In a closeout game five against the Boston Celtics, James surpassed Michael Jordan as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in the playoffs. With 35 points on 13-18 shooting, James now sits at 5,995 career points in the postseason, eight more than Jordan.
LeBron James has officially passed Michael Jordan for the most career #NBAPlayoffs points in NBA History!pic.twitter.com/fSRWJEKXCd
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 26, 2017
Some statistical factoids:
Jordan reached his mark in far fewer games – 179 to LeBron’s 212. James made and attempted fewer field goals despite the difference in matches but made up the point total by dominating with the three point shot. It was fitting then that LeBron’s clinching basket to push him ahead of Jordan came on a three.
There is probably only one active player who could surpass Jordan and potentially reach James. That’s Kevin Durant who has roughly 48 percent of James’ playoff points in roughly 48 percent of the number of games played. Of course, that would mean that Durant would have to match James’ longevity and also keep playing deep in the playoffs as James has reached seven straight NBA Finals and doesn’t look to be slowing down.
Here’s LeBron’s reaction in his own words:
LeBron asked about passing Jordan: "I fell in love with the game because of Mike." Adds that what means the most is that "I did it being me"
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 26, 2017
LeBron James talks about not being bald like Michael Jordan and….well…just look at Tristan Thompson ? pic.twitter.com/e0RKf6IUZs
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 26, 2017
Congratulations, LeBron.
