April 21 -- Michael Jordan bowed out on April 16. A few nights later, several of the league's top stars were doing their best Jordan impersonations, as NBA Playoffs 2003 got off to a rousing start this past weekend.
Allen Iverson torched the Hornets for 55 points. Dirk Nowitzki dropped 46 on the Blazers. Tracy McGrady lit the Pistons up for 43. And Paul Pierce, with the aid of 21 free throws, finished with 40 against the Pacers. Still not enough to top Jordan.
Here's a look at the top individual scoring performances in playoff history:
| Player |
Opponent |
Date |
Pts. |
| Michael Jordan |
at Boston |
April 20, 1986** |
63 |
| Elgin Baylor |
at Boston |
April 14, 1962 |
61 |
| Wilt Chamberlain |
vs. Syracuse |
March 22, 1962 |
56 |
| Michael Jordan |
at Miami |
April 29, 1992 |
56 |
| Charles Barkley |
at Golden State |
May 4, 1994 |
56 |
| Rick Barry |
vs. Philadelphia |
April 18, 1967 |
55 |
| Michael Jordan |
vs. Cleveland |
May 1, 1988 |
55 |
| Michael Jordan |
vs. Phoenix |
June 16, 1993 |
55 |
| Michael Jordan |
vs. Washington |
April 27, 1997 |
55 |
| Allen Iverson |
vs. New Orleans |
April 20, 2003 |
55 |
| * - Denotes number of overtime periods |
