NBA Players With The Most Playoff Games For Every Franchise: Tim Duncan And Kobe Bryant Are The Only Ones With Over 200 Games

Making the playoffs is the first step toward winning an NBA championship. For professional basketball players, that is the goal at the end of the day. Some players are fortunate enough to make the playoffs many times. Those players will lead their teams to the NBA Finals multiple times, while others are hoping to make the second round. Every story is different as each franchise holds its history of playoff success.

When looking at each franchise, every team has made the playoffs. The level of their success past the regular season is a different story. When looking at the success of those franchises, one player has played the most in the playoffs. If we ranked those players by their franchise, who would have the most playoff games? From Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and others, which franchise and its record holder is supreme?

Let’s rank each franchise’s all-time leader in playoff games.

30. New Orleans Pelicans – David West

Playoff Games: 24

Playoff Stats: 16.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Making the playoffs is not something that New Orleans has enjoyed as much compared to other franchises, but the team is also only 20 years old. The best duo in team history was West and Chris Paul. West narrowly edged out Paul with one more playoff game. The 2008 playoffs were the best year, where the Hornets (name at the time) nearly defeated the defending champion Spurs, but San Antonio came out on top in seven games. Eventually, Paul left for the Clippers, which led to the Anthony Davis era, where he played in 13 total playoff games.

29. Charlotte Hornets – David Wesley

Playoff Games: 32

Playoff Stats: 13.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG

There are two players in the history of the Hornets that have played in the playoffs with the team four times. That includes Wesley and runner-up Dell Curry. The Hornets have never made the NBA Finals, let alone a Conference Finals. Making the second round would be a big deal these days. The lack of deep runs is why the record for the Hornets is so low.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Garnett

Playoff Games: 47

Playoff Stats: 22.3 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.9 BPG

It might seem like a broken record, but the Timberwolves have not truly seen a player like Kevin Garnett since he left the team in 2007. When Garnett played for the team in the 90s and early 2000s, the Timberwolves made eight playoff appearances. Since 2004, the Timberwolves have made the playoffs twice. Garnett’s best season came during his MVP year in 2004 when the team made the Conference Finals before being ousted by the Lakers.

27. Los Angeles Clippers – DeAndre Jordan

Playoff Games: 57

Playoff Stats: 9.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.0 BPG

The evolution of “Lob City” was much more than flashy dunks. It meant that the Clippers were competitive. For a franchise that was once a laughing stock, Jordan, Chris Paul, and Blake Griffin’s “Lob City” era produced six playoff appearances as all three own more than 50 playoff games with the team. Due to various injuries here and there, Jordan came out with the most appearances. Look out for the new regime in today’s game, which has produced 34 playoff games in three seasons. Players like Ivica Zubac, Paul George, or Terance Mann could make a run at the record.

26. Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard

Playoff Games: 57

Playoff Stats: 19.9 PPG, 14.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.8 BPG

Back in the 2000s, Howard was one of the most dominating centers in the league. The combination of Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, and Rashard Lewis was a strong combination that led the team to the NBA Finals in 2009. The Magic lost to the Lakers in the Finals, but it was their first appearance since 1995. Since Howard left the team 10 years ago, the team has not had sustained playoff success. Howard wins the tie-breaker for having made 57 games in five seasons.

25. Sacramento Kings – Vlade Divac

Playoff Games: 58

Playoff Stats: 11.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Outside of their one championship in 1951, the best run in team history came from 2000 to 2004. The core of Divac, Peja Stojakovic, Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, and Doug Christie helped the Kings turn into contenders. Divac bested Stojakovic by one playoff game to lead the Kings in all-time playoff games played. Divac also played one less season. The Kings made the Conference Finals in 2002 but were ousted from making the NBA Finals by the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games.

24. Denver Nuggets – Alex English

Playoff Games: 59

Playoff Stats: 26.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG

This seems like a record that will be broken with time. Nikola Jokic has played in 48 playoff games in just four seasons, which included making the Conference Finals in 2020. The Nuggets made the playoffs nine times with English, but the team was often bounced in the first round. Assuming that Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray are healthy next season, the two-time MVP could likely break this record in 2023.

