Revealed! 20 best NBA playoff players in the history of the game

Revealed! 20 best NBA playoff players in the history of the game

Babu Tendu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier professional basketball league in North America. The NBA playoffs are the pinnacle of the sport, where the best teams compete for the championship title. Over the years, many great ballers have elevated their game in the playoffs and delivered memorable performances. We will closely examine the best NBA playoff players of all time.

Best NBA playoff players
Information on the players who stood when everyone needed them to. Photos by Harry How and VINCENT LAFORET. (Modified by author).
Source: Getty Images

We will examine their statistics, achievements, and impact on the game and discuss their clutch performances in pressure situations. Whether it's Michael Jordan's game-winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals or LeBron James' historic triple-double in the 2016 NBA Finals, these ballers have left an indelible mark on the game's history. They have cemented their place as the most fantastic playoff performers ever.

Which NBA player has played the most playoff games?

Many publications on the internet give a lot of information regarding the statistics of NBA playoff games, including the number of times players has made appearances. Today, we will authenticate many of those facts with facts.

20. Steph Curry

  • Titles Won: 4
  • Notable Runs: 2015, 2022

One of the most impressive aspects of Curry's performances is his ability to come up big in crucial moments. He has hit countless clutch shots throughout his career, including his match-winning three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2015 Finals, which helped secure the championship for the Warriors. He is one of the NBA players with the best playoff record.

Best NBA playoff record
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 05, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Ronald Martinez.
Source: Getty Images

19. Willis Reed

  • Titles Won: 2
  • Notable Runs: 1970

Willis Reed's legendary performance in the 1970 NBA Finals is one of the most iconic moments in basketball history. He played through immense pain and injury and dominated the match, scoring the game's first two baskets and inspiring his teammates to victory.

Best NBA playoff record in 2023
Willis Reed grimaces while waiting for the Boston Celtics to shoot free throws during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden on November 8, 1973. Photo By Ross Lewis.
Source: Getty Images

18. Kevin Durant

  • Titles Won: 2
  • Notable Runs: 2017

Durant's incredible performances testify to his skill and versatility on the court. He is a prolific scorer and contributes in other areas of the match, such as rebounding and playmaking. He is one of the best NBA playoff players of all time.

Best NBA playoff record in 2022
Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns slam dunks against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 5, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Ron Jenkins.
Source: Getty Images

17. Wilt Chamberlain

  • Titles Won: 2
  • Notable Runs: 1970, 1972

Wilt Chamberlain's dominance in the playoffs was undeniable. He holds numerous records for performances, including the most rebounds in a single match(41) and the most points per match in a single playoff series (38.0).

Best NBA playoff record ever
Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain, 7-foot Kansas Center, displays the mitts that deflected 127 enemy shots during Kansas' first twenty games this season. Photo by Bettmann.
Source: Getty Images

16. Allen Iverson

  • Titles Won: 0
  • Notable Runs: 2001

Allen Iverson's 2001 playoff run was a testament to his tenacity, skill, and leadership. Despite being undersized and facing constant double and triple teams, Iverson refused to back down and carried his team to victory time and time again. His ability to score from anywhere on the court and his lightning-quick speed and agility made him nearly impossible to defend. He has one of the best NBA playoff runs by a player.

Best playoff performances
Allen Iverson looks on during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game as part of the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 20, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by Jim Poorten.
Source: Getty Images

15. Dirk Nowitzki

  • Titles Won: 1
  • Notable Runs: 2006, 2011

Dirk Nowitzki's 2011 run was one for the ages. He led the Mavericks to a 12-3 record in the Western Conference playoffs, including a sweep of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. Nowitzki put on a show for the ages in the NBA Finals, averaging 26 points and nearly ten rebounds per match.

Best playoff performances in 2023
Dirk Nowitzki speaks to the media during a media opportunity ahead of the 2023 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Kelly Defina.
Source: Getty Images

14. Elgin Baylor

  • Titles Won: 0
  • Notable Runs: 1961, 1968

Despite retiring early in the 1970-71 season, Elgin Baylor's legacy as one of history's most fantastic playoff performers remains intact. Baylor was a scoring machine during the postseason, averaging an impressive 27.0 points per match in 134 career games. He is one of the best NBA players, never to win a playoff series.

