The NBA playoffs are a showcase for the league’s exceptional basketball talent, and while there’s an even more intense focus on scoring, we should recognize some players have distinguished themselves as prolific postseason playmakers.
Not only should you consider points when choosing sports betting sites in Hong Kong, but consider whether there is a Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas or Chris Paul caliber player on their team. These players weren’t just threats to score the ball, but they used their talents to set up teammates.
Players Have the Most Playoff Assists All-Time
Among the top 25 players with the most assists in NBA playoff history, these ten players stand out due to their exceptional contributions and consistent performance.
1. Magic Johnson (2,346 assists)
Magic leads the list with an astounding 2,346 assists in his playoff career. Known for his exceptional vision and passing ability, Magic played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ success during the 1980s, securing five NBA championships in that decade.
2. LeBron James (2,023)
LeBron is not only the league’s leading scorer in the postseason and can put up a 40 piece at any point, but also high up on the list for assists. That’s because James is a phenomenal passer, ranking second with 2,023 assists. His versatility and basketball IQ have helped him guide multiple teams to the NBA Finals, earning four championships so far.
3. John Stockton (1,839)
Stockton is the quintessential point guard, one of the league’s iron men, and sits third with 1,839 playoff assists. Stockton’s ability to control the game’s tempo and deliver pinpoint passes was instrumental in the Utah Jazz’s numerous playoff runs. He’s the first of seven players in the top 25 list to not win an NBA championship.
4. Jason Kidd (1,263)
JKidd is fourth with 1,263 assists. A triple-double threat every game, Kidd’s all-around game and leadership were crucial for teams like the New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks, the latter with whom he won a championship in 2011.
| Rk | NAME | AST | GP | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Johnson | 2346 | 190 | 12.3 |
| 2 | LeBron James | 2067 | 287 | 7.2 |
| 3 | John Stockton | 1839 | 182 | 10.1 |
| 4 | Jason Kidd | 1263 | 158 | 8 |
| 5 | Chris Paul | 1233 | 149 | 8.3 |
| 6 | Tony Parker | 1143 | 226 | 5.1 |
| 7 | Rajon Rondo | 1136 | 134 | 8.5 |
| 8 | Larry Bird | 1062 | 164 | 6.5 |
| 9 | James Harden | 1061 | 166 | 6.4 |
| 10 | Steve Nash | 1061 | 120 | 8.8 |
| 11 | Scottie Pippen | 1048 | 208 | 5 |
| 12 | Kobe Bryant | 1040 | 220 | 4.7 |
| 13 | Michael Jordan | 1022 | 179 | 5.7 |
| 14 | Dennis Johnson | 1006 | 180 | 5.6 |
| 15 | Isiah Thomas | 987 | 111 | 8.9 |
| 16 | Draymond Green | 974 | 157 | 6.2 |
| 17 | Jerry West | 970 | 153 | 6.3 |
| 18 | Bob Cousy | 937 | 109 | 8.6 |
| 19 | Kevin Johnson | 935 | 105 | 8.9 |
| 20 | Maurice Cheeks | 922 | 133 | 6.9 |
| 21 | Russell Westbrook | 921 | 122 | 7.5 |
| 22 | Stephen Curry | 912 | 147 | 6.2 |
| 23 | Mark Jackson | 905 | 131 | 6.9 |
| 24 | Clyde Drexler | 891 | 145 | 6.1 |
| 25 | Dwyane Wade | 870 | 177 | 4.9 |
5. Chris Paul (1,191)
CP3 is known as the “Point God” for good reason. Paul ranks fifth with 1,191 assists. His leadership and playmaking skills have been vital for every team he has played for, most recently helping the Phoenix Suns reach the Finals in 2021.
6. Tony Parker (1,143)
The French floor general for the Tim Duncan Spurs teams, accumulated 1,143 assists, placing him sixth. Parker’s speed and craftiness were key to the San Antonio Spurs’ four championships during his tenure.
7. Rajon Rondo (1,186)
Is Playoff Rondo a thing? Not according to Rajon himself, but maybe there’s something to it. R2 is seventh all time with 1,186 assists in the NBA playoffs. Known for his playoff performances, Rondo has been a crucial playmaker for both the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, winning championships with both franchises.
8. Larry Bird (1,062)
One of the greatest forwards in NBA history, is renowned not only for his shot making and rebounding but also for his exceptional passing skills. Bird’s vision and basketball IQ made him a versatile playmaker, contributing significantly to the Boston Celtics’ success during the 1980s. In his playoff career, Bird amassed 1,062 assists, which places him among the elite passers in postseason history. His ability to deliver timely and precise passes helped the Celtics secure three NBA championships (1981, 1984, 1986) and cemented his legacy as a complete player who could elevate his teammates’ performance.
15. Isiah Thomas (987)
The dynamic point guard for the Detroit Pistons, is another standout on this list of all-time playoff assist leaders. Thomas’s playoff career is marked by his leadership, clutch performances, and ability to orchestrate the Pistons’ offense. With 987 assists, Thomas ranks 15th overall, but his 8.9 assists per playoff game is third on this list behind only Magic and Stockton. His tenacity and skill were pivotal in leading the “Bad Boys” Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. Thomas’s quickness, court vision, and scoring ability made him a constant threat and a crucial component of Detroit’s championship runs.
Magic, Bird, LeBron, Isiah, Rondo and Parker show the importance of playmaking in a team’s championship odds. Their contributions go beyond scoring; effectively utilizing their passing abilities to involve teammates and create open shots, demonstrating that assists are as crucial as points in the high-stakes environment of the NBA playoffs
