Top NBA Assist Performances of 2024: A Showcase of Teamwork
The 2024 NBA season has seen teams take their playmaking to another level, with remarkable assist records being set across the league. The Golden State Warriors, for example, recorded a season-high 39 assists, securing their place in the top five. Here’s a look at the top assist performances of the season, highlighting the games that showed excellent passing and team spirit on the court.
#1 New York Knicks – 45 Assists vs Denver Nuggets
The New York Knicks lead the pack with a stunning 45 assists in their 145-118 victory over the Denver Nuggets on 25 November. The Knicks not only excelled in playmaking but also dominated with 43 rebounds, five steals, and 19 three-pointers. This performance helped the Knicks move up to third in the Eastern Conference with a 16-10 record.
#2 Denver Nuggets – 43 Assists vs Atlanta Hawks
Although they gave up 45 assists to the Knicks, the Denver Nuggets earned second place on the list, dishing out 43 assists in their 141-128 win over the Atlanta Hawks on 12 December. Along with the impressive assist total, the Nuggets also recorded 43 rebounds, nine steals, and 12 three-pointers.
#3 Miami Heat – 42 Assists vs Los Angeles Lakers
The Miami Heat sit third on the list with 42 assists in their 134-93 blowout victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on 4 December. The Heat were one of only four teams to surpass the 40-assist mark this season and to do so in a win. Despite this achievement, the Heat are looking to improve their standing, currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference.
#4 Atlanta Hawks – 40 Assists vs Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers appear again on this list, but this time, on the receiving end of another impressive assist total. The Atlanta Hawks recorded 40 assists in a narrow 121-119 win over the Lakers on 6 December. The Hawks also collected 48 rebounds, 10 steals, and made 17 three-pointers. Despite the victory, the Hawks are seventh in the Eastern Conference, coming off a loss.
#5 Golden State Warriors – 39 Assists vs Dallas Mavericks
The Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, are in fifth place with 39 assists in a game against the Dallas Mavericks. However, despite this impressive playmaking effort, the Warriors were defeated in the game, making them the first team on this list to lose after recording a high number of assists. Additionally, both teams set an NBA record for the most combined three-pointers made in a game, with 48 total.
SportsRation’s Uduak Oscar comments on the increased playmaking across the league: “The rise in assists shows a shift towards teamwork and unselfish play. Teams are recognising the importance of ball movement, creating open shots, and working together to achieve better outcomes. Look at the Knicks’ performance, for example – that’s what happens when players trust each other and focus on the collective effort.”
These top assist performances highlight the growing trend of teamwork and precision passing in the NBA, setting the stage for exciting basketball as the season progresses.
