nba

Most points in a Game 7: Where does Stephen Curry rank after Warriors' win over Kings?

04-30-2023
6 min read
NBA Entertainment

Stephen Curry added yet another unforgettable performance to his Hall of Fame career, setting a record with 50 points in a win vs. the Kings — the most ever for a Game 7 in NBA playoff history.

Curry's outpouring came on 20-of-38 shooting (52.6 percent), including 7 of 18 (38.8 percent) from 3. He also shot 60 percent (3 of 5) from the free throw line, adding eight rebounds and six assists to what is perhaps his most dominant single-game performance in the history of the postseason.

Curry hit his final field goal — giving him the first-ever 50-point game in a Game 7 — with 2:57 left in a series-ending blowout.

MORE: Warriors vs. Kings final score, highlights

More importantly, Curry's outpouring helped defeat the Kings 120-100, eliminating Sacramento and sending Golden State to the Western Conference semifinals vs. LeBron James and the Lakers. But how does Curry's performance compare to other iconic playoff games?

The Sporting News looks at where Curry's 50-point explosion ranks in the history of the NBA postseason — Game 7s included — and Curry's own storied career:

Who has the most points in an NBA playoffs Game 7?

Stephen Curry now holds the NBA record for most points scored in a Game 7, with 50 points. It is the first 50-point game in any Game 7 in the history of the postseason.

The previous record was 48 points, set by former Warriors teammate Kevin Durant. Then with the Nets, his 48 points came in a 115-111 overtime loss to the Bucks in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals.

Here's how Curry's outpouring compares with the other top 10 highest-scoring games in the history of Game 7:

Player Points Playoffs Result
Steph Curry 50 2023 120-110 win vs. Kings
Kevin Durant 48 2021 115-111 loss vs. Bucks (OT)
Dominique Wilkins 47 1988 118-116 loss vs. Celtics
Luka Doncic 47 2021 126-111 loss to Clippers
Kevin Johnson 46 1995 115-114 loss to Rockets
LeBron James 45 2018 105-101 win vs. Pacers
LeBron James 45 2008 97-92 loss to Celtics
Allen Iverson 44 2001 108-91 win vs. Bucks
Charles Barkley 44 1993 123-110 win vs. SuperSonics
Oscar Robertson 43 1963 142-131 loss to Celtics

MORE: Game 7 history: NBA Playoff records, stats, best performances

Stephen Curry career-high points in an NBA game

Curry's performance vs. the Kings on Sunday is the 13th time in his career that he has scored at least 50 points in a game, though it isn't his highest-scoring game. That record belongs to a 62-point outpouring vs. the Trail Blazers on Jan. 3, 2021. His performance on Sunday is tied for the 10th-most points in a game for his career:

Points Date Result
62 Jan. 3, 2021 137-122 win vs. Trail Blazers
57 Feb. 6, 2021 134-132 loss vs. Mavericks
54 Feb. 27, 2013 109-105 loss vs. Knicks
53 Oct. 31, 2015 134-120 win vs. Pelicans
53 April 12, 2021 116-107 win vs. Nuggets
51 Feb. 4, 2015 128-114 win vs. Mavericks
51 Feb. 3, 2016 134-121 win vs. Wizards
51 Feb. 25, 2016 130-114 win vs. Magic
51 Oct. 24, 2018 144-122 win vs. Wizards
50 Nov. 8, 2021 127-113 win vs. Hawks
50 Nov. 16, 2022 130-119 loss vs. Suns
50 March 15, 2023 134-126 loss vs. Clippers
50 April 30, 2023 120-100 win vs. Kings

MORE: Is Stephen Curry the NBA's GOAT?

Stephen Curry most points in a playoff game

Curry's 50 points are also a postseason career high. His previous record was 47 points, scored in a Game 3 NBA Finals loss to the Raptors in 2019. Here's how his 50-point game compares to the rest of his highest-scoring playoff games:

Points Date Round Result
50 April 30, 2023 Round 1 120-100 Game 7 win vs. Kings
47 June 5, 2019 NBA Finals 123-109 Game 3 loss vs. Raptors
44 May 6, 2013 Western Conference semis 129-127 Game 1 loss vs. Spurs
43 June 10, 2022 NBA Finals 107-97 Game 4 win vs. Celtics
40 April 23, 2015 Round 1 123-119 Game 3 win vs. Pelicans
40 May 23, 2015 Western Conference finals 115-80 Game 3 win vs. Rockets
40 May 9, 2016 Western Conference semis 132-125 Game 4 win vs. Trail Blazers
40 May 13, 2017 Western Conference finals 113-111 Game 1 win vs. Spurs