Basketball is a game of scoring, and in the playoffs, the pressure and intensity are magnified a hundred times. It is in the playoffs where legends are đđ¨đŤđ§, where clutch moments are forged, and where superstars can cement their place in basketball history. Throughout the years, many NBA players have made their mark in the playoffs, but only a select few have achieved a feat that is both rare and impressive. We are referring to the statistical milestone of scoring 600 points or more in a single playoff run while leading their team to an NBA championship.
This is a milestone that only a select few players have been able to accomplish in the history of the NBA. This elite group of players includes some of the greatest names in basketball history, and the accomplishment of scoring 600 points or more in a single playoff run while winning an NBA championship is not only rare but a testament to the sheer talent and determination of these basketball players. From Larry Birdâs heroic performance in the 1984 NBA Finals to Stephen Curryâs latest championship win in the 2022 NBA Finals, a host of players have shown us what it means to be a champion while carrying the offensive burden of the team.
We will delve into the careers of the five players who have scored 600 points or more in a single playoff run while leading their teams to an NBA championship. Remember, it is not often a player can be great enough to carry a team in offensive production while capturing the NBA title. Without further ado, here are the 11 NBA players who scored at least 600 points in a playoff run and won the NBA championship.
Larry Bird – 1 Time
1984 NBA Playoffs – 632 Points, 27.5 PPG (23 Games)
Larry Bird had already established himself as one of the best players in the league, and in the playoffs, he took it to another level. Bird was the leading scorer for the Boston Celtics during all four playoff rounds, averaging 27.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 5.9 APG. He was dominant in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 27.4 PPG, 14.0 RPG, and 3.6 APG, and he was named the Finals MVP for his extraordinary performance. Bird’s shooting was also remarkable during the playoff run. He shot 52.4% from the field, 41.2% from three-point range, and 87.9% from the free-throw line.
He was a threat from any position on the court and could score in a variety of ways, from long-range shots to driving layups. Bird’s offensive prowess was only half of the story, as he was also one of the best passers in the league and was constantly making his teammates better. His court vision and ability to find the open man were key components of the Celtics’ success, and his unselfish play made him a beloved teammate. Even so, Larry Bird managed to put up an impressive tally of 632 total points over 23 games to capture his second NBA championship and solidify himself as an all-time great small forward.
Shaquille OâNeal – 1 Time
2000 NBA Playoffs – 707 Points, 30.7 PPG (23 Games)
Shaquille O’Neal was a monster during the 2000 NBA championship run, where he led the Los Angeles Lakers to their first championship in over a decade. With his combination of size, strength, and agility, Shaq proved to be nearly unstoppable in the low post, averaging an incredible 30.7 PPG on 56.6% shooting from the field. He also pulled down 15.4 rebounds and blocked 2.4 shots per game, making him a dominant force on both ends of the court. In addition to his raw statistical output, Shaq’s impact was felt in many other ways. He attracted double teams that often allowed his teammates to get open shots, and his presence in the paint often intimidated opponents and altered their game plans.
Perhaps most importantly, Shaq brought a winning mentality and a championship pedigree to the Lakers, which helped galvanize the team and propel them to the title. His aggression inside the paint meant he could score with ease anytime he wanted and two defenders could not slow him down. Remember what O’Neal did against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, posting 38.0 PPG and 16.7 RPG on 61.1% shooting from the field. We might not even remember a time when a single player dominated a Finals series like this, and even when Shaquille OâNeal was feeling more finesse than usual, the hook shot from either shoulder was an effective move.
Shaq’s offensive performances that yielded over 700 points scored during the 2000 NBA playoffs were nothing short of legendary, and it cemented his reputation as one of the most dominant and unstoppable forces in NBA history.
