NBA HISTORY: STATISTICS ABOUT THE MOST EFFICIENT SCORERS IN NBA PLAYOFFS.

We continue our articles on efficiency during the most critical time of the year in the world of the NBA : the playoffs.

Previously, we focused on the finals and the astounding performance of efficiency delivered by some of the greatest players of the NBA history, including the player who is widely considered as the G.O.A.T, Michael Jordan, but also Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant during the last two NBA finals in 2017 and 2018 (link to the article).

A. RECORDS IN SCORING EFFICIENCY (DATA PER GAME).

Overall, nearly 500 players have been able to reach the “magic trio” of at least 50% in 2 points field goal %, 40% in 3 points field goal % and 90% in free throw field goal % during a game in the history of the playoffs (no limit on minutes played per game and scoring).

The leaders are “El” Manu Ginobili (with the record, 28), Ray Allen (20) and Kevin Durant/ Reggie Miller (19 each).

Without surprise, we found in this list some of the best to ever play in the history of NBA: Besides the players already named, we found Steve Nash, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, John Stockton, Larry Bird, Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, Clyde Drexler, Chauncey Billups, Dirk Nowitzki...

Furthermore, It’s no surprise to find two categories of players within this screening. First, we can find among the best all-around and well known excellent shooters/players (Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Steve Nash, Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Peja Stojakovic, John Stockton, Larry Bird, Chris Mullin...). And, secondly, there are players whose job is/was mainly to take shoots: Derek Fisher, J.J Redick, Brent Barry, Kyle Korver, Steve Kerr (see our article on most efficient 3 points scorers in the history of NBA)...

Finally, among the active players that could reach again the playoffs in their career, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are the 3 players that could beat the current record of efficiency by game in the coming years (28 games).

a. In multiple seasons, from 1947 to 2019, in the playoffs, requiring 2-Pt Field Goal Pct >= 0.5 and 3-Pt Field Goal Pct >= 0.4 and Free Throw Pct >= 0.9, sorted by most games matching criteria (link to the full data). List from 12 minimum.

B. RECORDS IN SCORING EFFICIENCY (FULL PLAYOFFS).

Looking at the full playoffs season in the history of NBA, only 72 players reached the “magic trio” of at least 50% in 2 points field goal %, 40% in 3 points field goal % and 90% in free throw field goal % (no limit on minutes played per game and scoring).

And, only 4, including Reggie Miller and Kyle Korver did it twice in their career.

a. For single seasons; played in the NBA/BAA; in the playoffs; from 1946-47 to 2018-19; requiring 2-Pt Field Goal Pct >= 0.5 and 3-Pt Field Goal Pct >= 0.4 and Free Throw Pct >= 0.9; sorted by most seasons matching criteria.

Source: www.basketball-reference.com.

COMING SOON: FURTHER AMAZING STATISTICS...