The points that matter: All-time leading scorers in championship seasons
hoopshype staff
·9-min read
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In the narrow perspective of Ringz Culture, winning the championship is the only thing that matters in the NBA. Taking that rationale to the extreme, one could argue that any statistical production that doesn't result in a title is meaningless, and only performances during championship years are significant.
If that is the case, who would be the top scorer in championship seasons? The answer is clear: Michael Jordan would be at the No. 1 spot in this made-up ranking with 18,580 points, well ahead of Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, or anyone else typically mentioned in GOAT debates.
You can keep scrolling down to see the Top 50...
1. Michael Jordan: 18,580 points
TONY RANZE/AFP via Getty Images
Regular season points: 14,804
Regular season averages: 30.5 ppg on 50.0 percent shooting
Playoff points: 3,776
Playoff averages: 32.6 ppg on 47.8 percent shooting
2. Sam Jones: 16,195 points
Unknown date; Cincinnati,OH, USA; Sam Jones of the Boston Celtics in action against the Cincinnati Royals at Cincinnati Gardens. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports copyright By Malcolm Emmons
Regular season points: 13,557
Regular season averages: 18.2 ppg on 45.7 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,638
Playoff averages: 19.3 ppg on 44.6 percent shooting
3. Bill Russell: 14,747 points
Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Regular season points: 12,305
Regular season averages: 15.1 ppg on 43.9 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,442
Playoff averages: 16.6 ppg on 43.7 percent shooting
4. John Havlicek: 14,466 points
Unknown date; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard #17 John Havlicek in action. Havlicek, known as the best 6th man in NBA history, is the Celtics all-time leader with 26,395 points and will be remembered for stealing an inbounds pass in the 1965 Eastern Conference finals to seal the win for the Celtics. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2004 Malcolm Emmons
Regular season points: 11,920
Regular season averages: 19.2 ppg on 42.4 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,546
Playoff averages: 21.2 ppg on 43.3 percent shooting
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 12,949 points
Vernon Biever/NBAE via Getty Images
Regular season points: 10,714
Regular season averages: 22.5 ppg on 57.9 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,235
Playoff averages: 21.5 ppg on 52.8 percent shooting
6. Tommy Heinsohn: 12,830 points
Regular season points: 10,964
Regular season averages: 18.7 ppg on 40.8 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,866
Playoff averages: 20.1 ppg on 40.7 percent shooting
7. Kobe Bryant: 12,421 points
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles around Lance Stephenson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of a game at Staples Center on March 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Regular season points: 9,613
Regular season averages: 26.1 ppg on 46.5 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,808
Playoff averages: 27.3 ppg on 45.2 percent shooting
8. Scottie Pippen: 10,884 points
4 Jun 1997: Forward Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls tries to fend off guard Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz during a playoff game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won the game 97-85.
Regular season points: 8,684
Regular season averages: 19.4 ppg on 48.3 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,200
Playoff averages: 19.0 ppg on 44.4 percent shooting
9. LeBron James: 9,762 points
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a 3-point basket in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Regular season points: 7,337
Regular season averages: 26.1 ppg on 52.8 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,425
Playoff averages: 27.6 ppg on 51.7 percent shooting
10. Shaquille O'Neal: 9,631 points
PORTLAND, : Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O'Neal (L) picks up a pass in front of Portland Trail Blazers Arvydas Sabonis (R) during the third game in the Western Conference Finals in Portland, OR, 26 May 2000. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO GEORGE FREY/hmb (Photo credit should read GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 7,472
Regular season averages: 26.8 ppg on 57.9 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,159
Playoff averages: 26.7 ppg on 56.3 percent shooting
11. Tim Duncan: 9,376 points
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Regular season points: 7,028
Regular season averages: 20.0 ppg on 51.0 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,348
