Top 10 LOSING Playoff Performances of All Time

My list of the 10 greatest playoff performances in NBA History, by a player on the LOSING team.
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The game of Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a kid watching my dad's recorded VHS tapes of playoff games through the 70s and 80s, and collected all the Basketball cards. Something about the game and what it represents just hooked me from a very young age.
My love for the game only continues to grow as time goes on. I love studying and analyzing the game, with an unbiased perspective. Feel free to subscribe, follow me on social media, and celebrate this amazing game and it's rich history with me!
I post videos every week on NBA history, predictions, hypothetical scenarios and current NBA topics.
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Intro Music: Turn On - RW Smith • Turn On - RW Smith (No... ​​​​​​​​​​
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#nba #basketball #playoffs

[@jonnyarnett]

How would you change up the list?? CORRECTION: The honorable mentions list says “LeBron 2009 Game 1 1st Round”… but they won that game. Lol. It’s SUPPOSED to say LeBron 2009 Game 1 ECF! It was an epic performance against Orlando. Carry on

[@unwashedhands2087]

I gotta watch it first lmao

[@krosses7156]

Jokic's game 4 vs the suns.

[@hristijandimitrovski8664]

I think Jokic's game vs Suns is right now on that list

[@paksta]

I'd factor in Dominique Wilkins' clutchness and find a spot for him here. His G7 duel with Bird is iconic.

[@IamnotfromUSA]

I think Jokic vs Suns this year

[@mihailopavlovic2027]

I think this Jokic's game against Suns, 53 points, 11 assists on 67% shooting should be at least an HO (Although the video is probably recorded before that)

[@colorado3574]

Yeah

[@accountant3847]

For sure

[@allank8497]

it should be top 5

[@redxlillard7880]

He ain’t losing

[@210Dinero]

There’s a game missing from this list: Draymond Green in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals. He had 32 pts, 15 reb, 9 ast, 2 stl on 11/15 shooting, 6/8 from 3 pt, 4/4 from the line. He out performed Steph and Klay, two of the greatest shooters in the history of basketball, who had horrible games. If he had one more assist, you could argue he had a more impressive and efficient triple double than LeBron. If he doesn’t have that kind of game, Golden State doesn’t have a chance in Game 7.

[@elguapob3766]

Also waiting for this one. The magnitude of that game is way higher than most of the games in this list

[@davidhutson2846]

All they needed was an average game from Steph or Klay.. Dray got himself a bottle of Michaels Secret Stuff in that game 7

[@augustgreig9420]

@@davidhutson2846 Single malt scotch? Edit: I didn't know that you could spell "scotch" with a lower case "s". Huh. Edit #2: Actually, "scotch" with a lower case "s" des not ean the whiskey, but rather has several different definitions, including, but not limited to: "decisively put an end to.decisively put an end to." "wedge (someone or something) somewhere."

[@davidhutson2846]

@@augustgreig9420 🤣🤣🤣

[@colbychick]

The fact that it's Draymond Green makes it so much better

[@DR-110]

If you had made this video later, Jokic perfomance in Game 4 vs Suns would have certainly be on the list

[@greywolf2155]

At least an honorable mention. And unlike some of the others on this list, his team didn't let him down *that* much (although yes, just a little more from Murray and MPJ and they could have won), it's just that Booker and KD were lights out

[@DR-110]

@@greywolf2155 Murray was the only one that showed up

[@fakedan6568]

Nah, KD in the 2021 second round would be above this one, and above a few shown in the video tbh

[@jimmyplenderleith9471]

Hakeem's 1987 WCSF game is unreal...dropping 49 and having 25 boards to go with it.....dominating.