Best playoff performances ever
Elgin Baylor of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1967 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo by Raphael.
Source: Getty Images

13. Kawhi Leonard

  • Titles Won: 2
  • Notable Runs: 2019

Leonard's success in the playoffs is a testament to his incredible talent, work ethic, and ability to elevate his game when it matters most. His unique ability to take over matches with his scoring, rebounding, and defence and his clutch performances in crucial moments have earned him the nickname "The Claw".

Best playoff performances in history
Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers stands for the national anthem before their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 02, 2023, in San Francisco, California. Photo by Ezra Shaw.
Source: Getty Images

12. Hakeem Olajuwon

  • Titles Won: 2
  • Notable Runs: 1995

Hakeem Olajuwon's performance during the back-to-back championship runs in 1994 and 1995 was legendary. His footwork and agility as a big man were unparalleled, and he was a dominant force on both ends of the court.

All-time best playoff performances
NBA Legend Hakeem Olajuwon attends a game between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets on December 13, 2022, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Photo by Logan Riely.
Source: Getty Images

Olajuwon's signature "Dream Shake" move left defenders in the dust and helped him score in various ways. He was also a tenacious defender and shot-blocker known for anticipating and disrupting his opponents' offensive game plans. He has one of the best NBA finals records by a player.

11. Giannis Antetukounmpo

  • Titles Won: 1
  • Notable Runs: 2021

Giannis Antetokounmpo's performance in the 2021 playoffs was remarkable, as he led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years. His determination, grit, and passion were on full display throughout the playoffs, and he elevated his game to new heights when it mattered most.

Best NBA finals record by a player
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks passes the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 5, 2023, in Washington, DC. Photo by Patrick Smith.
Source: Getty Images

His humility and grace on the court are even more impressive. Despite being one of the most dominant players in the league, Giannis remains humble and focused on his team's success. He is the best NBA playoff player in 2023.

10. Larry Bird

  • Titles Won: 3
  • Notable Runs: 1984

Larry Bird's ability to back up his trash talk with incredible court performances made him a legendary baller. His competitive fire and clutch play in big moments were unmatched, and he never shied away from a challenge.

Best NBA playoff runs by a player
Larry Bird talks with a referee against the Golden State Warriors during a game in 1991 at The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena in Oakland, California. Photo by Sam Forencich.
Source: Getty Images

The 1984 Finals against the Lakers was a perfect example of this. Despite facing a talented and experienced Lakers team, Bird led the Boston Celtics to victory with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. He is one of the NBA players with the most playoff games.

9. Jerry West

  • Titles Won: 1
  • Notable Runs: 1969

Jerry West's legacy as one of the greatest ballers in history is not only due to his incredible talent but also his ability to perform in clutch situations. Despite playing in an era without the benefit of modern sports science and technology, West could dominate his opponents with his skill, athleticism, and mental toughness. His performance in the 1972 NBA Finals was a testament to his resilience and determination.

Best NBA playoff players of all time
Jerry West attends a game between the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 07, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Ethan Miller.
Source: Getty Images

8. Shaquille O'Neal

  • Titles Won: 4
  • Notable Runs: 2000

Shaq's physical dominance on the court was unparalleled, and he was a nightmare for opposing teams to defend against. His size and strength made him nearly impossible to stop in the paint, and he could finish through contact and dunk with ferocity.

Which NBA player has played the most playoff games
Shaquille O'Neal looks on during the Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant.
Source: Getty Images

But what set Shaq apart from his peers was his combination of skill and agility. For a baller of his size, he had incredible footwork and a soft touch around the rim, making him a great threat in the court.

7. Kobe Bryant

  • Titles Won: 5
  • Notable Runs: 2010

Kobe Bryant's legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history is not only due to his incredible skill and talent but also his fierce competitiveness and work ethic.