Dwyane Wade – 1 Time
2006 NBA Playoffs – 654 Points, 28.4 PPG (23 Games)
Dwyane Wade’s offensive production during the 2006 NBA championship run was iconic because he led the Miami Heat to their first-ever championship in franchise history, and it was largely thanks to his remarkable scoring performances. In the Finals alone, Wade averaged 34.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 3.8 APG, leading the Heat to a six-game series victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Throughout the playoffs, Wade displayed his incredible ability to get to the basket and finish through contact. He averaged 28.4 PPG in the postseason, shooting an impressive 49.7% from the field. But perhaps the most impressive statistic from Wade’s championship run was his free-throw attempts. He attempted an astounding 250 free throws in just 23 games, an average of over 10 per game.
Wade also made the most of those opportunities, shooting over 80% from the line but it wasn’t just Wade’s scoring that made him such a dominant force in the 2006 playoffs. He also showed incredible poise, leadership, and defensive prowess. He was the emotional leader of the Heat, a team that fought back from a 2-0 deficit in the Finals to win four straight games. On the defensive end, Dwyane Wade was a lockdown defender, averaging 2.2 steals per game in the playoffs. Wade’s 2006 NBA championship run was one for the ages, and it solidified his place as one of the greatest players of his generation. He went on to win two more championships with the Heat, but his performance in 2006 will always be remembered as one of the most incredible individual playoff runs in NBA history and his scoring was the major reason why.
LeBron James – 1 Time
2012 NBA Playoffs – 697 Points, 30.3 PPG (23 Games)
LeBron James’ scoring during the 2012 NBA championship run was one of the best of his career. That year, he led the Miami Heat to their second championship in franchise history with an outstanding performance throughout the playoffs. In the postseason, James was absolutely dominating on the offensive end, averaging 30.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG, and 5.6 APG, while shooting an incredibly efficient 50.0% from the field. He had multiple 30-point games, including several games where he scored over 40 points, making him a nearly unstoppable force. What made LeBron’s performance truly special during the 2012 championship run was his ability to step up in every game when the Heat needed him most. He was the backbone of the team during the finals and was able to take his game to a level that very few players have ever reached.
LeBron’s incredible offensive production was a key factor in the Heat’s overall domination throughout the playoffs, as they swept the Knicks in the opening round, eliminated the Pacers in six games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and defeated the Celtics in seven games to reach the Finals. In the championship series, LeBron James continued his dominant play, leading the Heat to a series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder while posting 28.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 7.4 APG. Despite being a dominant rebounder and passer throughout the playoffs and sharing the ball with Dwyane Wade, James still posted close to 700 points while winning the NBA title.
Kevin Durant – 1 Time
2018 NBA Playoffs – 608 Points, 29.0 PPG (21 Games)
Kevin Durant’s offensive production during the 2018 NBA championship run was the major reason the Warriors went back-to-back. Durant had joined the already stacked Golden State Warriors team before the 2017 season, a move many criticized as an easy way to win championships. However, Durant proved all doubters wrong by leading the Warriors to back-to-back championships and being named the Finals MVP both times. During the 2018 playoffs, Durant averaged an impressive 29.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 4.7 APG. He was deadly from beyond the arc, shooting 34.1% from three-point range and making clutch shots when it mattered most.
Durant’s scoring ability was especially evident in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he exploded for 43 points and hit a clutch three-pointer late in the game to seal the victory for the Warriors. What made Durant’s offensive production even more impressive was the fact that he did it while playing alongside other All-Stars such as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Despite sharing the ball with these stars, Kevin Durant still managed to be the focal point of the Warriors’ offense and was able to showcase his incredible scoring ability throughout the playoffs. Even with Stephen Curry averaging 25.5 PPG, Durant was able to post a total of 608 points in the postseason.