[@vintagemonte]

No 2021 KD vs Bucks?? He had an injured team and almost beat Milwaukee alone. Most points in a game 7 until Curry this year. 48 9 and 6

[@husseinal-bader3422]

Very true

[@Bigedub101]

Damn that's not on here

[@kingjames3949]

KD choked that OT

[@MrE_]

1 shoe size away from winning the whole thing

[@machoboys8884]

@King James bro dropped 48 while his second highest scoring teammate scored 22 on 29% from the field. Was also a shoe size shorter from going to the NBA finals. Him doing poorly in OT is excused with all the heavy lifting he did

[@northernlight1000]

Rajon rondo 44, 10, 8 against the rival Miami heat in the 2012 ECF was one of the best live performances I had ever seen

[@tau_628]

I saw that game when I was 6 and he’s been my favorite player ever since

[@mauricedavis1740]

one of the best playoff performances i ever seen..

[@aznpikachu215]

I'm surprise KD didn't make the test, especially with that foot on game 7 vs. Bucks.

[@kingdinodragonite3470]

compared to these games. That game he was rather inefficient.

[@justinholland6132]

What thebother guy said plus he was 0/6 in ot. Arguably he may have been better off just missing that turn around jumper

[@lamontviolante]

​@@kingdinodragonite3470but it was a game 7. He was ridiculous in G6 as well.

[@kingdinodragonite3470]

@@lamontviolante so? If curry's performance isn't here, then so should KD's. Plain and simple.

[@lamontviolante]

@@kingdinodragonite3470 what Curry's performanse?

[@huymai1489]

9:39 Lebron recorded 40-14-11 in Game 5 of the 2015 Finals against the Warriors

[@callofdudie]

You never cease to surprise me Jonny, well done. The speed in which you got this ready is insane. You’re a beast Jonny, keep up the great videos!

[@yonatanyaakov6944]

jokic dropping 53 pts 11 assists in 39 minutes and losing is insane too

[@LifeDeCrescendo]

2010 Brian Scalabrine, game 7 of Celtics v Lakers. Hottest 51 seconds in NBA history.

[@jarlbalgruuf7701]

The white mamba

[@rcfash]

Johnny going crazy on the uploads 🔥🔥 let’s goooo

[@ciaranryan3652]

55 points on 70% shooting as a guard is just wild

[@randomperson2540]

Kobes game against the nuggets where he had 49 points 10 assists I think is the most underrated game by Kobe

[@facelessandnameless]

Agreed!

[@GatterSzn]

That lebron performance was the greatest carry job and series I’ve ever seen tbh. He was INSANE

[@nov11794]

I prefer his 2017 Finals honestly

[@MaleviahBurned]

You've clearly never seen the mid 80s Jordan.

[@Westlyn80]

I'm not a Bron guy, but that man was on fire that series.

[@chrisbotch3528]

@@MaleviahBurned yeah cuz he never took em to the finals.

[@kingdeedee]

Probably the greatest carry job in an entire playoff run ever. That team had no business being in the finals

[@uncuthoops]

Damn Johnny putting out tons of content this week. Love it

[@jonnyarnett]

I’m doing my best impression of you bro! Haha. Good to see you around here, man

[@GatterSzn]

Why u always hating on lebron bro I wanna know

[@iiiii4388]

@@GatterSzn just because he thinks mj is better doesn’t mean he hates bron

[@GatterSzn]

@@iiiii4388 nah he actually hate on bron. His whole channel and community just does that. Look at his videos most of them have bron in em

[@iiiii4388]

@@GatterSzn clearly haven’t seen his recent video them

[@beyondspeaks]

you and hoops uncut have been my favorite hoops KZbinrs to watch as of recent 💯 you both deserve a million subs at least

[@coolname9458]

Important thing to mention about Dames game vs the nuggets is that it’s the best game in terms of game score in playoff history. Insane to watch and even more insane that we lost

[@pauly_poggers7386]

love that you are pumping out the videos!!

[@mappyperez]

Great list! I would have bumped up Jerry West to #2, and maybe even Isiah to #3. Love these videos!

[@gnnacharles1]

You beat me to it

[@philvenn576]

I love this channel. I learn so much

[@captaingamer7640]

bro is killing it with these uploads.keep up the good work man!

[@cadecrusader3940]

Great video Jonny!

[@amadorluis2008]

man johnny i love these type of vids ! always making great content keep it up!

