Michael Jordan Scored 63 Points Against The Boston Celtics

Published on May 20th, 2022 1:29 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


The NBA record for most points scored in a playoff game by a single player belongs to Michael Jordan. In many ways, April 20th, 1986 was the day that Michael Jordan officially arrived in the NBA.

The bright lights were shining on Michael Jordan as his team battled the Boston Celtics, who were at the height of their dominance.

The Boston Celtics would end up winning Game 2 of the series against the Bulls on April 20th, 1986, though not before Michael Jordan took the leap to the next level.

Michael Jordan would score 63 points that evening, which still stands as the all-time record for most points in a single NBA playoff game.

Jordan was 22-41 from the field in that game, while adding another 19 points at the free throw line.

The Celtics would ultimately win the game 135-131 in overtime, led by Larry Bird and his 36 points.

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Only two players - Michael Jordan and Elgin Baylor - have ever scored more than 60 points in a NBA playoff game.

Baylor would score 61 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 14th, 1962, while also grabbing 22 rebounds.

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On August 17th, 2020, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz scored 57 points against the Denver Nuggets.

Here are the top five NBA playoff scoring performances of all time:

Michael Jordan, 4/20/1986, 63 points
Elgin Baylor, 4/14/1962, 61 points
Donovan Mitchell, 8/17/2020, 57 points
Charles Barkley, 5/4/1994, 56 points
Michael Jordan, 4/29/1992, 56 points
Wilt Chamberlain, 3/22/1962, 56 points

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Note: The Boston Celtics would end up sweeping the Chicago Bulls in the 1986 playoffs

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