Michael Jordan turns playmaker: Top 5 games where MJ had high assist numbers

#3 Chicago Bulls vs LA Lakers - 16 assists

Guard Earvin (Magic) Johnson of the LA Lakers looks on as Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan moves the ball.

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls made the trip to the Staples Center on March 21, 1989, to face Magic Johnson and the LA Lakers. Although the Lakers were favorites for the game, the Bulls fought hard for a victory.

It was a closely contested game, with the contest going right down to the wire. It was a Johnson-Jordan showdown, as both players tried to rally their teams to victory before the Bulls eventually came out on top.

30 YEARS AGO TODAYMichael Jordan's "Spectacular Move!" vs the Lakers! 😂 Magic Johnson's commentary pic.twitter.com/Cefe6MWqPH

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 5, 2021

Michael Jordan registered 21 points and 16 assists on the night, half as many assists as the entire team. Although his scoring was not at the level he usually produced, it was enough to guarantee victory for his team.

---

#2 Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks - 16 assists

Michael Jordan (#23) of the Chicago Bulls moves with the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Michael Jordan was cooking during his rookie season, and was not scared to show how great he was. After following up his first-ever triple-double with another in the 1984-85 season, he registered one more as the season came to a close.

Jordan recorded his final triple-double of the season against the Milwaukee Bucks, registering 32 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds. Despite his impressive scoring, his ball distribution was more praise-worthy.

---

#1 Chicago Bulls vs Portland Trail Blazers - 17 assists

Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Two matches after registering 16 assists against the Lakers, Michael Jordan put together his best performance in terms of assists. He dropped 17 dimes to help the Bulls overcome the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Bulls coasted through the game, as the Blazers could not match up with Jordan's brilliance. Even as a bonafide creator, getting 17 assists in one night was a mean achievement.

3-24-1989, the Bulls beat the Blazers 128-113. Michael Jordan had 34 points, 17 assists, 7 rebounds & 6 steals! Damn! Scottie Pippen had 17 points & 15 rebounds. pic.twitter.com/wxsQmWDaP3

— Scott F (@TheFrizz87) March 24, 2020

Michael Jordan did it all, securing a 128-113 victory for the Bulls. He ended the game with 34 points, 17 assists, seven rebounds and six steals.