Top 10 highest-scoring performances in NBA Playoffs

One of the most thrilling aspects of the NBA Playoffs is witnessing players heat up and deliver scoring outbursts. Over the years, certain players have earned reputations as playoff performers due to their scoring prowess.

While defenses are said to tighten up in the playoffs, it's also a stage for players to showcase their offensive brilliance and assert their stardom.

Let's delve into the highest-scoring performances in NBA Playoffs history.

Top 10 highest-scoring performances in NBA Playoffs

#10, Michael Jordan, 55 points (April 27, 1997)

This won't be the only instance of Michael Jordan appearing on this list.

Jordan put up 55 points in the 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round against the Washington Bullets, shooting 22-of-35 from the field in 44 minutes.

In fact, Jordan scored 55 points in a playoff game three times.

#9, Allen Iverson, 55 points (April 20, 2001)

Allen Iverson scored 55 in a 98-90 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 1 of their 2003 Playoffs first-round encounter on April 20, 2001.

He shot 21-of-32 from the field in nearly 47 minutes of play and added eight assists and two steals.

#8, Damian Lillard, 55 points (June 1, 2021)

Damian Lillard is renowned for his playoff scoring outbursts, with his career-high coming in a 55-point explosion against the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Western Conference first round.

Despite Lillard's remarkable performance, which included 12 made 3-pointers and 10 assists, the Blazers fell to the Nuggets, 147-140.

#7, Wilt Chamberlain, 56 points (March 22, 1962)

In the 1962 NBA Eastern Division Semifinals Game 5 between the Syracuse Nationals and the Philadelphia Warriors, Wilt Chamberlain showcased one of his iconic scoring performances.

Chamberlain scored 56 points on 22-of-48 shooting and grabbed 35 rebounds, leading the Warriors to victory.

#6, Michael Jordan, 56 points (April 29, 1992)

Michael Jordan makes his second appearance.

In Game 3 of the 1992 NBA Eastern Conference first round, Jordan scored 56 points on 20-of-30 shooting to lead the Bulls to a 119-114 victory over the Miami Heat.

Jordan also had five assists, five rebounds and four steals in 43 minutes of play.

#5, Charles Barkley, 56 points (May 4, 1994)

Charles Barkley never won an NBA championship, but he was a dominant force in the playoffs, especially in his prime.

In a standout performance on May 4, 1994, Barkley propelled the Suns to a 140-133 victory over the Warriors in Game 3 of the 1994 NBA Western Conference first round.

He scored 56 points on 23-of-31 shooting and added 14 rebounds to his stat line.

#4, Jimmy Butler, 56 points (April 24, 2023)

Jimmy Butler played a pivotal role in leading the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals during the 2023 playoffs, which included an upset victory over the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.

In a stellar performance during Game 4 of that series, Butler scored 56 points on 19-of-28 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds.

#3, Donovan Mitchell, 57 points (Aug. 17, 2020)

Donovan Mitchell scored 57 points when he was still with the Utah Jazz in a 135-125 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2020 playoffs.

Mitchell shot 19-of-33 from the field, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out seven assists in the loss.

#2, Elgin Baylor, 61 points (April 14, 1962)

Elgin Baylor was the first player to breach the 60-point mark in the playoffs.

He scored 61 in Game 5 of the 1962 NBA Finals between the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics on April 14, 1962. He also had 22 rebounds.

#1, Michael Jordan, 63 points (April 20, 1986)

Michael Jordan achieved his playoff career-high during a memorable matchup against the juggernaut Boston Celtics in April 1986, during the first round of the playoffs.

Facing off against Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge, Dennis Johnson and Robert Parish, Jordan exploded for a 63-point performance.

Despite his effort, the game ended in a 135-131 loss for his Bulls.