Playoff averages: 21.9 ppg on 50.7 percent shooting
12. Magic Johnson: 9,295 points
Earvin Magic Johnson #32, Shooting Guard and Power Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Indiana Pacers on 3rd March 1989 at the Great Western Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 139 - 117. (Photo by Tim DeFrisco/Allsport/Getty Images)
Regular season points: 7,557
Regular season averages: 19.7 ppg on 52.8 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,738
Playoff averages: 19.1 ppg on 52.2 percent shooting
13. Stephen Curry: 8,931 points
Nov 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) nearing the end of the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Regular season points: 6,875
Regular season averages: 25.1 ppg on 47.0 percent shooting
Playoff points: 2,056
Playoff averages: 27.4 ppg on 46.2 percent shooting
14. Bob Cousy: 8,816 points
1962; FILE PHOTO; In a 1962 playoff game against Philadelphia, Tommy Heinsohn (15) is about to receive a pass from Bob Cousy, a fellow Holy Cross graduate. Mandatory Credit: Telegram & Gazette-USA TODAY NETWORK
Regular season points: 7,627
Regular season averages: 17.7 ppg on 38.3 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,189
Playoff averages: 16.7 ppg on 33.3 percent shooting
15. Satch Sanders: 7,633 points
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Regular season points: 6,592
Regular season averages: 10.6 ppg on 43.1 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,041
Playoff averages: 9.9 ppg on 44.8 percent shooting
16. Frank Ramsey: 7,580 points
1950: Frank Ramsey #23 of the Boston Celtics dribbles for a mock action portrait circa 1950's. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by NBA Photo Library/ NBAE via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 6,526
Regular season averages: 13.3 ppg on 39.7 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,054
Playoff averages: 13.2 ppg on 41.8 percent shooting
17. Larry Bird: 7,235 points
Forward Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics sits on the bench during a game.
Regular season points: 5,764
Regular season averages: 23.7 ppg on 48.9 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,471
Playoff averages: 25.4 ppg on 50.6 percent shooting
18. Klay Thompson: 7,000 points
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Regular season points: 5,523
Regular season averages: 21.2 ppg on 46.7 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,477
Playoff averages: 18.2 ppg on 43.7 percent shooting
19. Tony Parker: 6,726 points
JOHN RUTHROFF/AFP via Getty Images
Regular season points: 5,163
Regular season averages: 16.8 ppg on 49.1 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,563
Playoff averages: 17.4 ppg on 45.6 percent shooting
20. Dwyane Wade: 6,113 points
Apr 8, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) looks on during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 112-109. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Regular season points: 4,585
Regular season averages: 23.8 ppg on 50.4 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,528
Playoff averages: 22.5 ppg on 47.4 percent shooting
21. Bill Sharman: 6,044 points
BOSTON - 1960: Bill Sharman #21 of the Boston Celtics poses for a mock action portrait in 1960 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1960 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 5,225
Regular season averages: 19.3 ppg on 42.5 percent shooting
Playoff points: 819
Playoff averages: 18.6 ppg on 42.8 percent shooting
22. James Worthy: 5,821 points
James Worthy #42, Small Forward and Power Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the New York Knicks on 11th November 1990 at the Great Western Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Knicks won the game 109 - 103. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Allsport/Getty Images)
Regular season points: 4,482
Regular season averages: 18.9 ppg on 54.7 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,339
Playoff averages: 22.0 ppg on 57.2 percent shooting
23. Jamaal Wilkes: 5,748 points
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 28: Jamaal Wilkes #25 of the Los Angeles Lakers is presented with a number 52 jersey by General Manager Mitch Kupchak during a ceremony to retire his jersey number at Staples Center on December 28, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Regular season points: 4,889
Regular season averages: 17.0 ppg on 50.3 percent shooting
Playoff points: 859
Playoff averages: 18.3 ppg on 47.4 percent shooting
24. Hakeem Olajuwon: 5,578 points
10 Jun 1994: Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets (center) goes up for two during the NBA finals game against the New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport
