NBA Playoffs: 30 best Game 7 performances in NBA Playoffs history

14 of 31

Kevin Durant, Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Game 7 performances in NBA Playoffs history: 18. Kevin Durant

Stat line:

48 points
9 rebounds
6 assists

We all knew how great Kevin Durant was. There’s simply nothing he can’t do offensively.

You need a 7-foot sniper from 3-point range? Not a problem. How about a clutch free-throw shooter when things get tight? He’s got you covered. What about an in-between game? Someone who can keep the defense off-balance with mid-range shots. Durant would look at anyone incredulously if his mid-range jumper was ever questioned.

His overall offensive game is about as perfect as it gets but what Durant did in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semis were special. Durant poured in a game-high 48 points, including the game-tying bucket to send the game to overtime. The Brooklyn Nets would ultimately come up short against the Milwaukee Bucks but considering that Durant was able to pull that off after suffering a torn Achilles in 2019, it made his performance even more special.

Even more eye-catching, was that Durant had just dropped 49 points in Game 5 while playing all 48 minutes. The Nets didn’t win it all like many were expecting but in the end, you couldn’t put the blame on Durant’s shoulders.