The NBA playoffs are a thrilling time for basketball fans, with the best teams and players competing at the highest level. Some games stand out as particularly memorable, with high scores and intense action. Here are five of the highest-scoring NBA playoff games of all time.
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets (1982) - 340 Points
The 1982 playoff game between the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets was a real shootout, with the Spurs emerging victorious 163-155 in double overtime. The two teams combined for 340 points, the highest total in NBA playoff history. George Gervin led the Spurs with 55 points, while David Thompson scored 51 for the Nuggets.
Game Stats:
- San Antonio Spurs: 163 points
- Denver Nuggets: 155 points
- Total Points: 340
- George Gervin (Spurs): 55 points
- David Thompson (Nuggets): 51 points
2. Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors (1994) - 324 Points
The 1994 playoff game between the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors was a high-scoring affair, with the Suns winning 140-133 in triple overtime. The two teams combined for 324 points, with Charles Barkley leading the Suns with 56 points. Latrell Sprewell scored 49 for the Warriors.
Game Stats:
- Phoenix Suns: 140 points
- Golden State Warriors: 133 points
- Total Points: 324
- Charles Barkley (Suns): 56 points
- Latrell Sprewell (Warriors): 49 points
3. Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers (1992) - 319 Points
The 1992 playoff game between the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers was a close and high-scoring contest, with the Bulls winning 122-121 in overtime. The two teams combined for 319 points, with Michael Jordan leading the Bulls with 39 points. Clyde Drexler scored 41 for the Trail Blazers.
Game Stats:
- Chicago Bulls: 122 points
- Portland Trail Blazers: 121 points
- Total Points: 319
- Michael Jordan (Bulls): 39 points
- Clyde Drexler (Trail Blazers): 41 points
4. Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks (1988) - 316 Points
The 1988 playoff game between the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks was a high-scoring game, with the Rockets winning 164-151. The two teams combined for 316 points, with Hakeem Olajuwon leading the Rockets with 41 points. Mark Aguirre scored 38 for the Mavericks.
Game Stats:
- Houston Rockets: 164 points
- Dallas Mavericks: 151 points
- Total Points: 316
- Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets): 41 points
- Mark Aguirre (Mavericks): 38 points
5. Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1962) - 314 Points
The 1962 playoff game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers was a high-scoring contest, with the Celtics winning 152-133. The two teams combined for 314 points, with Bill Russell leading the Celtics with 34 points. Wilt Chamberlain scored 48 for the 76ers.
Game Stats:
- Boston Celtics: 152 points
- Philadelphia 76ers: 133 points
- Total Points: 314
- Bill Russell (Celtics): 34 points
- Wilt Chamberlain (76ers): 48 points
These five games showcase the highest-scoring playoff games in NBA history, with a combined total of over 1,500 points. They feature some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Hakeem Olajuwon.
What's Your Favorite NBA Playoff Game?
Which of these high-scoring playoff games is your favorite? Do you have a favorite NBA playoff moment or player? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
What is the highest-scoring NBA playoff game of all time?
+The highest-scoring NBA playoff game of all time is the 1982 game between the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets, which ended with a score of 163-155 in double overtime.
Who scored the most points in a single NBA playoff game?
+Michael Jordan scored 63 points in a single NBA playoff game, but Charles Barkley holds the record for the most points scored in a single playoff game with 56 points in the 1994 game between the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.
Which team has the most NBA championships?
+The Boston Celtics have the most NBA championships with 17 titles, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers with 17 titles as well.