The NBA is 75 years old this season. And throughout the history of the league there’s been dozens of great players that have solidified their status as superstars, but showing up in the postseason is what makes a superstar a legend, an icon, a GOAT, a player on the league’s Mount Rushmore. And typically that means coming up big in the biggest games.
There’s no argument that the biggest NBA games come during the playoffs. This is when the true legends of the game dial in and step up when their teams need them the most. We’re talking about those players that need just one name. The Mikes, LeBrons, Larrys, Kobes and Kareems. When one of these players are in the game, you could put money on their team at any casino online em portugal.
The Most 30 Point Games in NBA Playoff History
These stars’ consistent ability to score 30 points or more against the toughest, most-focused defenses in the postseason are why we end up referencing their names come April, May and June. In the NBA playoffs, where the intensity and competition reach their peak, scoring at such a high level is often a crucial factor in achieving not just team success but often resulting in multiple NBA championships.
1. LeBron James (122 Games)
With 118 games with 30 points or more, it’s no surprise that LeBron James has had numerous memorable playoff heroics throughout his career. The King has won four NBA championships and has been a dominant force in the postseason. Some of his most memorable moments include his performance in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, where he led the Miami Heat to victory with a 45-point performance in Game 6.
Another iconic moment was LeBron’s chase-down block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers secure the franchise’s first and only NBA championship.
2. Michael Jordan (109)
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball players of all time. During his time with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Even though he trails LeBron in total 30 points games in playoff history, Jordan has ten more 40 point playoff games than James.
Some of Jordan’s most memorable playoff heroics include a 45 point performance that was capped off with an iconic game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. Often referred to as “The Last Shot.” because Jordan would retire for the second time after winning his sixth championship.
Reaching the NBA Finals six times and winning each time, MJ’s clutch performances and ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments solidified his status as a postseason legend.
3. Kobe Bryant (88)
Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in 2020 and in his tremendous NBA career won five NBA championships all with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his competitiveness and work ethic, Bryant had numerous memorable playoff moments. Bryant’s ability to deliver in clutch situations earned him a reputation as one of the greatest playoff performers.
4. Kevin Durant (76)
A two-time NBA champion in his three seasons with the Golden State Warrios, Durant has had several unforgettable playoff heroics with Golden State, Oklahoma City, Brooklyn and with the Phoenix Suns. One of Durant’s most memorable moments was in Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals when he scored 31 points, including a crucial go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute, to lead the Golden State Warriors to victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Durant’s scoring ability and clutch performances have made him a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (75)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a six-time NBA champion, having won one with the Milwaukee Bucks and five alongside Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. His most memorable playoff heroics appropriately prominently features his skyhook, which became his trademark shot. His dominant interior performances, unique scoring ability and 75 playoff games with no fewer than 30 points have cemented KAJ’s legacy as one of the greatest winners in NBA history.
| Rank | Player | GP | PTS | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LeBron James | 122 | 4364 | 35.8 |
| 2 | Michael Jordan | 109 | 4225 | 38.8 |
| 3 | Kobe Bryant | 88 | 3077 | 35 |
| 4 | Kevin Durant | 76 | 2697 | 35.9 |
| 5 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 75 | 2563 | 34.2 |
| 6 | Jerry West | 74 | 2734 | 36.9 |
| 7 | Elgin Baylor | 60 | 2196 | 36.6 |
| 8 | Stephen Curry | 58 | 1980 | 34.7 |
| 9 | Shaquille O'Neal | 55 | 1972 | 35.9 |
| 10 | Karl Malone | 54 | 1838 | 34 |
| 11 | Hakeem Olajuwon | 53 | 1843 | 34.8 |
| 12 | James Harden | 48 | 1674 | 35.6 |
| 13 | Dirk Nowitzki | 46 | 1587 | 34.5 |
| 14 | Larry Bird | 43 | 1464 | 34 |
| 15 | Wilt Chamberlain | 42 | 1562 | 37.2 |
| 16 | Allen Iverson | 36 | 1342 | 37.3 |
| 16 | Tim Duncan | 36 | 1210 | 33.6 |
| 18 | Kawhi Leonard | 35 | 1228 | 35.1 |
| 19 | Dwyane Wade | 34 | 1182 | 34.8 |
| 20 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 33 | 1163 | 35.2 |
| 20 | Bob Pettit | 33 | 1147 | 34.8 |
| 22 | Nikola Jokic | 31 | 1094 | 35.3 |
| 23 | John Havlicek | 30 | 1051 | 35 |
| 24 | Russell Westbrook | 29 | 1030 | 35.5 |
| 24 | Reggie Miller | 29 | 991 | 34.2 |
| 26 | Charles Barkley | 28 | 989 | 35.3 |
| 26 | Jayson Tatum | 28 | 976 | 34.9 |
| 28 | Rick Barry | 27 | 1022 | 37.9 |
| 28 | Luka Doncic | 27 | 975 | 36.1 |
| 30 | Donovan Mitchell | 25 | 917 | 36.7 |
| 31 | Oscar Robertson | 23 | 791 | 34.4 |
| 31 | Damian Lillard | 23 | 818 | 35.6 |
| 31 | Jimmy Butler | 23 | 845 | 36.7 |
| 31 | Anthony Davis | 23 | 793 | 34.5 |
| 35 | Carmelo Anthony | 22 | 770 | 35.0 |
| 35 | George Mikan | 22 | 770 | 35.0 |
| 37 | Devin Booker | 21 | 734 | 36.7 |
| 37 | Sam Jones | 21 | 759 | 36.1 |
| 37 | Paul George | 21 | 723 | 34.4 |
| 37 | Joel Embiid | 21 | 719 | 34.2 |
| 37 | Kyrie Irving | 21 | 772919 | 34.7 |
| 41 | Isiah Thomas | 20 | 679 | 34.0 |
6. Jerry West (74)
Though his NBA Finals record isn’t anything to talk about, West’s place in the NBA history is locked in. Known as “Mr. Clutch,” West ultimately won one NBA championship in 9 trips to the NBA Finals during his long career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite only winning a single title, West’s playoff heroics were legendary. In the 1969 NBA Finals, West averaged an astonishing 38 points per game, but his team fell short against the Boston Celtics. However, his performances were unforgettable, and he became the only player from the losing team to be named Finals MVP.
