On This Date: Two of the NBA's greatest guards dish 20 assists
In the NBA, Nov. 9 should henceforth be known as basketball's official day of giving.
Tonight's games feature two of the game's best passing point guards, as Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors face the surprising Detroit Pistons, and Rajon Rondo (hopefully) welcomes DeMarcus Cousins back to the Kings as Sacramento takes on the San Antonio Spurs.
At this moment in time, the league belongs to Curry. But today? This is Rondo's day. Or it was, at least, back in 2012, when Rondo dished 20 assists as a member of the Boston Celtics. And for those who might have forgotten how good Rondo can be, let this highlight of his monstrous day against the 76ers serve as a reminder:
There must be something about the alignment of the basketball stars on this date in history, because Rondo isn't alone. In 2009, Steve Nash had his own 20-assist game for the Phoenix Suns. Coincidentally, it too came against Philadelphia:
The NBA record for assists in a single game is 30, courtesy of Orlando Magic point guard (and now head coach) Scott Skiles on Dec. 30, 1990.
Also of note on this date in NBA history:
Michael Jordan erupted for 52 points in a win over the Boston Celtics in 1988. That's tied for the 16th-most points in a regular-season game for Jordan, something he did seven times.
In consecutive years (1961-62), Wilt Chamberlain surpassed 50 points. The first time, Chamberlain scored 55 against the Syracuse Nationals, before posting 54 in 1962 vs. the Chicago Zephyrs.
(h/t Basketball-Reference)
