The NBA game score stat was created by John Hollinger using this simple formula: PTS + 0.4 * FG - 0.7 * FGA - 0.4*(FTA-FT) + 0.7 * ORB + 0.3 * DRB + STL + 0.7 * AST + 0.7 * BLK - 0.4 * PF - TOV. With that in mind, here are the 5 highest game scores recorded in an NBA playoff game.
5. Sleepy Floyd – 49.1 (May 10, 1987)
Warriors vs. Lakers - Western Semis Game 4
After helping the Warriors beat the Karl Malone led Jazz, Floyd caught fire and torched the Showtime Lakers with 51 points, including 29 in the fourth quarter, an NBA playoff record that still stands. This helped prolong the Warriors prolong their season an additional game, though it would end the next night.
4. Michael Jordan – 49.8 (April 29, 1992)
Bulls vs. Heat- Eastern 1st Round Game 3
On the run to the Bulls 2nd straight title, MJ was laser-focused. Scoring 56 points on 20-of-30 shooting in only 39 minutes. A cold, efficient dismantling of Miami in Game 3 of a sweep with the first round being just 5 games in the time.
3. Kevin Durant – 50.4 (June 15, 2021)
Nets vs. Bucks - Eastern Semis Game 3
Durant played all 48 minutes and delivered 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with 3 steals and 2 blocks. A playoff triple-double for the ages that put the Nets won win away from beating the Bucks, but ultimately, Kevin Durant’s large shoes were what is most remembered from this series.
2. Charles Barkley – 52.6 (May 4, 1994)
Suns vs. Warriors - Western 1st Round Game 3
Barkley obliterated Golden State with 56 points on 74% shooting going 23-31. Adding 14 rebounds in his 41 minutes as the Suns swept the Warriors with a 140-133 win. Peak efficiency and power, though the Suns would lose to the eventual champion Houston Rockets.
1. Damian Lillard – 55.9 (June 1, 2021)
Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets - Western 1st Round Game 1
Lillard’s masterpiece: 55 points, 12 threes, 10 assists, and just 1 turnover. Going 12-17 from 3 and 17-24 from the field in what was ultimately a double-OT loss. It’s the highest playoff Game Score ever, combining elite volume with stunning efficiency in a herculean solo effort that still wasn’t enough.
What’s Happening
Judge hits 469 foot home run in Yankees win.
Roman Anthony records 1st major league hit.
Tigers 20 games over .500 for first time since 2013.
Ohtani expected to return to mound in next month.
This Day In Sports History
1938: Johnny Vander Meer throws 1st of 2 straight no hitters.
1988: Rick Rhoden becomes 1st AL pitcher to DH since adopting the rule.
1990: Nolan Ryan throws 6th no hitter against Oakland Athletics.
2012: LA Kings win franchise’s 1st Stanley Cup.
Random Stat Of The Day
Steph Curry has the most career 1st quarter points in the NBA Finals with 264 followed by Lebron James at 221. Lebron’s 8.2 a better average than Curry’s 8.