Ranking the top 5 NBA players with most points scored in overtime; featuring LeBron James, the late Kobe Bryant, and more

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have scored the most points in overtime in NBA history.
Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have scored the most points in overtime in NBA history.

#3 Dirk Nowitzki - 342 points

Dirk Nowitzki in action during a game
Dirk Nowitzki in action during a game

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

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates in the 124-116 OT win against the Indiana Pacers
LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates in the 124-116 OT win against the Indiana Pacers

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

Kobe Bryant in action during a game
Kobe Bryant in action during a game

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.

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