Kawhi Leonard – 1 Time
2019 NBA Playoffs – 732 Points, 30.5 PPG (24 Games)
Kawhi Leonard’s offensive production during the 2019 NBA championship run in the playoffs was beyond memorable. He dominated on both ends of the floor, leading the Toronto Raptors to their first-ever NBA championship. As great as he was on defense, his offense was the critical component of his game. He averaged 30.5 PPG in the playoffs, shooting an incredible 49.0% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc. Leonard also excelled in clutch moments, hitting game-winning shots against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals and against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
He was later named the Finals MVP after averaging 28.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 2.0 SPG in the Finals. What made Kawhi Leonard’s offensive production during the championship run even more impressive was his efficiency. He was able to score at a high rate while taking fewer shots than other high-scoring players. His ability to get to the free-throw line and convert from there was also a major factor in his offensive success. Even when playing alongside other talented scorers, including Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet, Leonard was the star of the show on offense and put up a whopping 732 points in the process.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – 1 Time
2021 NBA Playoffs – 634 Points, 30.2 PPG (21 Games)
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s production during the 2021 NBA championship run was amazing because he had to do everything possible to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to success. He dominated the playoffs, averaging 30.2 PPG, 12.8 RPG, and 5.1 APG per game, shooting a remarkable 56.9% from the field. Not to mention, on the biggest stage, Antetokounmpo’s scoring and rebounding made him the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to have four games in a single NBA Finals series with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, cementing his status as a superstar. However, his scoring would be highlighted even more because he posted an incredible 634 total points in the playoffs.
Easily the most impressive aspect of Antetokounmpo’s offensive game was his ability to attack the rim and finish through contact, a hallmark of his playing style. He was often the focus of opposing defenses, but his size, strength, and athleticism allowed him to get to the rim with ease and finish through traffic. In addition, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s mid-range shooting also improved during the playoffs, forcing defenses to respect his shot and creating more scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Antetokounmpo’s offensive production was instrumental in the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run, as he consistently delivered dominant performances throughout the playoffs, including a 50-point Game 6 in the NBA Finals. His ability to score in transition and in the post made him a nightmare for opposing teams to defend and a major reason why Milwaukee emerged as champions of the 2021 NBA season.
Stephen Curry – 1 Time
2022 NBA Playoffs – 602 Points, 27.4 PPG (22 Games)
Stephen Curry’s offensive production during the 2022 NBA championship run was nothing short of incredible. He averaged 27.4 PPG, shooting 45.9% from the field and 39.7% from beyond the arc in the NBA Finals alone while chipping in 5.9 APG and 5.2 RPG, showcasing his versatility as a player. Curry’s shooting ability was on full display during the playoffs, with his quick release and deadly accuracy from beyond the arc making him nearly impossible to guard. He consistently knocked down shots from all over the court, and his ability to create space for himself and his teammates was a key factor in the success of the Golden State Warriors.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Curry also displayed a great deal of poise and leadership during the playoffs. His ability to take over games and make clutch shots was a key factor in the Warriors’ championship win. Overall, Stephen Curry’s offensive production during the 2022 NBA championship run was a testament to his sđđžđđ, hard work, and leadership on the court. He proved once again that he is one of the greatest players in the game today, and his performance will be remembered for years to come, especially when Steph is the latest player to post 600 points in a championship-winning season.
Hakeem Olajuwon – 2 Times
1994 NBA Playoffs – 664 Points, 28.9 PPG (23 Games)
1995 NBA Playoffs – 725 Points, 33.0 PPG (22 Games)
Hakeem Olajuwon is one of three players to ever post at least 600 points in a single playoff run and win a championship on two separate occasions. With Michael Jordan out of the league due to retirement, the Houston Rockets superstar decided that it was his league to dominate and he went back-to-back in 1994 and 1995, capturing both Finals MVP awards. As dominant as he was defensively, Hakeem âThe Dreamâ was even better offensively. The center scored 664 total points in the 1994 playoff run, posting 28.9 PPG on 51.9% from the field, utilizing a mix of mid-range scoring and the patented âDream Shakeâ that stunned defenders time and time again.
Olajuwon followed up the 1994 NBA Playoffs with another dominant scoring run in the 1995 NBA Playoffs, this time posting 725 total points and an iconic average of 33.0 PPG on 53.1% from the field.
