On This Day (Feb. 23)

Notable events from NBA history that occurred on February 23.

McMillan Ties Rookie Mark

On this day in 1987, Seattle SuperSonics rookie Nate McMillan dished out a franchise-record 25 assists in a 124-112 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. McMillan also tied the NBA rookie record for most assists in a game:

• 25 — Ernie DiGregorio (Jan. 1, 1974)

• 25 — Nate McMillan (Feb. 23, 1987)

• 24 — Ramon Sessions (April 14, 2008)

• 23 — Jamaal Tinlsey (Nov. 22, 2001)

This was the first of two 20-assist games for McMillan that season. He’s one of only three players in NBA history to record multiple 20-assist games in his rookie campaign:

• Phil Ford (1978-79)

• Ennis Whatley (1983-84)

• Nate McMillan (1986-87)

Each player produced two such games.