The NBA playoffs are known for delivering high-intensity, thrilling matches that keep fans on the edge of their seats. While defense often takes center stage in the postseason, there have been instances where teams have combined to score an astonishing number of points. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 NBA playoff games with the most points scored.
These games showcase the incredible talent and athleticism of the players, as well as the strategic decisions made by coaches that lead to such high-scoring affairs. From fast-paced shootouts to overtime thrillers, these matches demonstrate the best of what the NBA playoffs have to offer.
1. 2018 Western Conference Finals: Warriors vs Rockets (149-123)
The 2018 Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets saw the two teams combine for 272 points in Game 3. The Warriors ultimately emerged victorious, with Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry leading the way with 67 combined points.
Game Breakdown:
- Warriors: 149 points (50.6% FG, 47.5% 3PT)
- Rockets: 123 points (44.1% FG, 34.9% 3PT)
2. 2001 Eastern Conference Finals: Bucks vs 76ers (140-136)
The 2001 Eastern Conference Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers featured a triple-overtime thriller in Game 5, with the two teams combining for 276 points. Allen Iverson's 37 points led the 76ers to a 140-136 victory.
Game Breakdown:
- 76ers: 140 points (44.6% FG, 28.6% 3PT)
- Bucks: 136 points (43.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT)
3. 1995 Western Conference Semifinals: Jazz vs Rockets (140-126)
The 1995 Western Conference Semifinals between the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets saw the two teams combine for 266 points in Game 4. The Rockets' Hakeem Olajuwon and Kenny Smith combined for 61 points in the 140-126 win.
Game Breakdown:
- Rockets: 140 points (51.8% FG, 45.5% 3PT)
- Jazz: 126 points (45.8% FG, 35.7% 3PT)
4. 2006 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Heat vs Nets (141-129)
The 2006 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Miami Heat and the New Jersey Nets featured a high-scoring affair in Game 5, with the two teams combining for 270 points. Dwyane Wade's 33 points led the Heat to a 141-129 victory.
Game Breakdown:
- Heat: 141 points (51.2% FG, 36.8% 3PT)
- Nets: 129 points (44.7% FG, 34.5% 3PT)
5. 2019 Western Conference Semifinals: Blazers vs Nuggets (140-137)
The 2019 Western Conference Semifinals between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets saw the two teams combine for 277 points in Game 3. The Blazers' Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 69 points in the 140-137 win.
Game Breakdown:
- Blazers: 140 points (49.5% FG, 43.8% 3PT)
- Nuggets: 137 points (46.3% FG, 35.3% 3PT)
6. 1986 Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics vs Bucks (137-131)
The 1986 Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks featured a high-scoring affair in Game 3, with the two teams combining for 268 points. Larry Bird's 35 points led the Celtics to a 137-131 victory.
Game Breakdown:
- Celtics: 137 points (50.6% FG, 44.4% 3PT)
- Bucks: 131 points (46.2% FG, 33.3% 3PT)
7. 1998 Western Conference Finals: Jazz vs Lakers (133-129)
The 1998 Western Conference Finals between the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers saw the two teams combine for 262 points in Game 5. Karl Malone's 36 points led the Jazz to a 133-129 win.
Game Breakdown:
- Jazz: 133 points (48.5% FG, 37.5% 3PT)
- Lakers: 129 points (45.8% FG, 35.7% 3PT)
8. 2003 Western Conference Semifinals: Spurs vs Lakers (140-134)
The 2003 Western Conference Semifinals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers featured a high-scoring affair in Game 5, with the two teams combining for 274 points. Tim Duncan's 34 points led the Spurs to a 140-134 win.
Game Breakdown:
- Spurs: 140 points (50.6% FG, 44.4% 3PT)
- Lakers: 134 points (47.2% FG, 37.5% 3PT)
9. 2011 Western Conference Semifinals: Thunder vs Grizzlies (133-123)
The 2011 Western Conference Semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies saw the two teams combine for 256 points in Game 5. Kevin Durant's 39 points led the Thunder to a 133-123 win.
Game Breakdown:
- Thunder: 133 points (49.5% FG, 43.8% 3PT)
- Grizzlies: 123 points (44.7% FG, 34.5% 3PT)
10. 1982 Eastern Conference Semifinals: 76ers vs Celtics (136-129)
The 1982 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics featured a high-scoring affair in Game 5, with the two teams combining for 265 points. Julius Erving's 39 points led the 76ers to a 136-129 win.
Game Breakdown:
- 76ers: 136 points (51.2% FG, 36.8% 3PT)
- Celtics: 129 points (46.3% FG, 35.3% 3PT)
As we've seen, these top 10 NBA playoff games with the most points scored have been some of the most thrilling and memorable matches in league history. With incredible individual performances, strategic coaching decisions, and high-intensity competition, these games showcase the very best of what the NBA playoffs have to offer.
If you're a basketball fan, you're likely to have a favorite team or player that's made an appearance in one of these high-scoring affairs. Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!