Regular season points: 4,189
Regular season averages: 27.6 ppg on 52.2 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,389
Playoff averages: 30.9 ppg on 52.6 percent shooting
25. Byron Scott: 5,503 points
1986-1987: Guard Byron Scott of the Los Angeles Lakers leaps for the hoop over the Seattle SuperSonics during a game at The Forum, in Inglewood, California. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
Regular season points: 4,446
Regular season averages: 18.2 ppg on 51.8 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,057
Playoff averages: 17.3 ppg on 50.2 percent shooting
26. Robert Parish: 5,407 points
BOSTON - 1991: Overhead view as Robert Parish #00 of the Boston Celtics goes up for a slam dunk against the New York Knicks during a 1991 NBA game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 4,538
Regular season averages: 15.9 ppg on 54.4 percent shooting
Playoff points: 869
Playoff averages: 14.5 ppg on 47.7 percent shooting
27. Manu Ginobili: 5,157 points
Nov 9, 2009; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) dribbles around Toronto Raptors guard Antoine Wright (21) during the second quarter at the AT&T Center. San Antonio beat Toronto 131-124. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Regular season points: 3,789
Regular season averages: 13.2 ppg on 46.3 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,368
Playoff averages: 15.2 ppg on 43.9 percent shooting
28. KC Jones: 5,137 points
Basketball: NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics K.C. Jones (25) in action vs Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Garden. Game 7. Boston, MA 4/15/1965 CREDIT: Walter Iooss Jr. (Photo by Walter Iooss Jr. /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X10705 )
Regular season points: 4,528
Regular season averages: 7.6 ppg on 38.6 percent shooting
Playoff points: 609
Playoff averages: 6.3 ppg on 37.3 percent shooting
29. Don Nelson: 4,925 points
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Regular season points: 3,953
Regular season averages: 10.0 ppg on 48.0 percent shooting
Playoff points: 972
Playoff averages: 10.8 ppg on 49.4 percent shooting
30. Robert Horry: 4,860 points
SAN ANTONIO - JUNE 07: Robert Horry #5 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball in the final moments of the Spurs' win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the 2007 NBA Finals on June 7, 2007 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Regular season points: 3,567
Regular season averages: 6.8 ppg on 42.3 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,293
Playoff averages: 9.0 ppg on 43.0 percent shooting
31. Kevin McHale: 4,710 points
May 1981; Houston, TX, USA: FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward Kevin McHale (32) in action against the Houston Rockets during the 1980-81 NBA Finals at the Summit. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Regular season points: 3,777
Regular season averages: 16.3 ppg on 55.7 percent shooting
Playoff points: 933
Playoff averages: 16.1 ppg on 54.4 percent shooting
32. Michael Cooper: 4,618 points
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Regular season points: 3,722
Regular season averages: 9.7 ppg on 47.1 percent shooting
Playoff points: 896
Playoff averages: 9.8 ppg on 48.4 percent shooting
33. Horace Grant: 4,597 points
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Regular season points: 3,823
Regular season averages: 12.2 ppg on 52.8 percent shooting
Playoff points: 774
Playoff averages: 10.5 ppg on 52.8 percent shooting
34. Kevin Durant: 4,383 points
Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half in game four of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Regular season points: 3,347
Regular season averages: 25.7 ppg on 52.5 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,036
Playoff averages: 28.8 ppg on 51.4 percent shooting
35. Larry Siegfried: 4,153 points
BOSTON, MA - 1968: Larry Siegfried #20 of the Boston Celtics shoots against the Detroit Pistons circa 1968 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1968 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 3,406
Regular season averages: 10.8 ppg on 40.2 percent shooting
Playoff points: 747
Playoff averages: 10.7 ppg on 40.4 percent shooting
36. Walt Frazier: 3,934 points
Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Regular season points: 3,257
Regular season averages: 21.0 ppg on 50.3 percent shooting
Playoff points: 677
Playoff averages: 18.8 ppg on 49.7 percent shooting
37. Derek Fisher: 3,855 points
Mar. 24, 2010; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard (2) Derek Fisher against the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Regular season points: 2,935
Regular season averages: 8.8 ppg on 39.6 percent shooting
Playoff points: 920
