The top 10 most assists in a single NBA game highlight some of the greatest playmakers the league has ever seen. These performances show just how special it is when a point guard completely takes over a game with their passing.
1. Scott Skiles
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Scott Skiles in a game against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the AT&T Center. San Antonio beat Milwaukee 112-98. Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY SportsAssists: 30Date: 12/30/1990 — Orlando Magic vs. Denver NuggetsSkiles set an NBA record that still stands today. Known as a gritty, fiery point guard, he led Orlando with exceptional court vision. His 30-assist night is viewed as one of the most unbreakable single-game records.2. Kevin Porter
A view NBA logo during the NBA All Star Jam Session at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY SportsAssists: 29Date: 2/24/1978 — New Jersey Nets vs. Houston RocketsPorter was one of the league’s earliest pure pass-first point guards. Quick and intuitive, he led the NBA in assists four times. This performance stood as the record until Skiles broke it 12 years later.3. John Stockton
Utah Jazz guard John Stockton (12) is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Mugsy Bouges (left) at the Charlotte Arena. Credit: USA TODAY SportsAssists: 28Date: 1/15/1991 — Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio SpursStockton, widely considered the greatest pure passer in NBA history, holds the career assists record by a massive margin. His mastery of pick-and-roll offense made him nearly unstoppable as a distributor. This 28-assist output was one of many legendary passing nights.4. Guy Rodgers
San Francisco Warriors guard Guy Rodgers (5) shoots against the Cincinnati Royals guard Connie Dierking (24) during the 1966 season. Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY SportsAssists: 28Date: 3/14/1963 — San Francisco Warriors vs. St. Louis HawksRodgers was one of the best passers of the 1960s, known for his flashy style and elite court creativity. He teamed with Wilt Chamberlain early in his career, often feeding him for scoring explosions. His 28 assists were decades ahead of their time.5. Bob Cousy
Former Boston Celtic great Bob Cousy, center, yell instructions to his Missouri Valley team against the ACC in the first round of the first annual Four-Star Classic at Memorial Gym April 9, 1974. Credit: Dale Ernsberger-USA TODAY NETWORKAssists: 28Date: 2/27/1959 — Boston Celtics vs. Minneapolis LakersCousy revolutionized ball-handling and playmaking in the 1950s. His flair and court wizardry shaped the modern point-guard role. Before the era of high scoring, 28 assists was extraordinary.6. John Stockton
Utah Jazz guard John Stockton (12) drives to the basket against between Orlando Magic forward Mark Acres (42) and Jerry Reynolds (35) at the Orlando Arena. Credit: USA TODAY SportsAssists: 27Date: 12/19/1989 — Utah Jazz @ New York KnicksAnother Stockton gem, coming during his early years of dominance. He consistently dissected defenses with precision and timing. Nights like this made him an annual assists champion.7. Geoff Huston
A view of the Cleveland Cavaliers logo on the shorts of Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Cavaliers 104-97. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsAssists: 27Date: 1/27/1982 — Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State WarriorsHuston played during a transitional guard era and had his best years in Cleveland. He was a steady, reliable floor general with strong passing instincts. His 27-assist game remains one of the most surprising high totals in NBA history.8. John Stockton
Utah Jazz guard John Stockton (12) drives San Antonio Spurs guard Avery Johnson (left) at the Delta Center. Credit: USA TODAY SportsAssists: 26Date: 4/14/1988 — Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail BlazersYet another appearance by the assist king. Stockton’s consistency and stamina allowed him to post multiple 20+ assist games throughout his career. This performance came as he was entering his prime.9. Rajon Rondo
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) guards New Orleans Pelicans guard Rajon Rondo (9) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY SportsAssists: 25Date: 12/27/2017 — New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn NetsRondo is one of the most brilliant passers of the modern era, known for his anticipation and unorthodox creativity. His 25-assist game set a franchise record for New Orleans. Even late in his career, his vision remained elite.10. Jason Kidd
Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd (2) moves the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Richard Jefferson (24) at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won in overtime 99-94. Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY SportsAssists: 25Date: 2/8/1996 — Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah JazzKidd was a triple-double machine with top-tier basketball IQ. Known for his speed and transition passing, he revitalized every franchise he joined. His 25-assist performance came during his early explosive years in Dallas.Conclusion
New Orleans Pelicans guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles the ball during the second half against New York Knicks at Smoothie King Center. Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Looking back at these incredible assist totals really shows how much skill and vision go into running an offense at the highest level. It’s a fun reminder that some of the best moments in basketball come from setting up teammates and making the whole team shine.