The NBA has a storied past filled with notable players and memorable events that helped shape the league into what it is today. Additionally, the league has been at the forefront of social justice causes, with players and coaches often using their positions to promote change on a variety of issues. With its well-known stars and league making billions of dollars a year, the NBA is becoming more and more popular.
5 players with the most NBA playoff 30-pointers
Even lesser-known players have the opportunity to distinguish themselves and establish themselves on a major platform during the NBA playoffs. Based solely on their postseason successes, some players have even become household names and legends.
Overall, the NBA playoffs are a showcase of the best basketball prowess in the world, with the world’s most gifted athletes battling it out at the highest level for basketball’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
1. LeBron James –
LeBron James who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA is recognized as one of the best basketball players of all time. Over the course of his career, he has garnered various accolades including two Olympic gold medals, four NBA MVP awards and four NBA titles.
James is known for having a strong all-around game, as he excels at scoring, rebounding, passing, and defending. He is also famous for his ability to inspire his colleagues and improve their performance. James has regularly put up spectacular numbers and led his teams to victory throughout his career, making him a formidable force on the field.
- First name: Bron Raymone James
- Born: December 30, 1984
- Position: Small forward/big forward
2. Kevin Durant
Professional basketball player Kevin Durant is now on the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. He is recognized as one of the greatest players in the league and is known for his scoring ability, versatility and all-around talent.
The Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) selected Durant in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft, and he quickly became one of the league’s top players. In his debut season, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Since then, he has won numerous accolades, including two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards and four NBA titles. One of the NBA’s most gifted and successful athletes, Kevin Durant is renowned for both his prodigious skills on the court and his commitment to making a difference in the community.
- First name: Kevin Wayne Durant
- Born: September 29, 1988
- Position: Small forward/big forward
3. Stephen Curry –
Stephen Curry is widely regarded as one of the best shooters in history. Since the Golden State Warriors selected him in the 2009 draft, he has emerged as the face of the team, inspiring them to countless titles and breaking numerous records in the process.
Because of Curry’s distinctive style of play, many players and teams now place a heavy emphasis on floor distance and three-point shooting. Curry is well known outside the courtroom for his charitable efforts and support of social justice causes.
- First name: WardellStephen Curry II
- Born: March 14, 1988
- Position: Playmaker
4. James Harden –
Harden is renowned for his outstanding scoring ability as well as his playmaking and ball handling skills. One of the most prolific three-point shooters in NBA history, he led the league in scoring three times. Harden is also known for his distinct style of play, which includes a variety of back jump shots and deft maneuvers that often stun opponents.
After being transferred to the Houston Rockets in 2012, Harden quickly solidified his position as one of the best players in the league. In addition to being picked six times in the All-NBA First Team during his career, he won the NBA MVP award in 2018.
- First name: James Edward Harden
- Born: August 26, 1989
- Locations: Playmaker/Shooting Guard
5. Kawhi Leonard –
Before the Indiana Pacers selected Leonard with the 15th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the California native played collegiate basketball at San Diego State University. Subsequently, he was transferred to the San Antonio Spurs, where he won his first NBA title and earned Finals MVP honors in 2014.
The Toronto Raptors acquired Leonard in a trade in 2018 and he helped the team win its first NBA title in 2019 by winning its second Finals MVP award. A powerhouse presence on both sides of the court, he later signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019.
- First name: Kawhi Anthony Leonard
- Born: June 29, 1991
- Position: Small forward
There are 30 teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), 29 of which are in the United States and 1 in Canada. The NBA is widely recognized as the best men’s professional basketball league in the entire world and is one of the top four professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.