Seattle Defeats Clippers : Rookie Hands Out 25 Assists for Sonics

Nate McMillan set a Seattle team record with 25 assists, and Dale Ellis and Xavier McDaniel scored 29 and 28 points, respectively, to lead the SuperSonics to a 124-112 National Basketball Assn. victory over the Clippers Monday night.

McMillan’s single-game assist total was the best in the NBA this season, eclipsing John Stockton of Utah, who had 22 assists in a game last month against the Lakers. McMillan is a 6-foot 5-inch rookie from North Carolina State.

The Seattle one-game record had been 20, held by Lenny Wilkens and Gus Williams. McMillan’s previous game-high assist mark was 13, set in Seattle’s victory over Washington on Saturday.

Seattle Coach Bernie Bickerstaff credited McMillan with getting the team’s fast break going in the second half.

“Nate really gives us emotion,” Bickerstaff said. “The players know that if they run the court and they’re open, they will get the ball from Nate.”

The SuperSonics broke open a tight game when they opened the third period with a 19-8 spurt. Ellis had 10 points in the streak, while McMillan had seven assists.

Ellis gave the SuperSonics the lead for good when he took a pass from McMillan and hit an 18-foot jumper from the baseline to put Seattle up, 55-54, with 11:15 remaining in the third period. The SuperSonics led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter.

The SuperSonics also enjoyed a huge advantage at the free-throw line where they made 30 of 34 attempts. The Clippers made only 13 of 31 free throws.

Rory White scored a season-high 30 points for the Clippers, and Michael Cage added 19 and tied a career high with 20 rebounds.

Tom Chambers added 25 points for Seattle.

The Clippers play the Golden State Warriors Thursday night in Oakland.