[@jordane3603]

would've liked to see Draymond's 2016 game 7 finals as an HM. damn near 30 point triple double

[@geordiejones5618]

A lot of those points were just wide open shots that the Cavs conceded to guard Steph and Klay. Every other game on this list are guys who got their own shot not catch and shoot wide open looks

[@mauricedavis1740]

@@geordiejones5618 cope..

[@shakeeluddin23]

Great video as usual

[@tsbworld]

💯Jonny dropping banger after banger been on a roll

[@jays3652]

Damn Jonny, you're on a crazy run with all these amazing uploads in the last few days

[@jgray2718]

This is a sick list. Thanks Jonny 🙂

[@2xyn798]

I would put Dame higher, the guy couldn’t miss he had Austin Rivers praying during the game 😂

[@jonnyarnett]

Honestly, I'm still wrestling if that one should have been higher. What a game.

[@amitobiii8330]

i was saying the same thing bruh'

[@kristijanEX]

@@jonnyarnett The Dame game should be top 3 all time and the Isiah game should be top 5 based on context.

[@Bluebirdfalling]

55 points

[@TheDesisgarf]

Everyone knew what the top 2 would be xd, great list, keep up the good work

[@shortsio5657]

Not many people appreciate the fact that not only was there a phantom foul, but the crowd rushed the field before the game was even over and infact all the pistons had to do was hit a three pointer as they had done just before. But instead fans already swarmed and didn't even let them get a shot in. Talking about the 1988 finals btw.

[@acro2324]

I appreciate the the frequency in uploads

[@damonsonnier34]

1987 WCSF Game 7 - Hakeem Olajuwon: 49PTS, 25REB, 2AST, 2STL, 6BLK, 57.6FG%.

[@Encapdirect]

ty for your works sir

[@mitchaygo5499]

Mj against 5 hof and came from injury .. should definitely on top.

[@Shayne10998]

You’re the GOAT man keep it up!!

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Jordan's 63pt performance followed a 49pt performance! And his 63pts were with 63%TS to go along with 3 steals and 2 blocks. Caught the game on YT and Jordan just consistently attacked the basket making tough shots or getting fouled. As pointed out in the video, Celtics had the best defensive in the league (1st in defensive rating). The celtics were 67-15 and went 15-3 in the playoffs. And Jordan was mostly guarded by Dennis Johnson, 9x all defensive (6x 1st, 3x 2nd) who was still in his prime.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

@The Juggernaut A nearly 20pt triple double. But I didn't say he had a great game in game 3. He did nearly have a 20pts triple double and for the series averaged 44pts 6reb 6ast 2.3astlk 1.3blk 58.4%TS against the best defense and best team in the league.

[@Sf75178]

​@The Juggernaut oh the 3rd game wasn't up to Jordan's high standards. That must be a huge negative

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

@The Juggernaut You only asked what happened in game 3? sure bro, I'm going to believe the lebron stan that continues to refuse to answer how he evaluates players on his all time list just happened to respond with a question that surely wasn't trying to criticize Jordan, right? He was 1 ast away from the triple double thus that's what NEARLY means. You understand English, right? And Jordan's game 3 was indeed by his great standards not on Jordan's typical great game. I agree. yet, it was nearly identical to the MVP of that year - Bird. Bird in game 3 was 19pts 6reb 8ast 38.5%FG.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

@@Sf75178 Yeah, Jordan in that game 3 had similar stats to the MVP of that year, Bird. Jordan is so great that nearly a 20pt triple double with 49%TS is considered way below Jordan's regular performance. Jordan's gamescore of that game (a measure of the stats which include efficiency) was considerably higher than the AVERAGE of all 4 of Lebron's first final. OH, and it was higher than the average of all 6 games of his 2nd finals! BTW, Juggernaut is responding to me elsewhere and saying I'm not answering a question which he has refuse to re-state (if it was ever asked) several times while also refusing to state how evaluates players on the all time list.

[@gnnacharles1]

@@TheJuggernaut-qt9csBy game 3 Celtics game plan , stop Jordan at all cost,€%#¥ everyone else, but who else was there to stop on that Bulls team?

