstanding performance in that game led him to receive the prestigious “NBA Most Improved Player Award” for the 1990-91 season, which was the pinnacle of his career.
Watch the video showcasing Scott Skiles’ incredible 30 assists:
NBA Single Game Assists Leaders
| # | Player | Assist | Year | Team |
| 1 | Scott Skiles | 30 | 1990 | Orlando Magic |
| 2 | Kevin Porter | 29 | 1978 | New Jersey Nets |
| 3 | Bob Cousy | 28 | 1959 | Boston Celtics |
| 4 | Guy Rodgers | 28 | 1963 | San Francisco Warriors |
| 5 | John Stockton | 28 | 1991 | Utah Jazz |
| 6 | Geoff Huston | 27 | 1982 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 7 | John Stockton | 27 | 1989 | Utah Jazz |
| 8 | John Stockton | 26 | 1988 | Utah Jazz |
| 9 | Ernie DiGregorio | 25 | 1974 | Buffalo Braves |
| 10 | Kevin Porter | 25 | 1979 | Detroit Pistons |
| 11 | Kevin Porter | 25 | 1979 | Detroit Pistons |
| 12 | Isiah Thomas | 25 | 1985 | Detroit Pistons |
| 13 | Nate McMillan | 25 | 1987 | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 14 | Kevin Johnson | 25 | 1994 | Phoenix Suns |
| 15 | Jason Kidd | 25 | 1996 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 16 | Rajon Rondo | 25 | 2017 | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 17 | Guy Rodgers | 24 | 1966 | Chicago Bulls |
| 18 | Kevin Porter | 24 | 1980 | Washington Bullets |
| 19 | John Lucas | 24 | 1984 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 20 | Earvin “Magic” Johnson | 24 | 1984 | Los Angeles Lakers |
ALSO READ: WNBA All Time Assist Leaders
Active players
What is the status of NBA players who are currently participating in 2023? Achieving this impressive record in the past two decades has proven to be extremely challenging.
Here are the individual achievements of the players who are still playing.
- Rajon Rondo: 25
- Russell Westbrook: 24
- Chris Paul: 21
- James Harden: 20
- Reggie Jackson: 20
- Fred VanVleet: 20
Fred VanVleet was the most recent player to achieve 20 assists in a game. He accomplished this feat during a match against the Hornets on April 3, 2023, while also scoring 20 points to earn a double-double. We eagerly anticipate the next player to meet the minimum requirement and cement their status as a legend.
ALSO READ: NBA All-Time Assists Leaders As of August 2023
FAQs
Q: What is the record for the most assists in a single NBA game?
A: Scott Skiles set a remarkable 30 assists record in a single NBA game during the match between the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets on December 30, 1990. The game concluded with a final score of 155-116.
Q: Who holds the record for the most assists in a single NBA playoff game?
A: The record for the most assists in a single NBA playoff game is held by John Stockton, who recorded 24 assists in a game playing for the Utah Jazz on May 17, 1988.
Q: What is the average number of assists per game for NBA players?
A: The average number of assists per game for NBA players varies. In recent years, point guards have typically led the league with an average of around 7 to 10 assists per game.
Q: Who is the player with the most assists in NBA history?
A: John Stockton holds the record for the most assists in NBA history. He scored a total of 15,806 assists over his career.
Q: Which player led the league in assists the most times?
A: John Stockton led the league in assists a record nine times during his NBA career.
Q: How many assists did Scott Skiles record in the first half of his record-setting game?
A: Scott Skiles recorded 24 assists in the first half of his record-setting game.
Q: Who holds the record for the most assists in an NBA All-Star Game?
A: Magic Johnson holds the record for the most assists in an NBA All-Star Game. He recorded 22 assists in the 1984 All-Star Game.
Q: What is the franchise record for most assists in a single game for the Milwaukee Bucks?
A: The franchise record for most assists in a single game for the Milwaukee Bucks is 24 assists. Ramon Sessions achieved this on April 14, 2008.
Q: How many assists does a player need to record in a game to be considered a single-game assist record?
A: To be considered a single-game assist record, a player needs to record at least 20 or more assists in a game.
