NBA Players with the Most Career Points Per Game in Series: Arena Plus Leaderboard

Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer skill and athleticism required to excel in the NBA. Once you dig into the stats, though, you begin to appreciate just how incredible some players are, especially when you look at their career points per game (PPG) averages over a series. Take Michael Jordan, for instance; his career PPG in the playoffs is a jaw-dropping 33.4. That’s a tough benchmark for anyone to reach. Jordan dominated the court in an era where defense was no joke, and his numbers speak for themselves.

Of course, when we’re talking about scoring machines, Kevin Durant’s name inevitably comes up. Durant has averaged around 29.5 PPG in his playoff career. It’s crazy to think about. This figure puts him in elite company, confirming he’s one of the most proficient scorers to ever play the game. Whether he’s pulling up from mid-range or sinking a three, Durant’s efficiency is off the charts. If you break down his shooting percentages, you’ll find that he shoots around 49% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc in playoff games. Those numbers provide a clear picture of his lethal accuracy.

Another name that stands out is LeBron James. Now, LeBron carries the nickname “King James” for a reason. With a playoff PPG of about 28.7, he’s etched his name in NBA history books. What’s remarkable about LeBron is his consistency. Over a long career, and mind you, he’s not done yet, LeBron has maintained this high level of play. The man’s been to the NBA Finals ten times, winning four championships, which speaks to his stamina and durability. But it’s not just about endurance; we’re talking about a player who impacts the game in multiple facets while scoring nearly 30 PPG. Crazy, right?

Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, has his own legacy, with a playoff career PPG of 25.6. Kobe’s scoring mentality and relentless work ethic made him a force to be reckoned with. He played through injuries and adversities, and his scoring stats reflect his never-back-down attitude. For example, in the 2006 playoffs, he put up 50 points in a game against the Phoenix Suns. Instances like these highlight why Kobe remains one of the most celebrated scorers in NBA history.

But let’s not forget about Larry Bird. While his playoff PPG of 23.8 might not seem as high as the others, his impact on the game was monumental. Bird was the epitome of versatility, not just a scorer but also a playmaker and rebounder. He had an acute basketball IQ, knowing precisely when to step up and take over a game. During the 1984 NBA Finals, Bird averaged 27.4 PPG, securing the championship and the Finals MVP. Bird’s gameplay was always about elevating his team, and his scoring reflected that.

Then there’s Hakeem Olajuwon, a big man with a guard’s agility. Olajuwon’s playoff career average of 25.9 PPG is impressive, but when you consider his defensive prowess, it’s even more astounding. Hakeem, known as “The Dream,” combined scoring with an unparalleled shot-blocking ability. During his 1994 championship run, he averaged 29.0 PPG and 4.0 blocks per game, a testament to his all-around game dominance. Olajuwon’s footwork was so smooth that he could easily change direction and create scoring opportunities in the post.

Next, we have Allen Iverson, who put up an astonishing 29.7 PPG in his playoff career. Iverson’s quickness and ball-handling skills made him nearly unstoppable. Who could forget his performance in the 2001 NBA Finals against the Lakers? In Game 1 alone, Iverson scored 48 points, leading the underdog Philadelphia 76ers to a surprising victory. Despite being a smaller guard, he proved that heart and skill could bring you to the top.

Shaquille O’Neal is another legend worth mentioning. Known for his overpowering physical presence, Shaq averaged 24.3 PPG in the playoffs. His size, combined with his agility, made him a matchup nightmare. During the 2000 NBA Finals, Shaq averaged a staggering 38.0 PPG and 16.7 rebounds, an unstoppable force in the paint. His dominance helped the Lakers secure their first championship in over a decade, showcasing how impactful he was when it mattered the most.

Oscar Robertson, often remembered as “The Big O,” averaged 22.2 PPG in playoffs, but his influence went beyond scoring. He was a triple-double machine, best exemplified during his 1963-64 MVP season when he tallied 31.4 PPG, 11.0 assists, and 9.9 rebounds per game in playoffs. Robertson’s ability to contribute in all aspects of the game makes his scoring average more impressive because he did so much more than just put points on the board.

Wilt Chamberlain is another giant in NBA lore, with a playoff average of 22.5 PPG. Wilt’s scoring stats don’t fully capture his dominance; he once scored 100 points in a single game, an NBA record still standing. In the 1967 playoffs, Wilt’s average jumped to 21.7 PPG, and he significantly contributed with rebounds and assists, helping the Philadelphia 76ers secure the championship. Wilt was truly a force of nature, and his numbers often defy belief.

Looking at these incredible players, it’s clear that scoring in the NBA playoffs requires a unique blend of skill, determination, and the ability to perform under pressure. I’ve been following basketball for years and each of these athletes has left a lasting impression on the sport. If you’re curious or want more updates on sports and basketball statistics, you can always check out arena plus.

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