One of the greatest passers in NBA history will take center stage in the 2023 NBA Finals.
Big men aren't usually known for their passing ability, but Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has proven himself to be one of the most unique players the league has ever seen at his position.
After coming close to averaging a triple-double in the 2022-23 regular season with 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game, he leads all players in the 2023 NBA Playoffs with 10.3 assists per game.
Jokic enters the Finals with nine double-digit assist games in these playoffs. His best effort came in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals when he dished out a playoff career-best 17 assists.
Could Jokic challenge the record for assists in a Finals game? It's possible, but it certainly won't be easy.
MORE: Nikola Jokic or Jimmy Butler? Ranking 10 best players in the Finals
Who has the NBA Finals record for assists in a game?
Magic Johnson set the record for most assists in a Finals game in 1984. He led the Lakers to a blowout win over the Celtics in Game 3 with 21 assists to go along with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
That was one of three times Johnson recorded 20 or more assists in a Finals game. The most anyone else has ever had in a Finals game is 19.
Only once since 2000 has a player handed out at least 16 assists in the Finals.
| Rank | Player | Assists | Year |
| 1. | Magic Johnson | 21 | 1984 |
| 2. | Magic Johnson | 20 | 1987 |
| Magic Johnson | 20 | 1991 | |
| 4. | Bob Cousy | 19 | 1957 |
| Bob Cousy | 19 | 1959 | |
| Walt Frazier | 19 | 1970 | |
| Magic Johnson | 19 | 1987 | |
| Magic Johnson | 19 | 1988 | |
| 9. | Jerry West | 18 | 1970 |
| 10. | Dennis Johnson | 16 | 1985 |
| Magic Johnson | 16 | 1984 | |
| Magic Johnson | 16 | 1985 | |
| Magic Johnson | 16 | 1988 | |
| Robert Reid | 16 | 1986 | |
| Magic Johnson | 16 | 1985 | |
| Rajon Rondo | 16 | 2008 |
The 2023 NBA Finals will air exclusively on ABC. Viewers can also stream Finals games on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Finals on Sling TV, which is now offering $10 off your first month! Stream the sports you love starting at just $30 in your first month with Sling Orange to catch all the games on ABC.
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