From Michael Jordan’s iconic 63-point performance against the ’86 Celtics, to Dirk Nowitzki’s epic free throw streak in 2011, NBA playoff history has plenty of legendary moments that have left the basketball world with their mouths agape. From Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance, to Bob Cousy’s Marathon Performance, we explore some of the best performances ever seen on the playoff stage – and the stars who made them happen.
With players like Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Lebron James revolutionizing basketball every year, there’s no telling what boundary-breaking power move could change the game next. But for now, let’s take a look back at the top 10 performances of all time!
Michael Jordan’s Iconic Performances
Jordan’s 63 point performance against the ’86 Celtics is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. In one of the most electrifying first-round playoff games, Jordan dropped a whopping 63 points, the most points ever scored in a single playoff game, and left Larry Bird saying, “I couldn’t believe what MJ did to us. He’s the most electrifying, incredible player out there.
Jordan’s performance in the Flu Game was also legendary. Feeling under the weather, Jordan started off slow but gradually racked up points and kept the Bulls in the game. In the end, he put up an impressive 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. This superhuman effort to push through his sickness and still make clutch shots when it mattered most was nothing short of remarkable and is remembered as one of his most iconic games ever.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Domination
Shaq was a force to be reckoned with in the NBA playoffs. He was the first player in NBA history to win a championship, a Finals MVP award and an All-Star Game MVP award in the same season. His most memorable playoff performances include his 44-point triple-double against the Kings in 2002, his 43-point, 19-rebound performance in Game 1 of the 2000 NBA Finals, and his 28-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 6 of the 2006 Eastern Conference finals against Detroit.
Throughout his career, Shaq was one of the most unstoppable forces in NBA playoff history. His size, strength and skill made him almost unstoppable in the post-season, and he racked up four NBA championships and was crowned Finals MVP three times. His performances in the NBA playoffs are legendary, and he cemented his place in the record books with some of the most impressive performances in NBA postseason history.
Lebron James’ Clutch Performances
LeBron James has become a legendary clutch performer with an uncanny knack for coming up big in the most intense moments. His clutch performances have been instrumental in helping his teams advance in the playoffs and win championships. From his 25-point explosion in the 2007 Eastern Conference Semifinals to his 45-point, 15-rebound, 5-assist masterpiece in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James has provided some of the best playoff performances in NBA history.
LeBron James’ performances in the clutch have become the stuff of legend, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He’s put up some of the highest scoring games in NBA history, including a Finals record of 49 points in Game 1 of the 2007 NBA Finals. He’s been a key contributor in series-clinching games, like when he scored 27 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers close out the 1980 NBA Finals.
His triple-double performance against the Phoenix Suns in the 1993 Western Conference Semifinals is one of the most underrated performances in NBA postseason history. No matter the scenario, LeBron James has consistently come through for his teams in the clutch and proved himself to be one of the best playoff performers of all time.
Charles Barkley’s Unstoppable Force
Barkley put on a show in the all-important Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals in ’93, dropping 44 points and hauling in 24 boards to seal the series. He was an unstoppable force in the NBA playoffs, becoming a god disguised as a basketball player. Just two players have outscored him in a single playoff game, and he made history with his triple-double performance, notching an impressive 43 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. His playoff legacy will be forever remembered in NBA history.
Throughout his career, Barkley often took on the challenge of going up against the best NBA superstars such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Lebron James. He was always up for the challenge and never backed down from any opponent. He was even able to outplay Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1993 NBA Finals, proving that he was one of the greatest players to ever grace the court. His clutch performances often earned him praise from players like Larry Bird and Jerry West, who recognized his skill and competitive spirit.
Charles Barkley was a true NBA champion, winning an NBA title with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and earning the NBA Finals MVP award. He was also part of the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics, alongside other NBA greats like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. His impact on the game is undeniable and his legacy will live on for years to come as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
Magic Johnson’s Rookie Triumph
Magic Johnson was an instant superstar when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. His rookie season saw him take the NBA by storm, leading the Lakers to the 1980 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Magic Johnson’s performance in the 1980 NBA Finals was nothing short of sensational, propelling the Lakers to a Game 6 victory and the championship. He put up an incredible 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block, and 3 steals in that game – an impressive stat line that left an indelible mark in NBA postseason history.
To this day, Magic Johnson is still the all-time leader in assists during the NBA playoffs, with John Stockton coming in second. Stockton’s most legendary 20/20 game saw him put up 23 points and 24 assists – an amazing feat in itself.
Magic Johnson’s rookie season saw him cement his status as an NBA superstar, and his performance in the 1980 NBA Finals will go down in NBA history as one of the greatest of all time.
