Oh man, when it comes to NBA Playoff scorers, you simply cannot overlook Michael Jordan. This guy has scored a mind-blowing 5,987 points in just 179 playoff games. That's an average of 33.4 points per game, which is insane! Think about it—in the pressure cooker of the playoffs, he consistently delivered. I remember watching those games and just being in awe of his ability to take over. Jordan didn't just score, he did it against the best defenses under the most intense pressure. No wonder he's considered the greatest of all time.
But you know who's not far behind? LeBron James. As of now, LeBron has racked up 7,631 playoff points over 266 games. What strikes me about LeBron is his versatility. He can play and score from almost any position on the court. Imagine maintaining such high performance over such a long period—it's basically two decades worth of excellence! And keep in mind, he's not done yet. His efficiency, durability, and IQ make him a unique asset in the playoffs.
Then there's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 5,762 points in 237 postseason games. That skyhook shot was literally unstoppable. He dominated the paint, and his presence forced teams to change their game plans around him. What I find fascinating is his longevity; he played at a high level well into his late 30s. Few players can sustain their prime as long as Kareem did.
Now, let's not forget Kobe Bryant, who sits comfortably with 5,640 playoff points. The "Black Mamba" had that killer instinct which made him a nightmare for opponents. One particular memory I have is his 81-point game against the Raptors, but in the playoffs, he carried that same ferocity. Kobe was another player who seemed to thrive under pressure, and he often took over games when his team needed him the most.
It's also interesting to see how Kevin Durant is climbing up this list rapidly. Durant has over 4,647 playoff points so far, which is remarkable considering he has fewer games than others on this list. When healthy, Durant is one of the most efficient scorers the league has ever seen. His ability to shoot from anywhere makes him a defensive nightmare. It's just unreal how easy he makes it look.
Comparatively, Larry Bird accumulated 3,897 points, and if you ever watched him play, you'd know it wasn’t just his scoring, but his whole game. Bird's intelligence on the floor, combined with his shooting accuracy, made him a standout performer. His duels with Magic Johnson became stuff of legends and defined an era. Imagine having the skill to trash talk and then back it up every single time. Bird was just something else.
Tim Duncan, aka "The Big Fundamental," scored 5,172 points in playoff games. He wasn't flashy, but his bank shots, defense, and basketball IQ were second to none. Duncan quietly dominated the court and led the Spurs to multiple championships. Efficiency was the name of the game with Duncan—he got the job done without making a lot of noise.
Shaquille O'Neal bullied his way to 5,250 playoff points. Shaq was a force of nature. His sheer size and strength made him nearly impossible to defend. Watching Shaq dunk on people felt like watching a man among boys. I remember one Playoffs where he just punished the Pacers in the Finals—his dominance was unbelievable.
One player who people often don't talk about as much is Hakeem Olajuwon. He scored 3,755 points in the playoffs and had one of the most impressive skill sets for a big man. "The Dream" had those legendary footwork and post moves. If you want to see a masterclass in low-post play, just watch Hakeem during the '94 and '95 playoff runs. It’s no surprise he led the Rockets to back-to-back championships during those years.
And hey, we cannot wrap things up without tipping the hat to Jerry West. The "Logo" himself scored 4,457 playoff points. West's era was different, but his scoring prowess was timeless. He could shoot, dribble, and pass at an elite level. West led the Lakers to the Finals numerous times, and despite often coming up against the mighty Celtics, he always put up a fight.
So there you have it—these players are the cream of the crop when it comes to NBA playoff scoring. Their incredible stats speak volumes about their talents and abilities to perform when it counts the most. For more in-depth analysis and basketball content, check out arena plus.