The center did not even need to leave the paint because he was simply too sđđžđđed and dominant for any defender. Credit should go to the Rockets’ supporting cast, including Clyde Drexler, Otis Thorpe, Kenny Smith, and Vernon Maxwell, among others, but these were Hakeemâs championships because his scoring was at an all-time high. With the way Olajuwon owned a young Shaquille O’Neal in the 1995 NBA Finals, it was clear that the best player in the world since Michael Jordan’s retirement belonged in Houston. O’Neal could not handle the Dream Shake down low, and time and time again, the Rockets benefitted from it. No player in the 1995 Playoffs averaged more PPG than Olajuwon and it is no surprise that the Rockets would go on to win it all again.
Kobe Bryant – 2 Times
2009 NBA Playoffs – 695 Points, 30.2 PPG (23 Games)
2010 NBA Playoffs – 671 Points, 29.2 PPG (23 Games)
Kobe Bryant’s scoring during the 2009 playoffs was simply phenomenal and particularly memorable. In the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, he scored 40 or more points in three out of six games, including a 41-point outburst in a pivotal Game 5. In the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic, Bryant stepped up in the clutch, scoring 40 points in Game 1 and hitting a critical three-point shot in the waning moments of Game 4 to seal the victory for the Lakers. Overall, Bryant’s scoring, leadership, and poise under pressure were critical to the Lakers’ championship run in 2009 and solidified his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history while dropping 695 points in the process.
The following season, Kobe Bryant continued his scoring dominance by posting 29.2 PPG through the postseason. The superstar led the Los Angeles Lakers to their second consecutive championship and fifth overall during his career. He averaged 29.2 PPG while shooting 45.8% from the field.
One of the highlights of Bryant’s playoff run was his performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics despite criticism of his poor field-goal percentage. Bryant scored 23 points, including some clutch shots down the stretch, and helped his team secure the championship. His leadership and competitiveness were on full display throughout the playoffs, inspiring his teammates to rise to the occasion. Overall, Kobe Bryant’s scoring was critical because he had 671 total points and joins Hakeem Olajuwon and the greatest player of all-time, Michael Jordan, as the only players with multiple 600-point playoff runs that led to a championship.
Michael Jordan – 3 Times
1992 NBA Playoffs – 759 Points, 34.5 PPG (22 Games)
1993 NBA Playoffs – 666 Points, 35.1 PPG (19 Games)
1998 NBA Playoffs – 680 Points, 32.4 PPG (21 Games)
No surprise, the greatest player of all time managed to score 600 points in a single playoff run and win the title on three separate occasions. The first came in the 1992 NBA Playoffs when MJ averaged a ridiculous 34.5 PPG over 22 games played on 49.9% shooting from the field and 85.7% from the free-throw line. The superstar shooting guard was not only adept at getting his looks at the rim but had his patented mid-range jumper that was completely unstoppable. With an incredible 759 points scored, Michael Jordan averaged 34.5 PPG to win his second straight championship.
The following year, Jordan averaged 35.1 PPG, which meant a total of 666 points were scored throughout the postseason. The superstar shooting guard only had to play 19 games to win his third championship and complete his iconic 3-peat. Some of MJâs most memorable playoff performances occurred during the 1993 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. He scored a then Finals-record 55 points in Game 4, including a clutch three-pointer in the final minute to give the Bulls the lead.
In Game 6, Jordan led the Bulls to their third consecutive championship with a 33-point, 8-rebound, and 7-assist performance, including a game-winning three-pointer with less than a minute remaining. These scoring numbers and clutch performances demonstrate why Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and solidified his place among NBA legends during the 1993 playoffs.
In Jordanâs final âLast Danceâ championship season, Jordan made sure to dominate the scoring charts. Despite being 35 years old at the time, Jordan was still the best player in the game and led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth championship in eight years.
Jordan averaged 32.4 PPG in the playoffs, which was the highest average of any player in that yearâs postseason. He shot an impressive 46.2% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc. Jordanâs scoring in the 1998 playoffs, in many ways, epitomized his entire career â dominant, clutch, and utterly unstoppable. It was the perfect way for him to end his tenure with the Bulls and solidified his place as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
