The Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks got right back into their respective series on Tuesday. The Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz 118-104, and the Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 103-100 to tie their respective series at two games apiece. In the Clippers’ win over the Jazz, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George each scored 31 points. In the process, they became the fifth teammates in NBA playoff history to reach the 30 point plateau in back-to-back playoff games. In game three of the series on Saturday, Leonard had 34 points and George scored 31 points as the Clippers beat the Jazz 132-106 for their first win of the series. Here is the look at the other four teammates who have reached the 30-point plateau in points in back-to-back postseason games.
Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen–In the first round of the 1992 Eastern Conference playoffs, the Chicago Bulls swept the Miami Heat three games to none. In game two of the series, a 120-90 Chicago win, Jordan had 33 points and Pippen had 30 points. In game three of the series, Jordan scored 56 points, and Pippen scored 31 points. Jordan’s 56 points were the fourth-most points scored by a player in a playoff game. Jordan also has the NBA record for most points scored in a playoff game with 63.
Clyde Drexler & Hakeem Olajuwon–In the first round of the 1995 Western Conference playoffs, the Houston Rockets were trailing the Utah Jazz two games to one. That is when Drexler scored 41 points and Olajuwon scored 40 points in game four of the series, a 123-106 Houston win to tie the series. Then in game five, Houston advanced to the Western Conference semifinal, with a 95-91 win over Utah. Olajuwon scored 33 points and Drexler scored 31 points.
Shaquille O’Neal & Kobe Bryant– In the 2002 NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves down three games to two to the Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference Final. That is when Kobe and Shaq delivered their magic. In game six of the series, O’Neal had 41 points and Bryant had 31 points in a 106-102 Lakers win to keep the Lakers alive and force a seventh and deciding game. Then in game seven, the Lakers won 112-106 as O’Neal had 35 points and Bryant had 30 points.
LeBron James & Kyrie Irving–In games three and four of the 2017 NBA Finals, James and Irving each reached the 30-point plateau while with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In game three, a 118-113 Cleveland loss to Golden State, James had 39 points and Irving had 38 points. Then in game four, a 137-116 Cleveland win, James had 31 points and Irving had 40 points. The Warriors would win the series four games to one.
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