Stephen Curry showed why he should be in the conversation as an all-time great with another performance of the ages to his already illustrious career. Curry finished with 50 points on 20 baskets along with eight rebounds and six assists in Game 7 against the Sacramento Kings.
The performance was the most points scored ever in a Game 7 by any player in history. Take a look at the top 20 Game 7 scoring performances of all time. LeBron James was the only player to crack the list more than once.
1. Stephen Curry, Warriors: 50 points
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 20/38 FG, 7/18 3P, 3/5 FT
Win vs. Kings in 2023 Western Conference first round
2. Kevin Durant, Nets: 48 points
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 17/36 FGs, 4/11 3P, 10/11 FT
Loss vs. Bucks in 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals
3. Dominique Wilkins, Hawks: 47 points
USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 19/33 FGs, 1/2 3P, 8/9 FTs
Loss vs. Celtics in 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals
3. Sam Jones, Celtics: 47 points
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 18/27 FGs, 11/12 FT
Win vs. Kings in 1963 Eastern Division finals
5. Luka Doncic, Mavericks: 46 points
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 17/30 FG, 5/11 3P, 7/11 FT
Loss vs. Clippers in 2021 Western Conference first round
5. Kevin Johnson, Suns: 46 points
BOB DUNN/AFP via Getty Images
Stats: 12/26 FG, 1/2 3P, 21/22 FT
Loss vs. Rockets in 1995 Western Conference semifinals
7. LeBron James, Cavaliers: 45 points
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 16/25 FG, 2/3 3P, 11/15 FT
Win vs. Pacers in 2018 Eastern Conference first round
7. LeBron James, Cavaliers: 45 points
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
Stats: 14/29 FG, 3/11 3P, 14/19 FT
Loss vs. Celtics in 2008 Eastern Conference semifinals
9. Allen Iverson, Sixers: 44 points
TOM MIHALEK/AFP via Getty Images
Stats: 17/33 FG, 4/6 3P, 6/7 FT
Win vs. Bucks in 2001 Eastern Conference finals
9. Charles Barkley, Suns: 44 points
Tim Defrisco/Allsport
Stats: 12/20 FG, 1/1 3P, 19/22 FT
Win vs. SuperSonics in 1993 Western Conference finals
11. Oscar Robertson, Kings: 43 points
Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images
Stats: 11/24 FG, 21/22 FT
Loss vs. Celtics in 1963 Eastern Division finals
12. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 42 points
Jonathan Dani
Stats: 15/29 FG, 12/13 FT
Win vs. Knicks in 1992 Eastern Conference semifinals
12. Calvin Murphy, Rockets: 42 points
Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Stats: 19/28 FG, 0/1 3P, 4/4 FT
Win vs. Spurs in 1981 Western Conference semifinals
12. George Gervin, Spurs: 42 points
Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 16/31 FG, 10/13 FT
Loss vs. Wizards in 1979 Eastern Conference finals
12. Jerry West, Lakers: 42 points
George Long/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
Stats: 14/29 FG, 14/18 FT
Loss vs. Celtics in 1969 NBA Finals
16. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers: 41 points
Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Stats: 16/39 FG, 2/9 3P, 7/8 FT
Win vs. Sixers in 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals
16. Paul Pierce, Celtics: 41 points
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
Stats: 13/23 FG, 4/6 3P, 11/12 FT
Win vs. Cavaliers in 2008 Eastern Conference semifinals
16. Tim Duncan, Spurs: 41 points
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Stats: 12/24 FG, 0/1 3P, 17/23 FT
Loss vs. Mavericks in 2006 Western Conference semifinals
16. Elgin Baylor, Lakers: 41 points
Wen Roberts/NBAE via Getty Images
Stats: 13/40 FG, 15/21 FT
Loss vs. Celtics in 1962 NBA Finals
20. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks: 40 points
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 15/24 FG, 2/6 3P, 8/14 FT
Win vs. Nets in 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals
20. Jamal Murray, Nuggets: 40 points
Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
Stats: 15/26 FG, 6/13 3P, 4/4 FT
Win vs. Clippers in 2020 Western Conference semifinals
I am an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of basketball, with a keen eye for historical performances and statistical nuances. The article you've presented highlights an extraordinary performance by Stephen Curry, emphasizing his claim to be considered an all-time great. As someone well-versed in basketball history and statistics, I'd like to delve into the concepts used in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding.
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Game 7 Significance:
- Game 7s are pivotal in basketball, often deciding the outcome of a playoff series.
- Curry's remarkable performance in a Game 7 against the Sacramento Kings solidifies his impact and legacy.
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Historical Context:
- Curry's 50-point performance is touted as the highest-scoring Game 7 in history, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.
- The article compares Curry's feat to other notable performances, creating a context for his achievement.
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Scoring Metrics:
- The stats provided for each player include field goals made/attempts (FG), three-pointers made/attempts (3P), and free throws made/attempts (FT).
- Curry's 20 baskets, including 7 three-pointers, and 3/5 free throws contribute to his 50-point total.
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Versatility:
- Curry's performance isn't just about scoring; he also recorded eight rebounds and six assists, showcasing his all-around skills.
- This adds depth to his greatness, highlighting his impact beyond scoring.
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Comparison with Other Players:
- LeBron James is mentioned as the only player to crack the top 20 Game 7 scoring performances more than once, underlining his consistency and excellence in high-pressure situations.
- Other basketball legends like Kevin Durant, Dominique Wilkins, Sam Jones, Luka Doncic, and Allen Iverson are featured, offering a historical perspective.
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Playoff Rounds and Years:
- The article mentions the specific playoff rounds and years corresponding to each player's performance, giving a timeline to these memorable Game 7s.
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Team Outcomes:
- The information about whether the player's team won or lost adds context to the significance of their performances.
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Statistical Anomalies:
- Some performances stand out for their statistical anomalies, such as Sam Jones' impressive 11/12 free throws or Giannis Antetokounmpo's well-rounded stat line with 15/24 FG, 2/6 3P, and 8/14 FT.
By delving into these concepts, one can appreciate the historical context, statistical intricacies, and the overall significance of Stephen Curry's exceptional Game 7 performance in the broader landscape of basketball history.
