NBA Most Points in Playoffs: The Ultimate Record Holders and Their Historic Performances

Having spent over a decade analyzing basketball statistics and playoff performances, I've always been fascinated by the sheer endurance required to dominate the NBA postseason. When I came across that quote from Olan about his 13 years with a program and how the upcoming season would be the toughest yet, it struck me how perfectly that mirrors the mental and physical toll of NBA playoff runs. The players who top the all-time playoff scoring list aren't just talented—they're warriors who've endured year after year of escalating pressure, much like Olan facing what he calls his most challenging season ahead.

Let's start with the undisputed king of playoff scoring—LeBron James. The numbers still blow my mind even after all these years tracking them. We're talking about 7,631 career playoff points as of the 2023 postseason. That's nearly 1,500 more than Michael Jordan in second place. What's incredible about LeBron's record isn't just the total—it's the sustainability. He's been carrying teams deep into the playoffs for nearly two decades now. I remember watching his 2018 run where he scored 748 points in 22 games, averaging 34 points per game at 33 years old. That's the kind of longevity we may never see again.

Now Michael Jordan—there's a name that still gives me chills. His 5,987 playoff points came in just 179 games compared to LeBron's 266. That scoring rate is absolutely insane when you think about it. Jordan averaged 33.4 points per playoff game, the highest in NBA history. I'll always argue that his 1989-90 playoff run was the most dominant scoring performance I've ever witnessed. He put up 43.7 points per game in the first round against Boston, including that legendary 63-point game. Even today, when players mention playoff greatness, Jordan's name comes up first in those conversations.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sits third with 5,762 points, and honestly, I think modern fans often underestimate his playoff dominance. He played in 237 playoff games spanning nearly two decades. His skyhook became the most unstoppable playoff weapon in history—I've watched every available footage of his playoff games, and that move was virtually unguardable in crucial moments. What many forget is that Kareem scored 30 or more points in 45 different playoff games despite playing in an era with no three-point line and much more physical defense.

Kobe Bryant's 5,640 playoff points tell the story of a competitor who lived for postseason moments. I've always felt his 2009 championship run was his masterpiece—30.2 points per game while shooting 45% from the field. His footwork in tight playoff situations was like watching poetry in motion. That fadeaway jumper against double teams? Pure artistry. Shaq rounds out the top five with 5,250 points, and their partnership created some of the most devastating playoff offenses we've ever seen.

When I look at active players climbing this list, Kevin Durant sitting at 4,559 points fascinates me. His 2021 performance against Milwaukee—49 points in Game 5 while playing every minute—was one of those legendary efforts that remind you why playoff scoring records matter. Stephen Curry at 3,966 points has revolutionized playoff scoring with his three-point barrage. I've charted his shooting and found that his playoff three-point percentage actually improves compared to regular season—that's clutch performance.

The physical and mental toll of accumulating these numbers is what Olan's quote really gets at. These scorers aren't just playing basketball—they're surviving what he called "the toughest season" year after year. LeBron has played the equivalent of nearly three extra seasons just in playoff games. The wear and tear on their bodies is unimaginable. I've spoken with trainers who work with these athletes, and they describe playoff recovery as a science of its own.

What often gets overlooked in these discussions is how rule changes have impacted playoff scoring. The hand-checking rules implemented in 2004-05 created more favorable conditions for perimeter scorers. Having watched basketball across different eras, I'm convinced Jordan's numbers would be even more ridiculous under today's rules. Similarly, the three-point revolution has allowed modern scorers to accumulate points in ways previous generations couldn't.

The psychology behind great playoff scorers is something I've studied extensively. There's a particular mindset that separates regular season stars from playoff legends. They embrace the pressure rather than shy away from it. I've noticed that the all-time great scorers actually improve their scoring averages in the playoffs, which defies conventional wisdom about tougher defenses. Jordan averaged 4.2 points more in playoffs than regular season, LeBron 1.5 points more—that's the mark of true greatness.

Looking toward the future, I'm excited to see how Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum might eventually challenge these records. Luka's playoff average of 32.5 points through his first 28 games suggests he could be a future contender if he maintains this pace for 15+ years. Though honestly, I doubt we'll see anyone surpass LeBron's total given how the game has evolved toward load management and shorter playoff runs for most stars.

In the end, these scoring records represent more than just numbers—they're narratives of perseverance, much like Olan's 13-year journey facing his toughest season yet. Each point tells a story of playoff battles, fourth-quarter heroics, and the relentless pursuit of greatness when the stakes are highest. Having followed this sport my entire life, I can confidently say that playoff scoring champions aren't just the most talented players—they're the most resilient, mentally tough competitors in basketball history. Their records stand as monuments to what humans can achieve when pushed to their absolute limits year after grueling year.