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The 2021 NBA playoffs have been a roller-coaster ride that is almost coming to an end with the Finals series tied at 2-2. The postseason has seen some amazing playoff debut performances, with the likes of Devin Booker and Trae Young breaking a few records on their way to a deep run at the business end of the season.
Five NBA players who have scored the most points in their playoff debut campaign
Scoring is arguably the most integral part of basketball, and having a player who can shoulder the load of leading the scoring for a team in the playoffs is invaluable. Some stalwarts have done so in their postseason debut campaign, and while doing so have managed to make an elusive list of players who have scored the most points in their debut playoff campaign.
#5 - LeBron James, 2006 - 400 points
In just his first playoff campaign, LeBron James registered phenomenal averages of 30.8 points, eight rebounds and close to six assists on 47% shooting from the field. He scored 400 points across 13 games but couldn't take the Cleveland Cavaliers past the semi-finals stage as the Cavs succumbed to a seven-game loss to the Detroit Pistons.
LeBron James is known to be a pass-first player, and him making this list is a testament to how well-rounded the LA Lakers star's game is. James has come a long way since his postseason debut, as he has racked up four championships and four Finals MVPs.
#4 - Trae Young, 2021 - 461 points
Trae Young turned in some sumptuous performances in the 2021 NBA playoffs, performing incredibly well in hostile atmospheres. The most noteworthy part of his brilliant playoff run was probably him taking on the crowds at Madison Square Garden and Wells Fargo Arena, but it can't be overlooked that he scored a whopping 400 points in 16 games in the 2021 NBA postseason.
Young's ability to score and create was on full display as he ended his postseason debut with 28.8 points and 9.5 assists per game.
Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers monitoring market for Kyle Kuzma despite uncertainty around his value
#3 - Julius Erving, 1977 - 518 points
Known for his scoring prowess, Julius Erving takes the number three spot on the list. Erving averaged 33 points and 20 rebounds in postseason debut campaign for the ABA's Virginia Squires in 1977 at a relatively young age of 21.
Erving went on to become one of the best players in the world, and is revered as an all-time great. He made a successful transition to the NBA from the ABA, and also won a championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983.
#2 - Rick Barry, 1967 - 521 points
Known for winning a championship with the Golden State Warriors in 1975, small forward Rick Barry scored a staggering 521 points in his postseason debut with the San Francisco Warriors in 1967. He averaged 34 points and seven rebounds in the playoffs, etching his name in the NBA history books.
Barry had an illustrious career as he racked up 12 All-Star selections, 6 All-NBA selections and made the All-ABA team four times. He also made the NBA All-Rookie team, along with winning the ROTY trophy.
#1 - Devin Booker, 2021 - 542 points (and counting)*
Devin Booker has been in scintillating form in the 2021 NBA playoffs, and has shown time and again why he is compared to LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. A three-level scorer, Booker has taken teams apart with surgical precision in mid-range in the postseason.
If the Phoenix Suns do end up winning the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, there is a good probability Booker will win the Finals MVP in just his first playoff campaign. He has averaged 27 points, six rebounds and 4 assists on 44% shooting from the field, and will have to work his magic for at least two more games to lead his side to their first ever championship win.
*Note - This number is relevant till Game 4 of the 2021 NBA finals. The article will be updated once the series is over.
Guess the Lakers players!
