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

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.

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

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.

19. Willis Reed

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.

18. Kevin Durant

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.

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17. Wilt Chamberlain

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).

16. Allen Iverson

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.

15. Dirk Nowitzki

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.

14. Elgin Baylor

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.

13. Kawhi Leonard

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".

12. Hakeem Olajuwon

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

8. Shaquille O'Neal

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

4. Tim Duncan

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.

3. Bill Russell

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.

2. LeBron James

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

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.

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