Most points in an NBA Playoffs game: Full list of postseason single-game scoring records all time

Kyle Irving

Most points in an NBA Playoffs game: Full list of postseason single-game scoring records all time image

The 2024 NBA Playoffs are upon us, and if the regular season was any indication, we're in for some major scoring outbursts.

We saw 76ers star Joel Embiid explode for 70 points in a game against the Spurs earlier this year, only to be outdone a few days later when Mavericks star Luka Doncic one-upped the reigning MVP, going off for 73 points — the most in a game since Kobe Bryant scored 81 back in 2006.

The defensive intensity is turned up a notch during the playoffs, and that's why we have never seen any player go for 70 points in a postseason game. However, with teams playing at a faster pace and launching more 3-pointers than ever before, no individual scoring record is safe.

Who has scored the most points in a single playoff game? The Sporting News has you covered with the list below.

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Most points in an NBA Playoffs game

Bulls icon Michael Jordan holds the NBA Playoffs all-time single-game scoring record, going off for 63 points in a double-overtime loss to the Celtics back in 1986.

Jordan is responsible for five of the highest-scoring playoff games in NBA history, more than any other player on the list.

Jordan's record has been challenged in recent years, though. In 2023, Jimmy Butler put up 56 points in a regulation win over the Bucks in the first round. Three years prior, then-Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell put up 57 points in an overtime loss to the Nuggets.

There have only been 13 moments in NBA Playoffs history where a player has scored 55 points or more. You can find the complete list below.

Rank Player Points Year Result
1 Michael Jordan 63 1986 East First Round: Game 2 Celtics 135, Bulls 131 (2OT)
2 Elgin Baylor 61 1962 NBA Finals: Game 5 Lakers 126, Celtics 121
3 Donovan Mitchell 57 2020 West First Round: Game 1 Nuggets 135, Jazz 125 (OT)
T4 Jimmy Butler 56 2023 East First Round: Game 4 Heat 119, Bucks 114
T4 Charles Barkley 56 1994 West First Round: Game 3 Suns 140, Warriors 133
  Michael Jordan 56 1992 East First Round: Game 3 Bulls 119, Heat 114
  Wilt Chamberlain 56 1962 East Semis: Game 5 Warriors 121, Nationals 104
T8 Damian Lillard 55 2021 West First Round: Game 5 Nuggets 147, Trail Blazers 140 (2OT)
  Allen Iverson 55 2003 East First Round: Game 1 76ers 98, Hornets 90
  Michael Jordan 55 1997 East First Round: Game 2 Bulls 109, Bullets 104
  Michael Jordan 55 1993 NBA Finals: Game 4 Bulls 111, Suns 105
  Michael Jordan 55 1988 East First Round: Game 2 Bulls 106, Cavaliers 101
  Rick Barry 55 1967 NBA Finals: Game 3 Warriors 130, 76ers 124

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.