7. Elgin Baylor (60)
Elgin Baylor, a prolific scorer, unfortunately never won an NBA championship as an active player on the roster. This despite reaching the Finals multiple times. However, his playoff heroics were exceptional. In Game 5 of the 1962 NBA Finals, Baylor scored a NBA Finals record-setting 61 points, still the highest-scoring performance in NBA Finals history. Baylor’s skill set, rebounding, and ability to dominate games remain a testament to his greatness, even without a championship.
8. Steph Curry (58)
Steph Curry, a four-time NBA champion, revolutionized the game with his unprecedented shooting range and ball-handling skills. Curry has provided countless memorable moments in the postseason. One of his most iconic playoff performances came in Game 4 of the 2015 NBA Finals when Curry scored 17 in just over nine minutes in the fourth quarter to lead the Warriors to critical 104-91 win over the Cavs — he ended with 37 points for the game adding to Steph’s total of 58 playoff games with no fewer than 30 points.
9. Shaquille O’Neal (55)
One of the most-dominant big men to ever play the game, Shaquille O’Neal won four NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. Shaq often showcased his dominance and impact in the playoffs by overwhelming defenders to the tune of no fewer than 55 postseason games with at least 30 points. One of his most memorable moments came in the 2000 NBA Finals when he led the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship while earning the Finals MVP. Shaq’s physicality, unstoppable presence in the paint, and ability to dominate both offensively and defensively made him a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
10. Karl Malone (54)
Despite never winning an NBA championship, Malone had several remarkable playoff performances throughout his career and has 54 playoff games in which he scored 30 or more points. Known as “The Mailman,” Malone consistently delivered during the postseason. In the 1997 NBA Playoffs, he averaged 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, displaying his scoring prowess and impact. Although he fell short of a championship, Malone’s consistency and elite level of play made him a memorable playoff performer.
11. Hakeem Olajuwon (53)
Hakeem Olajuwon, a two-time NBA champion, demonstrated his greatness in the playoffs. His most memorable playoff performance came in 1994 when he led the Houston Rockets to the championship. Olajuwon’s versatility as a center was on full display as he showcased exceptional post moves, shot-blocking ability, and defensive prowess. His leadership and individual brilliance solidified his place among the greatest playoff performers in NBA history.
13. Dirk Nowitzki (46)
Dirk Nowitzki, a one-time NBA champion, had a historic playoff run in 2011. He led the Dallas Mavericks to their first-ever championship, earning the Finals MVP. Nowitzki’s signature moment came in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where he battled through illness and hit a clutch fadeaway jumper to secure a crucial victory. His ability to shoot from long range, unique fadeaway shots, and leadership made him a memorable playoff hero.
14. Larry Bird (43)
A three-time NBA champion, had numerous legendary playoff moments. Bird’s most memorable performance came in Game 6 of the 1986 NBA Finals, where he famously recorded a triple double to lead the Boston Celtics to victory against the Houston Rockets that clinched his third NBA championship. Bird’s competitiveness, basketball IQ, and clutch shooting cemented his status as one of the greatest playoff performers and team leaders in NBA history.
16. Tim Duncan (36)
A five-time NBA champion, displayed his brilliance and consistency in the playoffs. Duncan’s most memorable playoff run came in 2003, where he led the San Antonio Spurs to the championship while earning the Finals MVP. Known for his fundamental skills and ability to dominate on both ends of the court, Duncan’s leadership and unwavering excellence made him a legendary playoff performer.
19. Dwyane Wade (34)
Wade is a three-time NBA champion, had several standout playoff performances throughout his career. In the 2006 NBA Finals, Wade showcased his scoring ability, clutch play, and leadership to lead the Miami Heat to a championship and earn the Finals MVP. Wade’s ability to attack the basket, draw fouls, and make crucial plays in big moments solidified his reputation as one of the most memorable playoff heroes.
20. Bob Pettit (33)
A one-time NBA champion, Pettit had an exceptional playoff career. In the 1958 NBA Finals, Pettit delivered a historic performance, scoring 50 points in Game 6 to help the St. Louis Hawks secure their first and only championship. Pettit’s scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and overall dominance in the post made him a standout player of his era. Despite winning just one championship, Pettit’s impact and memorable playoff performances cemented his place among the all-time greats.
20. Giannis Antetokounmpo (33)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA champion (as of 2021), had a remarkable playoff run in 2021. In the NBA Finals, Antetokounmpo’s performances were nothing short of historic, including a 50-point game in the championship-clinching Game 6. His dominant scoring, rebounding, and defensive displays, along with his relentless effort, propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years.