23. Memphis Grizzlies – Zach Randolph

Playoff Games: 62

Playoff Stats: 17.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Before Marc Gasol was winning Defensive Player of the Year Awards and Mike Conley Jr. was breaking the all-time scoring record, the Grizzlies were once reliant on Zach Randolph. Along with Tony Allen, this core blows out the competition among playoff games in team history. This core was also the one that led the 2013 team to the Western Conference Finals, which was the first in team history.

22. Brooklyn Nets – Richard Jefferson And Jason Kidd

Playoff Games: 78

Jefferson’s Playoff Stats: 15.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Kidd’s Playoff Stats: 16.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

The Nets were a tough team in the 70s but that was when the team competed in the ABA, so those games do not count. Their best NBA stretch came in the early 2000s. The Nets made back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. Unfortunately, the Lakers and Spurs respectively defeated the Nets. Jefferson and Kidd were the two best players for those teams, which is why they accumulated the same amount of games in their six playoff appearances.

21. Toronto Raptors – Kyle Lowry

Playoff Games: 84

Playoff Stats: 17.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Lowry isn’t just beloved for his efforts in bringing the city their first championship in franchise history. Lowry helped transform the Raptors into playoff contenders. With DeMar DeRozan, the two led the team to an appearance in the Conference Finals. When the team traded DeRozan to land Kawhi Leonard, the team made the NBA Finals and won the title in 2019. Among the top five for the Raptors, all five players were from that championship team, featuring Lowry, Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet.

20. Milwaukee Bucks – Sidney Moncrief

Playoff Games: 88

Playoff Stats: 16.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG< 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

This record is going to come crashing down soon and it could come down as soon as next season. Giannis Antetokounmpo (76) and Khris Middleton (69) are rewriting the history books in Milwaukee. That included leading the team to the 2021 championship, which was their first in 50 years. Moncrief was a huge factor in the Bucks making it to 10 playoffs during the 80s, but the combo of Giannis and Middleton could surpass 100 playoff games with the team when they are done playing with the Bucks.

19. Atlanta Hawks – Cliff Hagan

Playoff Games: 90

Playoff Stats: 20.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.4 APG

Al Horford gave the Hawks the most recent success with eight appearances in the playoffs, but you have to go way back in time for the three players ahead of him. Cliff Hagan, Bob Petti, and Bill Bridges played in the 60s for the Hawks and made nine playoff appearances with the team. Hagan bested Pettit by two games in the playoffs to own the record. Both were key players for the 1958 championship team.

18. Portland Trail Blazers – Clyde Drexler

Playoff Games: 94

Playoff Stats: 21.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 6.8 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Jerome Kersey is the only other player to reach over 90 playoff games, while Terry Porter reached 84 games to round out the top 3. Damian Lillard will battle Drexler for the greatest Trail Blazer in team history but Drexler is the one that owns much more playoff success. Lillard owns 61 playoff games with the team and has never made the NBA Finals. Drexler played in the 1992 NBA Finals against the Bulls.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nate McMillan And Russell Westbrook

Playoff Games: 98

McMillan’s Playoff Stats: 5.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Westbrook’s Stats: 25.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Two different successful eras led to two successful players making the playoffs. When McMillan was the lead man off of the bench in the 90s, Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp were leading the SuperSonics to the NBA Finals in 1996. As for Westbrook, the combination of Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Serge Ibaka led the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012, including Conference Finals appearances in 2014 and 2016.

16. Phoenix Suns – Kevin Johnson

Playoff Games: 105

Playoff Stats: 19.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

While Steve Nash and Shawn Marion had their success in the 2000s, the only player to eclipse over 100 playoff games was Johnson. When the Suns were playoff contenders in the 90s, Johnson was a member of all of those teams. That included the 1993 team that made the NBA Finals before falling to the Bulls. In 11 playoff appearances, Johnson was a near 20-point scorer, while shooting 46.9% from the field.