NBA players with the most playoff games
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012, in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Christian Petersen.
Source: Getty Images

He was a true student of the game, constantly studying film and perfecting his craft, and his dedication and focus on the court were unmatched. His performance in the 2010 NBA Finals was a testament to his resilience and mental toughness, as he overcame a tough Boston Celtics team and led the Lakers to victory.

6. Magic Johnson

  • Titles Won: 4
  • Notable Runs: 1980, 1987

Magic Johnson's impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He revolutionised the point guard position with his size, skill, and court vision and paved the way for a new generation of players.

NBA players with the most playoff games ever
LAFC Owner Earvin 'Magic' Johnson speaks during a ceremony for the newly renamed BMO Stadium at BMO Stadium on March 03, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Michael Owens.
Source: Getty Images

But what set Magic apart was his ability to perform in clutch moments and elevate the play of his teammates. He had a knack for making the right play at the right time, and his unselfishness and team-first mentality were infectious.

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

  • Titles Won: 5
  • Notable Runs: 1971, 1985

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legacy extends far beyond his dominance on the court. He was a trailblazer on and off the court, using his platform to advocate for social justice issues and raise awareness about important causes. He was a mentor and role model to countless players and fans, and his impact on the basketball cannot be overstated.

NBA players with the best playoff record
Kareem Jabbar is honoured at halftime during the NBA All-Star Game as part of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 19, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo by Mercedes Oliver.
Source: Getty Images

4. Tim Duncan

  • Titles Won: 5
  • Notable Runs: 2005, 2014

Duncan's success in the Western Conference can be attributed to his incredible consistency and work ethic. He was known for his fundamentally sound play, flawless footwork, exceptional post moves, and uncanny ability to read defences. Despite being one of the most dominant players of his era, he remained humble and focused on improving his game year after year.

Best NBA players to never win a playoff series
NBA Legend Tim Duncan addresses the crowd during the game between the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs on December 4, 2022, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Photos by Michael Gonzales.
Source: Getty Images

3. Bill Russell

  • Titles Won: 11
  • Notable Runs: 1966, 1969

Aside from his incredible success on the court, Russell was also a trailblazer for social justice and equality. He was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and played a crucial role in integrating the NBA. Despite facing discrimination and racism throughout his career, Russell remained steadfast in his beliefs and used his platform to speak out against injustice.

Best NBA playoff player in 2023
Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait in 1969 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo by Raphael.
Source: Getty Images

2. LeBron James

  • Titles Won: 4
  • Notable Runs: 2013, 2016

What made LeBron's performance in the 2016 Finals so remarkable was not just the fact that he led his team to a historic comeback but how he did it. His performance in Game 7 was arguably one of the greatest in basketball history, as he recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists while adding three blocks and two steals. James pulls off some of the best playoff performances.

1. Michael Jordan

  • Titles Won: 6
  • Notable Runs: 1993, 1998

Jordan's impact on basketball extends far beyond his accomplishments on the court. His iconic brand, Jordan Brand, has become synonymous with basketball and has inspired countless athletes and fans worldwide.

Through his transcendent play and charismatic personality, Jordan helped to elevate the NBA to a global stage, expanding the league's reach beyond the United States and into new markets. He holds the best NBA playoff record.

The NBA playoffs have seen some of the best NBA playoff players in basketball history, with players rising to the occasion and delivering unforgettable moments on the game's biggest stage. From Bill Russell's championship dominance in the '50s and '60s to LeBron James' incredible run in the 2010s.

READ ALSO: Here is a list of the most popular sports mascots in the world

Sports Brief has recently posted about mascots. Sports mascots have been an integral part of the sporting experience for fans worldwide. Whether a furry creature is entertaining fans at halftime or a costumed character high-fiving fans in the stands, mascots have become synonymous with sports entertainment.

From college to professional sports, mascots have become an essential game element. Here, we will focus on the most popular sports mascots.

Authors
Babu Tendu photo
Babu Tendu
SEO Editor
Tags
Giannis AntetokounmpoLebron James