In the realm of NBA playoff history, certain players have stamped their legacy with extraordinary scoring performances. The playoffs, as everyone knows, are the real proving grounds where legends are made. To talk about players who have left an indelible mark, we have to mention Michael Jordan's 1993 Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks. Jordan averaged 32.2 points per game over seven games. That's a staggering 225 points in that series alone, demonstrating why he’s often considered the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in basketball.
Another phenomenal performance came from Allen Iverson in the 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors. Iverson, who stood just 6 feet tall, scored an electrifying 213 points over the seven-game series. That's about 30.4 points per game. Remember, this was against Vince Carter's Raptors, a team not exactly known for their defense but still a formidable foe. When we define clutch plays and tireless scoring, Iverson often comes to mind.
LeBron James, someone who's been compared to Jordan time and again, had his own epic showing in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics. LeBron amassed 241 points in seven games, which averages out to approximately 34.4 points per game. Fans and analysts were constantly buzzing on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram about how "King James" had put the Cavs on his back yet again. It's worth mentioning that LeBron nearly averaged a triple-double in that series, showcasing his all-around game.
Then we have Hakeem Olajuwon’s 1995 Western Conference Finals performance against the San Antonio Spurs. Olajuwon, known for his impeccable footwork and defensive prowess, averaged 35.3 points per game over six games. That's a total of 212 points in that series. He dominated David Robinson, who was the MVP that season, perplexing him with the “Dream Shake.” This performance is often cited in debates when comparing dominant big men of different eras.
The 2020 NBA playoffs saw another addition to this illustrious list. Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz posted 254 points in a seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets. That’s an unfathomable average of 36.3 points per game. Both Mitchell and Jamal Murray, who also had a scoring spree, captivated audiences during the most extraordinary playoff duel of that bubble season. It's absurd that Mitchell didn’t even advance past the first round after such a heat check.
A performance that often gets overlooked is Jerry West in the 1965 Western Division Finals. West scored a whopping 294 points over six games, which translates to an astounding 49.0 points per game. It’s performances like these that earned him the nickname "Mr. Clutch." West’s dominance in that series is a pivotal reason why the NBA logo silhouette is molded after him.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 1977 Western Conference Finals showing against the Portland Trailblazers also merits attention. Kareem, wielding his famous skyhook, scored 218 points over a four-game sweep. That rounds out to approximately 54.5 points per game! Though his Lakers were swept, Kareem's individual brilliance stood in stark contrast, making him a perennial topic in discussions about the greatest centers of all time.
If you're wondering about the younger generation, Devin Booker etched his name in the history books during the 2021 NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. Booker, putting up points in crucial moments, scored 218 points over six games, which averages to about 36.3 points per game. His scoring prowess kept the Suns in the competition, although they fell short against Giannis and the Bucks.
Just a short list like this shows how rarified the air is for these scoring outbursts. Each of these players had moments that defined their careers and in many cases, changed the trajectory of their franchises. Head over to arena plus for more in-depth insights and stats related to unforgettable performances in sports. The passion, the drama, and the sheer skill of NBA playoff basketball never fail to ignite the imagination.