Kobe Bryant’s Playoff Brilliance
His ability to consistently put on a show and deliver clutch performances when it mattered most makes Kobe Bryant one of the best playoff performers in NBA history. In a single playoff game against the Sacramento Kings in 2001, Kobe dropped a whopping 48 points, shooting 18-of-31 from the field and 7-of-13 from three-point range. Not only did the Lakers come out on top that night, but it was a great example of how Kobe Bryant was always ready to take over at any moment.
Kobe Bryant had many other legendary playoff performances. In the 2000 Western Conference Finals, he put up 28 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds against the Portland Trail Blazers, helping the Lakers secure a victory in what was one of the most thrilling series in NBA history.
In the 2008 NBA Finals, Kobe put up 30 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds in a decisive Game 5 victory against the Boston Celtics, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the title. These performances only scratch the surface of Kobe’s playoff brilliance, as he was one of the greatest playoff performers in NBA history during his storied career.
Tim Duncan’s Near Quadruple-Double
Tim Duncan pulled off a near quadruple-double in Game 6 of the 2003 NBA Finals with an impressive 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks. This was an almost unheard of feat in NBA postseason history, and it was especially impressive considering Duncan played 46 minutes out of the 48 minutes in the game. His near quadruple-double highlighted his all-around abilities and showcased why he was considered one of the NBA’s greatest players.
Not only did Duncan have a great performance in Game 1 of the series with 32 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 blocks, and 3 steals. This performance was a testament to his greatness and helped seal the Spurs victory in the NBA Finals.
Duncan’s near quadruple-double in Game 6 is one of the best performances in NBA postseason history and remains one of his most notable performances in the NBA playoffs.
Bob Cousy’s Marathon Performance
Bob Cousy was one of the most influential players in NBA history, and his performance in the 1953 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Minneapolis Lakers has gone down in basketball lore. Bob put on a show in that game, scoring 50 points and playing all 66 minutes – a record at the time. Cousy’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary.
He nailed 30-32 free throws, a record at the time, and made some spectacular shots throughout the game. Not only did this help the Celtics even up the series, it also helped popularize the point guard position, something that is now a staple of the game. His performance earned him the nickname “Houdini of the Hardwood” and he will forever be remembered as a basketball pioneer.
Cousy’s performance in the 1953 NBA Finals was one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history, and it helped him cement his legacy as one of the greatest players ever. His performance in that game helped revolutionize the game and inspired future generations of basketball players, including Kobe Bryant and Larry Bird. His impact on the NBA is still felt today, and his performance in that game is one of the most memorable in NBA history.
Hakeem Olajuwon’s Heartbreaking Effort
Hakeem Olajuwon’s 1987 playoff performance is remembered as one of the most legendary individual performances in NBA playoff history. During Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals during the ’87 playoffs, the Houston Rockets star put on a show.
Olajuwon put up an incredible stat line of 49 points, 25 rebounds, and 6 blocks, making it one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history. Unfortunately, despite his amazing effort, the Rockets still lost the game and were knocked out of the playoffs, making it a heartbreaking experience.
There’s no denying that Hakeem Olajuwon’s 1987 playoff performance is one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history. Despite his herculean efforts, the performance ultimately ended in heartbreak for Olajuwon and his team. Olajuwon’s performance serves as an example of how even a single player’s greatness can’t guarantee a win in the postseason. His performance stands the test of time, and will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest performances of all time.
Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier’s Triple-Double
Walt Frazier is a legendary basketball player who made a huge impact on the NBA. His performance in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals was an incredible feat, with Frazier putting up a stat line of 36 points, 19 assists, and 7 rebounds. This triple-double performance was absolutely crucial in the Knicks’ victory over the Lakers and Wilt Chamberlain. From driving the lane to dishing out incredible assists, Frazier played a key role in helping the Knicks secure the NBA title.
Frazier’s triple-double performance has gone down in NBA history as one of the most impressive playoff performances of all time. His ability to take over the game and lead the Knicks to a victory over the Lakers and Wilt Chamberlain was a testament to his talent and skill. His performance was a huge part of the Knicks’ championship run and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Wilt Chamberlain’s Statistic Record
Wilt Chamberlain dropped a whopping 92 points in a single playoff game back in 1962, making it the highest-scoring game ever in the NBA and smashing the previous record of 78 points. This is a record that still stands strong today, and it is no wonder that Chamberlain’s 92-point game is such a big deal.
The game was between the Warriors and the Knicks on March 2, 1962, and it was the last game of the regular season. The Warriors had to win to get a spot in the playoffs, so the stakes were high. Chamberlain’s 92-point game was a huge moment in his career and legacy, as it solidified him as one of the greatest basketball players ever and showed that he was more than just a stat-chaser.
It was an unprecedented performance, and it changed the way we view the game today. Chamberlain’s record is an impressive accomplishment that will be remembered forever in NBA history.