15. Washington Wizards – Wes Unseld

Playoff Games: 119

Playoff Stats: 10.6 PPG, 14.9 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

The Wizards have not seen a batch of players quite like Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes. The two players are the only players in team history to own more than 60 playoff appearances with the franchise. Unseld is the only player above 100 playoff games as he appeared in 12 playoff series with the team. Hayes reached 87 games in eight playoff appearances. Both were members of the 1978 championship team where Unseld was named Finals MVP.

14. Detroit Pistons – Richard Hamilton

Playoff Games: 120

Playoff Stats: 20.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

The Pistons enjoyed two very successful eras, which is why there are nine players with over 100 playoff games. The 80s featured the 1989 and 1990 championship teams with Bill Laimbeer, Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas, and Vinnie Johnson. As for the 2000s, the Pistons ran the Eastern Conference, making the NBA Finals in 2004 and 2005 with Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Chauncey Billups, and Rasheed Wallace. Out of all these successful players, Hamilton beat out Prince (118) to hold the record. Hamilton also played in two fewer playoff series than the group from the 80s.

13. New York Knicks – Patrick Ewing

Playoff Games: 135

Playoff Stats: 20.6 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.2 BPG

Two players have played in over 100 playoff games for the Knicks. Along with Ewing, Charles Oakley played in 113 games. Bill Bradley, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, and Willis Reed each won two championships while playing in over 78 games. Ewing never won a championship but helped the Knicks consistently make the playoffs in the 80s and 90s, which included making the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999. No player in the last 20 years has come as close to these players in playoff success.

12. Houston Rockets – Hakeem Olajuwon

Playoff Games: 140

Playoff Stats: 26.6 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 3.3 BPG

James Harden led the Rockets to the playoffs eight times, which resulted in 85 games. That is the second-best mark for the Rockets as one player in team history surpassed 100 playoff games. Olajuwon led the Rockets to the playoffs 14 times and helped the team win back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. He was named Finals MVP both of those seasons. Olajuwon led the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1986 but the team was defeated by the Celtics.

11. Philadelphia 76ers – Julius Erving

Playoff Games: 141

Playoff Stats: 21.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Three players have made over 100 playoff appearances with Bobby Jones (106), Maurice Cheeks (115), and Erving. Dolph Shayes nearly made it but just missed it with 97 games. All four players won a championship during their playing days, but it was Erving that crushed the competition by playing in most playoff games with Philly. Had he transitioned from the ABA sooner, he would have had more. If you count his playoff appearances in the ABA, he finished with 189 career playoff games.

10. Indiana Pacers – Reggie Miller

Playoff Games: 144

Playoff Stats: 20.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Three players played in over 100 playoff games with the Pacers. Rik Smits made 104 appearances, while Dale Davis made 110 games. The best to consistently lead Indiana to the playoffs was Reggie Miller, who played in 15 playoffs. Miller couldn’t get to the NBA Finals during the 90s as he was often ousted by Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Once Jordan was gone, the Pacers made the NBA Finals in 2000, while he made another run to the Conference Finals in 2004 before losing to the Pistons.

9. Dallas Mavericks – Dirk Nowitzki

Playoff Games: 145

Playoff Stats: 25.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Only one player has played in over 100 playoff games with the Mavericks and that was Nowitzki. His longtime running mate Jason Terry owns the second-most with 87 games. After that, the dropoff is in the 60s. Nowitzki led the Mavericks to 15 appearances in the playoffs and was the 2011 Finals MVP when the team won the championship. Nowitzki and Terry also led the Mavericks to the 2006 NBA Finals but the team came up short against the Heat.

