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The NBA is one of the most unpredictable sports leagues in the world. Every team has a legitimate chance of making unexpected comebacks late down the stretch. Plenty of games end up going into overtime. More often than not, that happens because of certain players, who can single-handedly change the course of a match.
Their ability to make a difference even after regulation time is quite impressive as they do it consistently, which is no mean feat. The top five scorers in overtime in NBA history include some of the biggest names to ever play in the league.
On that note, here's a look at five players who have scored the most points in overtime in NBA history.
#5 Russell Westbrook - 290 points
Mr. Triple-double, Russell Westbrook, ranks fifth in NBA history to score the most points in overtime. Westbrook is often criticized for several reasons, from his turnover rate to his inability to shoot the ball efficiently from long-distance. That has often overshadowed his ability to take over games down the stretch.
The 33-year-old has been the go-to option for his teams for the majority of his career. He hasn't disappointed much during those occasions and has scored 290 points in overtime throughout his career. Westbrook has shot 42.6% from the field during that stretch, with the majority of his field goals coming from inside the arc (49.5).
Westbrook's highest-scoring overtime performance was in 2016 when he recorded 14 points in OT alone during a game against the Washington Wizards. It's the third-highest tally in NBA history.
#4 Paul Pierce - 326 points
Paul Pierce thrived in late-game situations during his career. The Hall of Famer recorded 326 points in overtime, the fourth most in NBA history. Pierce relied on his size and strength to get to his spots and drain go-ahead/game-winning shots over his opponents.
Interestingly, Pierce made most of his shots from the long-range, converting 43.7% of his three-pointers in overtime situations. He was also clutch from the foul line, making roughly 83% of his attempts from there. Pierce's highest-scoring performance in overtime was in 2001 when he scored 13 points during a game between the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets.
#3 Dirk Nowitzki - 342 points
Dirk Nowitzki was one of the most efficient players to play in the NBA. His shooting percentage from the field, three-point range and the free-throw line was stunning in overtime as he shot on a 47/32/91 split. Nowitzki ended up tallying 342 points in OT throughout his career, the third-most in NBA history.
Nowitzki was always the primary scorer on all of his teams, especially during the prime of his career. He had very few moments during which he wasn't able to produce the kind of goods he was expected to in crunch situations. Nowitzki's best performance in an OT situation was in 2009 when he tallied 14 points in a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls.
#2 LeBron James - 404 points
Next on the list is four-time NBA champion LeBron James. The LA Lakers talisman has never been as appreciative of his ability to deliver in the clutch, but as always, he has the record on his side to make that case for him. James has scored 404 points in overtime during his career, the second-highest tally for a player in NBA history.
The 'King' has made 46.5% of his shots from the field. Interestingly, James also ranks second in most assists provided in overtime in NBA history. That has only cemented his spot as the greatest all-around player to ever play the sport. James' best OT performance was against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2007 when he recorded 13 points.
#1 Kobe Bryant - 415 points
LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is number one on this list. 'Black Mamba' scored 415 points in overtime. He is widely regarded as one of the most clutch players of all time. His impact scoring-wise was unparalleled back in the day. Bryant was unfazed in crunch situations and often took the last shot to help his team get over the line.
He made 41.5% of his field goals and 86% of his free throws in overtime. Bryant's highest-scoring OT was in 2000 when he tallied 12 points against the Golden State Warriors.
