It's essentially common knowledge that the record for most points scored in a regular-season game was set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962, but single-game records for the NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals aren't as widely known.
While defenses step their games — and physicality — up during the playoffs, so do some of the league's most prolific scorers. As a result, you can count on at least one memorable scoring performance every postseason.
MORE: Full schedule for the 2022 NBA Finals
Of course, the light shines brightest during the NBA Finals, where a number of stars have turned in unforgettable performances over the years.
As for teams, defense being at a premium means it's very rare to see teams put on an offensive clinic, but it does happen on occasion.
What are the records for most points in an NBA Finals game? Below, find a list of best NBA Finals scoring performances from individuals and teams.
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Most points in an NBA Finals game: Records for individuals, teams
Most points by an individual in an NBA Finals game
In the history of the NBA Finals, only seven players have scored 50 or more points in a game. Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor set the single-game record in 1962.
| Player | Points | Opponent | Year | |
| 1 | Elgin Baylor, Lakers | 61 | Celtics | 1962 |
| 2 | Rick Barry, Warriors | 55 | 76ers | 1967 |
| Michael Jordan, Bulls | 55 | Suns | 1993 | |
| 4 | Jerry West, Lakers | 53 | Celtics | 1969 |
| 5 | LeBron James, Cavaliers | 51* | Warriors | 2018 |
| 6 | Bob Pettit, Hawks | 50 | Celtics | 1958 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks | 50 | Suns | 2021 | |
| 8 | Allen Iverson, 76ers | 48* | Lakers | 2001 |
| 9 | Stephen Curry, Warriors | 47 | Raptors | 2019 |
| 10 | Michael Jordan, Bulls | 46 | Trail Blazers | 1992 |
| 11 | Jerry West, Lakers | 45 | Celtics | 1965 |
| Jerry West, Lakers | 45 | Celtics | 1964 | |
| Wilt Chamberlain, Lakers | 45 | Knicks | 1970 | |
| Michael Jordan, Bulls | 45 | Jazz | 1998 | |
| 15 | Rick Barry, Warriors | 44 | 76ers | 1967 |
*Denotes an overtime game
MORE: Full list of NBA Finals MVP winners
Most points by a team in an NBA Finals game
Only five times has a team scored over 140 points in the NBA Finals, with the most recent instance coming in 1987. The Celtics set the single-game record in a blowout victory over the Lakers in 1985.
| Team | Points | Opponent | Year | |
| 1 | Celtics | 148 | Lakers (114) | 1985 |
| 2 | Celtics | 142 | Lakers (110) | 1965 |
| 3 | 76ers | 141* | Warriors (135) | 1967 |
| Lakers | 141 | Celtics (122) | 1987 | |
| 5 | Celtics | 140 | Hawks (122) | 1960 |
| 6 | Lakers | 137 | Celtics (104) | 1984 |
| Cavaliers | 137 | Warriors (116) | 2017 | |
| 8 | Celtics | 136 | Hawks (112) | 1958 |
| Lakers | 136 | Celtics (111) | 1985 | |
| 10 | Warriors | 135* | 76ers (141) | 1967 |
| Lakers | 135 | Knicks (113) | 1970 | |
| 76ers | 135 | Lakers (102) | 1982 | |
| 13 | Lakers | 133* | Celtics (129) | 1966 |
| 14 | Warriors | 132 | Cavaliers (113) | 2017 |
| 15 | Celtics | 131 | Lakers (92) | 2008 |
*Denotes an overtime game