[@c99kfm]

Wilt Chamberlain scored 46 out of the 107 points the Philadelphia Warriors got while losing against the Syracuse Nationals on March 14, 1961. He also grabbed 32 rebounds, and still his team lost 107 to 115. It would seem he was a bit discouraged in the latter games of that semifinal, and didn't repeat his game 1 performance.

[@reimixo]

Isiah has a top 5 playoff game win or lose... Dude was already killing it then on One ankle killed them harder...

[@greywolf2155]

Babe, wake up, Jonny Arnett dropped another video You're too good to us, man

[@jonnyarnett]

These videos only keep dropping because people like you keeping watching them. I appreciate you Greywolf

[@rollotomasse]

Jokic, 53 pts, 11ast,67%...game before that 30pts,17 ast, 17 reb, Someone here doesn't like Joker obviously..

[@geordiejones5618]

Bro do you think people record and edit videos in a minute? This is the dumbest comment on this video.

[@fortynights1513]

Stockton may be overrated in some ways, but 20+ assists and points in a playoff game is impressive. That performance is kinda overlooked if only because I’ve somehow never heard it mentioned.

[@keithjoseph128]

He's actually probably underrated, especially by the debate show era that has no clue how valuable defense is.

[@ejkboxing]

Every playoff series Jordan lost he had at least two or three monster games. Barkley in the finals against the Bulls with 42 & 20 was outstanding. Some of the rebounds alone that he got over two & three guys were incredible.

[@vicentecampos2893]

I'd like to add that you are on fire.

[@stopplayin05]

Jokic game 4 against the suns this year definitely should’ve made it!

[@joshuasmith2190]

Jokic’s 53 pts and 11 assists from a couple days ago deserves to be on this list

[@treystyles3760]

U got my comment! Even tho it's still to low at 6... Thanks for putting Zeke on here

[@mohamedmaiza3866]

The heroics of Isiah's performance and the narrative around it should have the performance at 1

[@joaquindelrio2555]

You valued the moment most last list and put a first round series moment in first this list

[@AWF1000]

You know, I would feel insulted if they gave me the finals MVP award in a losing effort. It will be like the voters are laughing at you.

[@snoconejbones]

Letss goooo🙏🏽🤘🏽

[@warreno.bryant4406]

Johnny a for someone being maybe in 30 u sure have a broad band history of our favorite sport keep up the great job

[@mano-ey7ik]

In my opinion Isiah should by higher considering most of the preformences were either in the first or second round and that Isaiah scored 36 points in 15 minutes with an ankle injury

[@j_gnzz]

watching that blazers vs nuggets game live was actually insane

[@BlazerManiacNumber96]

Dame’s Game 5 still breaks my heart. The stats don’t do it justice. He hit so many ridiculous clutch shots. His team sold him

[@bejordan23]

Great timing after Steph just lost to the Lakers last night while having a triple double lol

[@joehodne6179]

Westbrook 51 pt triple double vs houston???

[@dxysookie9617]

Kd vs bucks game 7 definitely deserves a spot

[@roboninja3194]

Id have Dame's game #3 or #2. What he did was truly amazing. The TS is off the charts. Id also have Dreams game higher. 49 pts and 25 rebounds in a playoff game is ridiculous. Id have Jordan 1, Dame 2, Dream 3.

[@joaquindelrio2555]

Lebron n1 you missed the changed charge on kd on that game

[@CodieneBeanBryant]

I feel like the Kobe one should’ve been higher because of what it would’ve meant if they won. And in context the fact that they were 1 rebound away from it. Awesome video

[@aramsarkisyan8061]

Thank you for actually making the video I asked

[@puppetmaster8387]

Giannis 44 and 20 vs boston was painful to watch

[@Noob_Guy2k]

That game live was unreal

[@Noob_Guy2k]

Dames

[@Brooklyn94269]

KD game 7 should be here . Easily one of the greatest single game performances ever

[@vicedm1145]

You know… my Hakeem bias was waiting for me to be able to pull out that game (series really) because no one ever respects it enough. It’s like they only know the two year window and never bring up how insane his numbers were prior to those seasons in losses.

