When we talk about NBA players who have amassed the most career points in the conference finals, the conversation inevitably starts with LeBron James. LeBron has scored over 2,700 points in these high-stakes games, an astonishing figure that testifies to his efficiency and longevity in the league. During the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, he averaged 33.6 points per game over seven grueling matchups. This puts him ahead of legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Speaking of Michael Jordan, he’s another name that immediately springs to mind. With his extraordinary scoring ability, Jordan tallied up over 2,400 points in the conference finals throughout his career. His playoff performance in 1997 exemplifies his prowess: scoring at will and leading the Bulls to the Finals. Jordan’s ability to score, especially under pressure, set a benchmark in the NBA. His footwork, fadeaway jumpers, and incredible athleticism were a nightmare for defenders.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose birth name is Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., comes next with an impressive tally as well. He raked in approximately 2,200 points during his time in the conference finals. Known for his sky hook—a shot that’s nearly impossible to block—Kareem dominated the paint. In the 1985 Western Conference Finals, stretching six games, Kareem averaged 30.7 points per game, pushing the Lakers into the NBA Finals.
Another prolific scorer in conference finals history is Kobe Bryant. With about 2,000 points scored in these critical games, Bryant demonstrated time and again why he was a clutch player. During the 2010 Western Conference Finals, he scored 282 points over six games. Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” made him one of the fiercest competitors on the court, particularly when the stakes were highest.
Tim Duncan, nicknamed “The Big Fundamental,” also presents a significant contribution to this list. With close to 1,900 points, he showcased why he was the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs. In the 2003 Western Conference Finals, Duncan was a force to reckon with, averaging 28.0 points per game. His impeccable footwork, bank shots, and defensive prowess reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s best power forwards.
Elgin Baylor, although often overshadowed in contemporary discussions, deserves recognition. Baylor scored around 1,800 points in conference finals games. In the 1962 Western Conference Finals, he averaged 38 points over seven games. Baylor’s acrobatic style and scoring consistency were precursors to what we see from modern-day forwards.
Magic Johnson, primarily known for his incredible playmaking, also ranks high in this category with approximately 1,700 points. His performance in the 1987 Western Conference Finals is legendary, where he averaged 21.7 points and 12.2 assists per game, leading the Lakers to victory. Magic’s vision and scoring ability made him a dual threat and one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
Shaquille O’Neal, known for his dominance in the paint, compiled close to 1,600 points in conference finals. During the 2002 Western Conference Finals, Shaq averaged 30.3 points per game, proving nearly unstoppable in the low post. His imposing size and physicality changed the landscape of the NBA and solidified his place among the greats.
Larry Bird, the face of the Boston Celtics in the 1980s, scored about 1,500 points during his conference finals appearances. His 1984 Eastern Conference Finals performance was exemplary, averaging 27.1 points per game. Bird’s shooting prowess and competitive spirit marked him as one of the best forwards to ever play the game.
Oscar Robertson, also known as “The Big O,” is often celebrated for his all-around game. He amassed around 1,400 points in conference finals. His 1971 Eastern Conference Finals stats show his all-around excellence, averaging 25.0 points, 9.5 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game. Oscar’s versatility in multiple aspects of the game underscores his legendary status.
Dirk Nowitzki, the iconic Dallas Maverick, notched nearly 1,300 points in conference finals. In the 2011 Western Conference Finals, he averaged 32.2 points per game, leading the Mavericks to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. Dirk’s one-legged fadeaway became one of the most indefensible shots in the NBA, solidifying his place as one of the greatest power forwards.
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