Elgin Baylor’s 61-Point Outburst
Elgin Baylor was a legendary basketball player who dropped an incredible 61 points in a single game during the 1962 NBA Finals, making it one of the highest scoring games in NBA history. Baylor put up a solid performance against the Celtics, shooting 22-46 (47.8%) from the field and hauling in 22 rebounds.
His 61-point game is legendary and has gone down in the annals of NBA history as one of the greatest performances ever. It’s no wonder he’s remembered as one of the all-time greats and his performance remains one of the most memorable in playoff history.
Dirk Nowitzki’s Free Throw Streak
Back in 2011, Dirk Nowitzki made history by nailing 24 consecutive free throws in the Western Conference finals – an NBA playoff record that still stands today! This incredible streak was a huge deal because it helped the Mavericks clinch the Western Conference finals and make it to the NBA Finals, plus it showed off Dirk’s amazing shooting skills and his ability to stay cool under pressure.
The history-making performance took place in Game 1 of the 2011 Western Conference finals, where Dirk Nowitzki was on fire, dropping 48 points and nailing an NBA playoff-record 24 straight free throws. His incredible free throw streak gave the Dallas Mavericks a huge boost, helping them take Game 1 of the Western Conference finals and giving them the momentum they needed to go on and win the series and make it to the NBA Finals.
Dirk Nowitzki’s free throw streak is a real show of his mad shooting skills and his ability to stay cool under pressure. It’s also a big deal in NBA playoff history and adds to Dirk’s legacy as one of the GOATs. The record is a testament to his greatness as a basketball player and his immense influence on the NBA postseason history.
James Worthy’s Triple-Double
James Worthy is a NBA superstar whose place in basketball history is firmly cemented. During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Worthy was an All-Star seven times and won three championships with the team. But it was during the 1988 NBA Finals that Worthy truly shined, and he did so with a triple-double performance in Game 7.
Worthy’s triple-double of 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists was more than enough to help the Lakers secure their back-to-back championships. His performance was one of the highest scoring games in NBA history and showed his versatility as a player and his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. His triple-double was a major factor in the Lakers’ win and solidified Worthy’s place in NBA playoff history alongside greats such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Tim Duncan.
James Worthy’s triple-double in the 1988 NBA Finals was a truly remarkable accomplishment, one that stands out even among other NBA superstars. His ability to dominate both sides of the court and make plays when it mattered most was, and continues to be, an inspiration for any basketball player. It’s no wonder why Worthy is considered one of the greats in NBA history.
Sleepy Floyd’s Unexpected Performance
Sleepy Floyd’s remarkable performance in the 1987 Western Conference semifinals is considered one of the best playoff performances of all time. The Golden State Warriors had a 3-2 series lead against the Los Angeles Lakers, and Floyd had a career-high game with 51 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds while shooting an impressive 64.3% from the field.
His 51 points set a then-playoff record for most points scored in a half (29 in the second half) and the most points scored in a game by a guard. Floyd’s performance was instrumental in leading the Warriors to a 123-107 victory, which resulted in the team advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 1976.
Floyd’s performance was incredibly unexpected and electrifying, as he was not known for his offensive prowess. His outstanding play that night showcased not only his individual skill, but also the team’s ability to thrive under pressure. His unexpected performance was the driving force behind the Warriors’ victory and their eventual run to the Western Conference finals.
Floyd’s performance that night was a remarkable feat and undoubtedly one of the best NBA playoff performances of all time. His performance showed not only his individual skill and resilience, but also the Warriors’ ability to come together and rise to the occasion. It is a performance that will live on in NBA history forever.
Summary
The list of the 10 best NBA playoff performances of all time showcases some of the greatest players in NBA history. Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and Charles Barkley are just some of the legendary players who have achieved greatness during their playoff runs. Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Bob Cousy, Hakeem Olajuwon, Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Dirk Nowitzki and James Worthy are some of the other remarkable stars who have left a lasting legacy after their inspiring playoff performances.
Even when faced with immense pressure, these players were able to rise above the challenge and deliver stellar performances that earned them titles and memorable legacies. No matter what era or which team they played on, these players will always be remembered for rising to the occasion and delivering the best postseason performances of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the best playoff stats in NBA history?
Michael Jordan not only won 6 rings and was a part of a decade dynasty, but he also has the best playoff stats in NBA history with 33.4 points per game. He has the most total playoff points and the highest average of any basketball player ever.
Sources
1. bleacherreport.com – The 15 Greatest Individual Performances in NBA Playoff History
2. clutchpoints.com – 10 most iconic performances in NBA Playoff history – ClutchPoints
3. sogsports.com – NBA Top 10 Best Playoff Performances Ever (Single Game)
4. espn.com – NBA playoffs – Top 25 performances ever