[@willhooke]

I think Hakeem was perhaps even performing better before those 2 years to be honest 🤔 He was impossibly good on both ends

[@Edogawa199X]

KDs game 7 vs Bucks in ECSF 2021 Draymonds game 7 vs Cavaliers in Finals 2016

[@Etario7914]

I didnt watch it yet but W vid

[@Frenzy]

LeBron 45 points in game 7 loss against the #1 defense (and eventual champions) Boston Celtics in 2008 should have been on here imo.

[@ronaldmibieli4009]

I don't know if you alread did this, but i would love a video about who would be the mvp of each playoffs if not only the finals were counting

[@Freshbngwtr]

If I was Stockton I would be pissed about losing a game with 24 assists to this day

[@Mektek19]

Damn Johnny is posting everyday now.

[@Dorsia.]

if you are a player in high school or junior high and you want to play the PG position you should emulate the game of John Stockton. The Forever Underrated.

[@paxonhellofoyd7275]

This the greatest background music of all time

[@jer8279]

Damien nearly had 100% ts percentage. That's just nutty.

[@JustTryingToYoutube]

Damn that thumbnail is ruthless😂

[@Rodanguirus]

It made the honorable mentions, but just to shed a bit more light on Isiah's performance against the Knicks in the 1984 first-round: He's mostly known for scoring 16 points in a 94-second span to send the game to OT. But his overall game stat line looks very impressive as well: 35 points on 52% shooting. 7-9 from the FT line. 2 of 3 three-pointers, which sounds unremarkable, until you see that only one other Piston attempted (and missed) a 3. The Knicks collectively went 1 for 3 from behind the arc. 12 assists 3 rebounds 2 steals 1 block Also, it's a minor thing, but for this one home game only, the Pistons had to play in the Red Wings' Joe Louis Arena. They hosted Games 1 and 2 at their then-home of the Silverdome. Obviously, it was still a favorable crowd and some of the other clutch performances were played in hostile road environments, but it was an arena the Pistons were completely unaccustomed to playing in, which is at least a small factor.

[@steviebuckets9035]

Up & comer youtuber🔥

[@marcosvelbyrne__6092]

never been this early before

[@danielgutierrez7995]

I would switch Jerry West and his performance with LeBron because Jerry West had the first ever 40 pt triple double in N.B.A history and it was before the 3pt line was introduced and it was game 7. LeBrons performance was great as well third best in my opinion. Also not only did Jerry West and Jimmy Butler have a 40pt triple double in the N.B.A finals but so did LeBron James in game 6 of the 2015 finals

[@brianclark641]

The Dominque Bird shootout

[@kendricklaw6748]

draymond green game 7 2016 finals! he would've been finals mvp if they won that chip!

[@nov11794]

Kevin Durant big toe game deserves to be here. Especially in the honorable mentions.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Many of the recent performances on this list are in large part because of the stat inflation that's been happening. It's become much more heliocentric (the top player on a team is involved far more in each offensive play than before) and the spreading of the court with the 3pt shot has made it easier to score. Add in all the rule changes or changes in enforcement such as adding an extra step, allowing more palming of the ball, allowing offensive players to more easily push the defender without being called a foul, etc. Looking at Jordan, Besides his 63pt and 49pt performance in that 1st Rd loss, only 3 other times did players score 40+ in that playoff! Donovan Mitchell's 57pts in game one was only one of FOUR 50pt games in that series. Jamal Murray got 50pts in game 6 and Both Mitchel & Murray got 50/51pts in game 4. In total, 4x someone scored over 50pts and 13x someone scored over 40pts in that playoff. Damian Lillard in 2021, same thing. 3x a player scored 50+, Lillard,, Giannis & Tatum. 6x over 48pts, 11x over 45pts, and 28x it was 40pts or more. Lebron's 51pts came in the same series that Durant had 43pts 13reb 7ast on an amazing 82.4%TS!! In that 2018 playoffs, 7 players scored 45pts+. 12 players scored 43pts+. 17 players scored 41pts+!

