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.
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury puts Bucks in danger vs. Pacers
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 |
