Tinsley’s 23 Assists Lead Way

Michael Jordan brought out the best in Indiana Pacer rookie Jamaal Tinsley.

Tinsley set an Indiana record with 23 assists and completed a triple-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds in the Pacers’ 110-103 victory over Washington on Thursday night at Indianapolis.

“I’ll never forget this,” Tinsley said. “I don’t know how to say the words. To play against one of the best players to ever play the game ... I just tried to play hard.”

Jordan scored 21 points on eight-for-26 shooting as the Wizards lost their eighth consecutive--the longest losing streak of Jordan’s career.

“I just had a bad shooting game,” Jordan said. “I had some good looks, but I just missed them.”

Tinsley broke the franchise assists record of 20 set by Don Buse in 1976--when the Pacers were in the ABA--and matched last season by Jalen Rose. Scott Skiles holds the NBA record of 30.

Tinsley tied the record by setting up Jermaine O’Neal for a dunk, and broke it with just over five minutes left, again passing to O’Neal. O’Neal led Indiana with 27 points.

Tinsley’s 23 assists were two shy of the rookie record held by Ernie DiGregorio and Nate McMillan. It also was the second triple-double by a Pacer rookie.

Jordan, who was stymied by Jalen Rose and Al Harrington, said Tinsley has benefited from playing for Thomas and attending college for four years.

“He’s learning from one of the greatest point guards that ever played the game,” he said. “He has a lot of poise. He is more mature and it also helps that he is playing on a veteran backcourt.”

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Milwaukee 78, Toronto 75--Glenn Robinson scored 19 points and Sam Cassell had four in the final 30 seconds as the Bucks won at Toronto.

The Eastern Conference-leading Bucks, who scored only 30 points in the second half, have won four consecutive to improve to 8-1, their best start since 1979-80.

Vince Carter scored 26 points for the Raptors, who have lost two in a row at home after winning their previous three games on the road. Toronto is 1-4 against the Eastern Conference.

Cassell finished with 16 points.

Toronto’s Hakeem Olajuwon, who had 20 rebounds and 14 points in his last game, didn’t play in the second half, finishing with just two points and three rebounds.