The playoffs are the crowning glory of the NBA. After a long and gruelling season, the playoff participants have to make one final push in their quest for glory.
Over the years, we have borne witness to some spectacular performances and there have been some terrific individual displays that have left us in awe.
Moreover, there have been a few standout players that have been prolific during the postseason, and in many ways, they have come to be defined by their exploits at this stage of proceedings.
So, let’s get down to it and reveal the top 10 scorers in playoffs history. This is in chronological order and these stats were correct at the time of writing. Click here to find the best online sports betting
LeBron James (7,631 points)
The King as he is more affectionately known, LeBron James may well be one of the game’s elder statesmen at 37, but he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He is arguably the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) and he is almost untouchable as he is heads and shoulders above his rivals on the list.
James has amassed over 7,600 points during the playoffs and he is one of the most decorated players in the game. One of the stats that pop out, is that his field goal percentage is just shy of 50 and he has also contributed nearly 2,000 assists.
Michael Jordan (5,987 points)
Inextricably connected to the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan was a nightmare for opponents. He currently holds the record for most 50-point games in NBA playoff history (8) and it is twice as many as the next closest player Wilt Chamberlain.
Jordan had this aura about him and he came alive during the playoffs. Six NBA Championship rings and 5 MVP titles ensured his legacy was intact well after he retired.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5,762 points)
While he may not always be talked about in the same manner as the two above them on this list, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a giant in the game. Oh, and he produced some monster performances during the playoffs.
Well, 5,762 points to be exact. He made 237 appearances in the playoffs and he produced close to 2,500 rebounds. He also wound up his career with six NBA championship rings and he was named scoring champ on two occasions.
Kobe Bryant (5,640 points)
The late Kobe Bryant was one of those players that you just couldn’t take your eyes. This was certainly the case in the playoffs. The former LA Lakers star always brought his A-game to the table and he was a class act on and off the court.
And Bryant was prolific during the playoffs, as he amassed 5,640 points from 220 outings, so he was always a threat on the NBA’s biggest stage. Aside from being a five-time NBA champion, he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame, which shows the indelible impact he left on the game.
Shaquille O’Neal (5,250 points)
Shaquille O’Neal has turned his hand to many things after leaving the game, including punditry and DJing, but he was a master entertainer during his playing days.
And in the playoffs, O’Neal usually came to the party. He weighed in with 5,250 points during an incredible career and his field goal percentage was at over 56, the highest of all the players that we have included on this list!
Tim Duncan (5,172 points)
Nicknamed “the Big Fundamental”, Tim Duncan was one of the most explosive power forwards of his generation and he was a one-team man as he spent his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs.
A three-time MVP winner and regular inclusion in the All-Star NBA team, Duncan notched up over 5,100 points during the playoffs and he was a joy to watch.
Karl Malone (4,761 points)
Karl Malone was nicknamed “The Mailman” at college as he always delivered and that was certainly the case when it came to the playoffs. Malone drained over 4,700 points in the playoffs, and he was a 14 times All-Star Player, so that shows the measure of this player.
Kevin Durant (4,559 points)
Part of the infamous Golden State Warriors dynasty that won back-to-back NBA titles in 2017 and 2018, Kevin Durant was one of the stars of that side along with Steph Curry.
Durant left everything out on the floor and with over 4,550 points registered in the playoffs, he always held his nerve in clutch moments and Warriors fans will always be thankful for his services to the franchise.
Jerry West (4,457 points)
Another Lakers legend appearing on this list, Jerry West was a formidable forward who had a penchant for producing in the playoffs and he was effective at both ends of the court.
He also contributed 4,457 points in the playoffs and he got his hands on the NBA Championship too, so he will forever be woven into Lakers folklore.
Tony Parker (4,045 points)
A four-time NBA champion and 6x All-Star, Tony Parker rounds off our carefully curated list and he drained 4,045 points from 226 playoff appearances.
Parker was also an instrumental part of the Spurs side and he was the 28th overall pick in the 2001 draft.
