What is the NBA Playoffs single-game assists record? Magic Johnson, John Stockton headline list

Scott Rafferty

What is the NBA Playoffs single-game assists record? Magic Johnson, John Stockton headline list image

You might be surprised to hear that Stephen Curry doesn't hold the record for most 3s made in a playoff game.

You probably won't be surprised to hear who holds the record for most assists.

Regarded as two of the greatest passers in NBA history, Magic Johnson and John Stockton find themselves at the top of the NBA's all-time leaderboard for most assists in a single game.

Their record has stood the test of time, having been set more than 30 years ago.

MORE: SN NBA Awards 2023: MVP, All-International Team & more

What is the NBA Playoffs single-game assists record?

Magic Johnson and John Stockton share the all-time single-game assists record in the playoffs.

Johnson set the record in 1984 when he dished out 24 assists in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Stockton tied Johnson's record four years later in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

The closest anyone has come to Johnson and Stockton's record in the years since is Steve Nash.

Johnson had 20 or more assists in a total of 10 playoff games in his career. Every other player in NBA history has combined for 10 such games.

RankPlayerAssists
1.Magic Johnson24
 John Stockton24
3.Magic Johnson23
 Steve Nash23
 John Stockton23
6.Doc Rivers22
7.Magic Johnson (x3)21
 Rajon Rondo21
 John Stockton21
10.Tim Hardaway20
 Magic Johnson (x5)20
 Johnny Moore20
 Rajon Rondo20
 John Stockton20

Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.

SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish

Most assists in NBA Playoffs career

Magic Johnson's 2,346 career assists in the playoffs rank No. 1 all-time by a large margin.

In second place isn't John Stockton, who ranks third with 1,839 career assists. It's LeBron James, who also ranks first all-time in career points in the playoffs.

The only other active player in the top 10 is Chris Paul.

RankPlayerAssists
1.Magic Johnson2,346
2.LeBron James1,957
3.John Stockton1,839
4.Jason Kidd1,263
5.Chris Paul1,233
6.Tony Parker1,143
7.Rajon Rondo1,136
8.Larry Bird1,062
9.Steve Nash1,061
10.Scottie Pippen1,048

 

Scott Rafferty

 

Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.