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Magic Johnson, the name itself is synonymous with assists in NBA history. He was the floor general who orchestrated Showtime Lakers, leading the team to multiple championships. Specifically, in the 1984 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Magic delivered 95 assists over the seven-game series. Just imagine controlling the game to that extent! That means Magic was responsible for over 13 assists per game, a number that is incredible by any standard even in today’s fast-paced NBA.
LeBron James, often discussed as one of the greatest of all time, also makes his presence felt on this prestigious list. In the 2017 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, LeBron racked up 57 assists over five games. LeBron averaged 11.4 assists per game during that stretch, displaying his ability to not just score, but facilitate, making his teammates better. He truly epitomized the role of a point-forward, blending the responsibilities of a forward and a guard into one.
Then we have Michael Jordan — a phenomenon of the basketball world. Although more famous for his scoring prowess, in the 1991 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jordan showed off his playmaking skills by accumulating 33 assists in five games. That’s an average of 6.6 assists per game. A lot of people seem to forget that Jordan's basketball IQ was off the charts, making others around him much better.
Steve Nash, though never playing in a Finals Series himself, holds various assist records within the NBA. It's interesting to consider just how impactful he could have been had he and his Phoenix Suns team made it to the Finals. Nash’s career average of 11.5 assists per game in the playoffs provides a clear indication of what might have been. Hypothetically, one could argue that if he had the opportunity, he could rival the all-time greats in a Finals series as well.
Many would also include John Stockton when discussing the greatest playmakers in NBA history. Stockton's assist numbers in playoff series are jaw-dropping. For instance, in the 1997 NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls, Stockton managed to dish out 42 assists over six games. Averaging 7 assists per game, he showcased why he is considered one of the greatest with pinpoint accuracy and unparalleled vision.
These players not only racked up assists but embodied different aspects of the game that made them invaluable to their teams. This emphasis on playmaking deeply influences not only their legacies but also the strategies that teams employ during the Finals.
It's not just the magnitude of assists but the timing and context that make these performances legendary. For instance, Magic Johnson in the 1987 NBA Finals had a "junior, junior sky-hook" moment, but not just limited to scoring, his assists orchestrated an entire offense against a robust Boston defense. Specific moments like these provide a glimpse into why assists are such a critical metric in evaluating player impact in the NBA Finals.
Oscar Robertson’s name frequently makes an appearance in discussions around assists in the Finals. Known as "The Big O," Robertson was adept at creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. In the 1971 Finals, he registered 37 assists over five games. His average of 7.4 assists per game helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their first-ever NBA Championship.
The modern era brings us to Chris Paul, who although not yet a Finals MVP, showed his prowess in the 2021 NBA Finals. Over that series, Paul stacked up 53 assists in six games, averaging 8.8 assists per outing. The level of consistency he maintained throughout the series speaks volumes about his skill as a primary playmaker.
One should also not forget Jason Kidd. In the 2003 NBA Finals, Kidd, as the floor general for the New Jersey Nets, accumulated 52 assists over six games against the San Antonio Spurs. Averaging 8.7 assists per game, Kidd demonstrated his versatility and control, despite facing the dominant duo of Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
These performances aren't just numbers. They translate into elevated team performance, better shot selection, and, most importantly, victories. The value of these playmakers cannot be overstated, setting standards and records that younger players strive to surpass.
For those deeply engrossed in the technical and statistical facets of basketball, these figures are not mere data points. They encapsulate the essence of what makes NBA Finals thrilling and emblematic of the sport’s highest levels of competition. Witnessing such artistry in motion underscores why fans flock to arena plus and NBA venues alike, to witness history being made, one assist at a time.
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