Ryan Nembhard Sets Mavericks Rookie Record With 23 Assists In Win Over Bulls

**TL;DR**: Ryan Nembhard recorded 23 assists in Sunday's 149-128 win over the Bulls, setting a Mavericks franchise record for most assists by a rookie in a single game.

The rookie guard logged 38 minutes with 15 points, nine rebounds and two steals. He finished one rebound shy of a triple-double.

Nembhard received expanded playmaking duties after several rotation players were unavailable and Cooper Flagg exited early with an ankle injury. He shot 6-of-11 from the field, 1-of-2 from three and 2-of-2 at the free throw line.

The 23 assists eclipse the previous Mavericks rookie single-game record. Only 11 rookies in NBA history have recorded 23 or more assists in a game, a list that includes Hall of Famers and franchise cornerstones.

The Mavericks (31-44) secured their 31st win despite playing with a depleted rotation. Nembhard's performance provides front office decision-makers with concrete evidence of his ability to orchestrate an offense at the NBA level when given extended minutes.

He concludes his rookie season with four double-doubles. His assist numbers trended upward as his minutes increased, suggesting continued development potential in a playmaking role.

What to watch: How the Mavericks allocate minutes at point guard next season will shape their offensive identity. Nembhard has forced his way into that conversation.