[@lolno6975]

So people have gotten better at offense? Cool. Also LeBrons is far more impressive than the rest. He was on his own. Literally in a 1v5 against the greatest team ever

[@Sf75178]

​@@lolno6975 the rule changes helped a lot with higher scoring. Something you choose to ignore

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

@@lolno6975 This comment makes no sense. People have gotten better at offense? So you think the best players of all time are Jokic, Embid, Luka and Giannis? They are putting up much bigger numbers than peak lebron or peak durant or peak curry. >Literally in a 1v5 against the greatest team ever Jordan's game was 1vs5 and against the BEST defense of the year as well as one of the best ever. Lebron's was against the 11th best defense. Cetlics allowed 102.6pts per 100poss vs Warriors 107.6 pts per 100. That's a massive difference. In addition, Lebron might not have even had the best game of the series. Durant went 43pts 13reb 7ast 82.4%TS!! and 3 turnover Vs Lebron's 51pts 8reb 8ast 69%TS and 5 turnovers.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

@@Sf75178 He ignored the rule changes, ignored that Lebron might not even have had the best game of that series (KD 83%TS vs Lebron's 69% and KD had 5 reb more and 1 ast less and 8pts less playing 4minutes less (Lebron's game went to OT). Though Lebron did chock in the OT and went 0-4fg 2pts (2-2FT) and 1reb 0 ast.

[@lolno6975]

@@Sf75178 when did I ignore it? Its natural passage of play. Does that mean that Wilt is the greatest because the rules were so nonexistent? No. Rules change. Accept it

[@MHBULLSFAN]

Can you put the stats for honorable mentions?

[@TheRealBigBaller]

Can you make the best REGULAR SEASON games, like 1 would be wilt, etc.

[@SonnyK248]

In Lebron's four NBA finals appearances against The Warriors he averaged a 35 point triple double while being arguably the second best defender on the floor after Draymond. People who laugh at him for his losses and call him a loser are idiots. Yeah he lost. But no one could have done more on the court to beat The Warriors in 2015, 17 and 18. In 2015 Kyrie and Love went down. And in 2017 The Warriors became the most stacked NBA team of all time.

[@MORON_Gaming]

Nikola Jokic's 53 pts recently was good too

[@gmeletis678]

I would consider at least as an honorable mention Steph's performance in Game 3 of the 2019 NBA Finals.. Without 3 starters (KD, Klay, Looney) , the lineup had players like McKinnie, Jerebko, Quinn Cook and a 40-year-old Bogut.. A great Raptors defense was playing box and one almost the entire game against him, guarding and chasing him all game full-court.. And he still managed to score 47 points carrying his team but eventually lost in the end..

[@joaovitorcarvalhoferreira1924]

1. Lillard 55/10/6 2. Kevin Durant 49/17/10 3. Hakeem 49/25 4. Jordan 63 points 5. Mitchell 57 points

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

2:52 I'm sure Topaz Gigapixel AI was used to "restore" or denoise that photo 😂😂 it doesn't look like John.

[@fabiangallardo877]

noti squad

[@bytgfdsw2]

Steph in gm3 against the raptors: 47/8/7 on 63% TS while playing against box and one. The team was missing 3 starters and their third best player is an old Andre Iguodala

[@Grandmaster_Vic]

It’s definitely really frustrating to be having to put all your effort in trying to win the game and you still lose cause your team failed to keep up.

[@xaviergong6471]

Can you now make the greatest playoff performances REGARDLESS of winning or losing?

[@logankandel846]

Durant in Game 7 in 2021 against the Bucks is a MASSIVE snub

[@andrewcook1246]

Watching that 50 burger against the most overpowered team in modern history get ruined by jr and hill is incredible

[@eliasalbrecht6405]

Dame was 17/24 from field and made 9 out of his 10 freethrows. So he had a 70.8% FG% and a 90% freethrow%. If u ad it together into trueshooting, he is 26/34, what is a TS% of 76,5% and not the 96,8% TS% you are talking about. This is no hate at all, but I was just super confused seeing this absurd TS%. Now I wanna know if I am right or wrong, and if I am wrong, please explain it to me. Im looking forward to some replies.