Playoff averages: 9.1 ppg on 42.2 percent shooting
38. Bailey Howell: 3,772 points
BOSTON - 1968: Bailey Howell #18 of the Boston Celtics shoots a layup against the Philadelphia 76ers during a game played in 1968 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1968 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 3,158
Regular season averages: 19.7 ppg on 48.4 percent shooting
Playoff points: 614
Playoff averages: 16.6 ppg on 50.1 percent shooting
39. Jo Jo White: 3,746 points
Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images
Regular season points: 3,040
Regular season averages: 18.5 ppg on 44.9 percent shooting
Playoff points: 706
Playoff averages: 19.6 ppg on 43.6 percent shooting
Regular season averages: 19.0 ppg on 45.2 percent shooting
Playoff points: 747
Playoff averages: 20.8 ppg on 44.6 percent shooting
41. Draymond Green: 3,728 points
Nov 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) looks to pass against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Regular season points: 2,816
Regular season averages: 10.4 ppg on 44.8 percent shooting
Playoff points: 912
Playoff averages: 11.3 ppg on 44.0 percent shooting
42. Wilt Chamberlain: 3,715 points
BOSTON - 1964: Wilt Chamberlain #13 of the San Francisco Warriors shoots a jumper against Bill Russell #6 of the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1964 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1964 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 3,169
Regular season averages: 19.4 ppg on 66.9 percent shooting
Playoff points: 546
Playoff averages: 18.2 ppg on 57.3 percent shooting
43. Isiah Thomas: 3,668 points
LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1983: Isiah Thomas #11 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1983 at The Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Thomas played for the Pistons from 1981-94. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Regular season points: 2,950
Regular season averages: 18.3 ppg on 45.0 percent shooting
Playoff points: 718
Playoff averages: 19.4 ppg on 43.9 percent shooting
44. Pau Gasol: 3,588 points
Jan 24, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic power forward Glen Davis (11) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 114-105. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Regular season points: 2,718
Regular season averages: 18.6 ppg on 55.3 percent shooting
Playoff points: 870
Playoff averages: 18.9 ppg on 55.8 percent shooting
45. Kawhi Leonard: 3,500 points
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors prepares to speak with Rosalyn Gold-Onwude from TNT following his buzzer beater shot to win Game Seven of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 12, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Regular season points: 2,440
Regular season averages: 19.4 ppg on 50.6 percent shooting
Playoff points: 1,060
Playoff averages: 22.6 ppg on 49.7 percent shooting
46. Norm Nixon: 3,442 points
Norm Nixon was the 22nd overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1977. He went on to become a part of the Showtime backcourt with Magic Johnson and won two NBA titles. Nixon led the Lakers in scoring in the 1982 playoffs. Eventually, Nixon was dealt to the Clippers for the draft rights to Byron Scott. (NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 2,886
Regular season averages: 17.6 ppg on 50.4 percent shooting
Playoff points: 556
Playoff averages: 18.5 ppg on 47.8 percent shooting
47. Toni Kukoc: 3,390 points
Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
Regular season points: 2,803
Regular season averages: 13.2 ppg on 47.2 percent shooting
Playoff points: 587
Playoff averages: 10.7 ppg on 42.5 percent shooting
48. Joe Dumars: 3,185 points
INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 13: Joe Dumars #4 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Four of the NBA Finals at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California on June 13, 1989. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1989 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. BernsteinNBAE via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 2,521
Regular season averages: 17.5 ppg on 49.2 percent shooting
Playoff points: 664
Playoff averages: 17.9 ppg on 45.6 percent shooting
49. Willis Reed: 3,153 points
(Photo by Walter Iooss Jr. /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Regular season points: 2,515
Regular season averages: 16.8 ppg on 49.6 percent shooting
Playoff points: 638
Playoff averages: 18.2 ppg on 46.9 percent shooting
50. Dennis Rodman: 3,031 points
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
Regular season points: 2,491
Regular season averages: 6.9 ppg on 52.3 percent shooting
Playoff points: 540
Playoff averages: 5.7 ppg on 46.3 percent shooting
