OTD in 1984: Magic Johnson Set the Single-Game Playoff Assist Record

No discussion of all-time NBA point guards would be complete without highlighting the position’s greatest showman, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Entering the league with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979, Magic Johnson’s remarkable run as the league’s premier facilitator played an integral role in popularizing the NBA. His fast-pace style and electric passing ability were essential to the dynastic Showtime Lakers’ identity and success. The former all-time assist leader has countless legendary performances to his name. This day in sports history marks one of his finest playoff efforts that shattered the playoff record at the time.

INTERESTING FACTS

Magic Johnson broke the NBA record for AST (24) in a playoff game with 24 in 1984 WCF Game 2 vs. Phoenix
The playoff single-game AST record before Magic was set at 20 by Johnny Moore in 1983
Magic passed Oscar Robertson to become the all-time AST leader (Has since been surpassed)
2nd player to ever reach 10,000 career AST
Magic’s 11.2 career APG is the all-time NBA record

MAIN SIGNIFICANCE

MAGIC JOHNSON RECORDED AN NBA PLAYOFF-RECORD 24 AST

Sitting at sixth on the all-time assists (10,141) list and first for assists in the playoffs (2,346), Magic Johnson has earned acclaim first and foremost for his renowned passing ability. Johnson put these skills on full display during a 16-point victory over the Larry Nance-led Phoenix Suns as he recorded a postseason record-setting 24 assists.

Magic’s historic performance proved too much for the sixth-seeded Suns as they fell 0-2 in the series. The Lakers would eliminate the Suns in six games to secure an NBA Finals matchup against the Larry Bird-led Boston Celtics. Four years later John Stockton would become the only player to tie this record in a playoff game against Magic himself, but no player has since surpassed the record set by Magic OTD in 1984.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Magic Johnson’s 24 Assist Game

May 15, 1984: In the Los Angeles Lakers' Game 2 WCF victory over the Phoenix Suns, PG Magic Johnson set a playoff record with 24 AST. John Stockton tied the record almost exactly 4 years later but nobody has ever surpassed it pic.twitter.com/RAsn7CM97h
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) May 15, 2021