8. Golden State Warriors – Draymond Green And Klay Thompson

Playoff Games: 145

Green’s Playoff Stats: 11.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Thompson’s Playoff Stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG

There is a reason that Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Andre Iguodala own the top-4 spots in playoff appearances. You can also add Shaun Livingston as well, as these five players are the only ones with over 100 games. Green, Thompson, Curry, and Iguodala were core players in the Warriors’ winning four championships and they may not be done. The 2022 champions will look to defend their title next season. Had Curry not suffered a few injuries here and there, he would be tied with Green and Thompson. The Warriors win the tie-breaker for having reached 145 games in eight seasons.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron James

Playoff Games: 152

Playoff Stats: 30.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG

In 11 regular seasons, James led the Cavaliers to the playoffs nine times. That included making the NBA Finals in 2006, as well as four straight seasons from 2015 to 2018. That included winning the 2016 championship. That stretch of four consecutive years is precisely why J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson are ranked second and third with 79 and 78 games respectively. When James left in 2010, he played in 87 games with the Heat for the next four years. Had James never left, he would have certainly accumulated well over 200 games with the Cavaliers.

6. Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade

Playoff Games: 171

Playoff Stats: 22.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG

We have to give a shoutout to Udonis Haslem who has played in 147 playoff games with the Heat. Mario Chalmers nearly made it to 100 but fell short at 99. In his four short years, LeBron James played in 87 games. Those 87 games came with Wade, where the team made the NBA Finals each year from 2011 to 2014, winning titles in 2012 and 2013. Wade also won a title in 2006, claiming Finals MVP that year. Altogether, Wade made the playoffs 12 times with the Heat, recording one of the best runs with a team we have ever seen.

5. Boston Celtics – John Havlicek

Playoff Games: 172

Playoff Stats: 22.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

There are 14 players in the history of the Celtics that have played over 100 playoff games. One would think that Bill Russell would own this record with his 11 championships. Instead, Russell is ranked fourth in team history. The record holder is John Havlicek that made 13 appearances in the playoffs. Havlicek, Kevin McHale, Russell, and Cousy all made 13 appearances, but Havlicek had the luxury of getting the additional playoff series in the mid-70s. In the end, Havlicek came out on top, having won eight championships of his own.

4. Chicago Bulls – Michael Jordan

Playoff Games: 179

Playoff Stats: 33.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Scottie Pippen often lived in the shadow of Michael Jordan and this was no different. Pippen accumulated 178 playoff games, which was just one short of the record for the Bulls. The combination of Jordan and Pippen led the Bulls to six championships in the 90s, including two three-peats. Jordan was named Finals MVP for each of those title wins. Jordan owns more playoff series than Pippen, having led the Bulls to the playoffs 13 times. Had Jordan never retired, he would have been well over 200 games with the Bulls.

3. Utah Jazz – John Stockton

Playoff Games: 182

Playoff Stats: 12.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 10.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Three players have reached over 100 playoff games with the Jazz. That includes the leader in Stockton, Karl Malone (172), and Jeff Hornacek (100). Stockton and Malone were the best dynamic duo in the history of the league to never win a championship. Stockton was able to beat Malone in this category because he played one more season than Malone. Both Stockton and Malone led the Jazz to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, while Stockton played in 19 playoff series.

2. Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe Bryant

Playoff Games: 220

Playoff Stats: 25.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG

The Lakers have 13 players in team history that have played over 100 playoff games with the Lakers. Among those players, all but Elgin Baylor won a championship. There is only one player that surpassed 200 playoff games with the Lakers and that was Bryant. With Bryant on the team, the Lakers made the playoffs 15 times and played in seven NBA Finals. That included winning championships in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010, while falling just short in 2004 and 2008. Some franchises are waiting on a player to make 100 playoff games in general, which is why the Lakers are a special franchise. That proves how great Bryant indeed was in his heyday.

1. San Antonio Spurs – Tim Duncan

Playoff Games: 251

Playoff Stats: 20.6 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.3 BPG

Making the playoffs was synonymous with the old big three of the Spurs. Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Duncan all reached over 200 playoff games with the Spurs. The most playoff game among any player was Duncan who made the playoffs 18 times and typically made a deep run most of the time. Duncan played in the NBA Finals in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, and 2014, where he won championships in all but 2013. The Spurs were just built differently as David Robinson, Bruce Bowen, and Danny Green each played in over 100 playoff games with the team too. However, Duncan was the constant for all of those players. 

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