The 10 Greatest Playoff Performances in NBA History

🏀These performances showcase the greatness and clutch ability of some of the greatest players in NBA history.

🌟Each performance featured a combination of exceptional scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.

🏆Many of these performances resulted in NBA championships for the players' respective teams.

🔥The games on this list were marked by incredible individual dominance and the ability to take over crucial moments.

👑LeBron James and Michael Jordan have multiple appearances on this list, highlighting their status as all-time playoff performers.

Who holds the record for the highest scoring playoff game in NBA history?

—Elgin Baylor holds the record for the highest scoring playoff game in NBA history with 61 points in game five of the 1962 NBA Finals.

Which rookie had one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history?

—Magic Johnson had one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history as a rookie in game six of the 1980 NBA Finals, where he played multiple positions, scored 42 points, and led the Lakers to victory.

Who has the most clutch performances in NBA playoff history?

—Bill Russell is widely regarded as one of the most clutch performers in NBA playoff history, winning all 10 game seven matchups he played in and leading the Celtics to numerous championships.

What factors were considered in creating this list of the greatest playoff performances?

—This list considers factors such as scoring, rebounding, playmaking, impact on the game, clutch moments, and championship success.

Are there any players who appear multiple times on this list?

—Yes, both LeBron James and Michael Jordan appear multiple times on this list, showcasing their exceptional playoff performances throughout their careers.

02:17Bob Pettit's historic performance in game six of the 1958 NBA Finals earned him a spot on this list with 50 points and 19 rebounds.

02:52Tim Duncan's dominant showing in game six of the 2003 NBA Finals included 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks, almost achieving a quadruple-double.

08:10Michael Jordan's 45-point performance in game six of the 1998 NBA Finals sealed his sixth championship with a game-winning shot, solidifying his legacy as a clutch performer.

09:56Giannis Antetokounmpo's 50-point game in game six of the 2021 NBA Finals helped secure the championship for the Milwaukee Bucks.

10:25Elgin Baylor's record-setting 61-point game in game five of the 1962 NBA Finals showcased his exceptional scoring ability and contributed to the Lakers' victory.

06:27LeBron James' impressive performance in game six of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals included 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping the Heat secure a spot in the NBA Finals.

08:05Michael Jordan's clutch performance in game six of the 1993 NBA Finals, scoring 45 points, sealed the championship for the Bulls and solidified his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

12:04Magic Johnson's legendary performance in game six of the 1980 NBA Finals, scoring 42 points and playing multiple positions, showcased his versatility and helped the Lakers secure the championship.