The 2026 NBA Playoffs are officially upon us, promising another electrifying chapter in basketball history! As teams battle for the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy, individual legends and rising stars alike are poised to etch their names deeper into the record books. From scoring binges to defensive masterclasses, the postseason stage is set for an avalanche of historic achievements.
Key Milestones to Watch
- Kevin Durant is on the verge of passing Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal in all-time playoff scoring.
- LeBron James aims to climb to No. 2 all-time in playoff 3-pointers, potentially surpassing Klay Thompson.
- James Harden is closing in on 4,000 career playoff points and multiple Top 10 spots in assists and steals.
- Young dynamos like Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are rapidly ascending their respective franchise record lists.
League-Wide Legends: Chasing All-Time Greatness
KD's Unstoppable Ascent: Playoff Scoring and More
Kevin Durant has already surpassed Michael Jordan in regular-season scoring, and now the 2026 NBA Playoffs are his next target. The Rockets star needs just 188 points to leapfrog Tim Duncan for 6th all-time and 266 points to pass Shaquille O'Neal for 5th. Given his consistent postseason output, these benchmarks are firmly in his sights.
Beyond scoring, Durant (1,684 playoff FGs) is also chasing Karl Malone for 7th in playoff field goals and 4th in free throws (needing only 19 more to pass Malone). His all-around offensive brilliance continues to redefine the playoff landscape.
LeBron James: The King of Playoff Threes
LeBron James, ever the record-breaker, is focused on the three-point arc this postseason. The Lakers icon currently sits at 480 career playoff threes. He needs just 32 more to eclipse Klay Thompson (501) and claim the No. 2 spot all-time. A deep playoff run from Los Angeles could easily see this historic mark fall.
James Harden's Historic Playmaking & Scoring Punch
The Cleveland Cavaliers' orchestrator, James Harden, may not be in his prime scoring days, but his playoff resume is still elite. He's only three points away from passing Larry Bird for 13th all-time and a mere 105 points from joining the exclusive 4,000-point playoff club. Harden has consistently cleared this scoring threshold in recent postseasons.
Harden is also poised to climb the assists ladder, needing just 12 dimes to pass Rajon Rondo for 7th, and 19 to leapfrog Rondo again for 6th. A long playoff run could even see him challenge Chris Paul for 5th. Furthermore, the veteran guard could enter the Top 10 in playoff steals with 11 more takeaways, passing Manu Ginobili.
The Three-Point Brigade: KD, Tatum, George Eyeing Milestones
The long-range game is crucial in today's NBA, and several stars are closing in on significant three-point records. Kevin Durant needs 20 more 3-pointers to pass Ray Allen for 5th all-time.
Jayson Tatum is on the cusp of entering the Top 10, needing just three triples to pass J.R. Smith. Close behind, Paul George requires 19 to also surpass Smith and join the elite group.
Franchise Feats: Local Legends Chasing Immortality
Boston Celtics: Brown and Tatum's Green Legacy
Jaylen Brown is rapidly becoming a Celtics playoff legend. He's within reach of passing Sam Jones for 5th in playoff points (needing 302) and Marcus Smart for 5th in steals (needing 11). He can also climb the ranks in rebounds, field goals, and free throws, further cementing his place in Boston history.
Alongside Brown, Jayson Tatum is targeting Kevin McHale for 3rd all-time in Celtics playoff scoring, needing 247 points. He also needs just one steal to pass Marcus Smart for 4th and is within striking distance of Robert Parish in field goals.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Mitchell and Mobley Making Their Mark
Donovan Mitchell is quickly ascending the Cavaliers' playoff scoring list, with 132 points needed to pass J.R. Smith for 5th. He's also eyeing Top 5 spots in assists, field goals, and 3-pointers, needing just three triples to pass Kyle Korver.
Defensive anchor Evan Mobley, a former Kia Defensive Player of the Year, needs just 14 blocks to surpass Hot Rod Williams for 5th in Cavs playoff history. He's also close to cracking the Top 10 in rebounding, needing 29 to pass J.R. Smith.
Denver Nuggets: Jokić, Murray, Gordon's Championship Pursuit
Nikola Jokić, the reigning Finals MVP, is already a Nuggets' record-holder in many categories. This season, he can reach No. 2 in playoff 3-pointers and attempts, surpassing Michael Porter Jr. (needing two 3PM and 20 3PA).
Jamal Murray is poised to pass Dan Issel for 4th in rebounds (needing eight) and Alex English in free throws and attempts (needing 17 FT and 43 FTA).
Aaron Gordon aims to rise in assists, steals, blocks, and three-point shooting for the Nuggets, needing 82 assists to pass Lafayette Lever for 4th.
Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green's Defensive Impact, Offensive Climb
Draymond Green, known for his defensive prowess, is also making moves on the offensive side of Warriors playoff records. He needs only seven field goals to pass Rick Barry for 3rd all-time and five free throws to also surpass Barry for 2nd.
Houston Rockets: Clint Capela Closing in on Harden
Clint Capela, despite his trade history, is still near the top of Rockets playoff rebounding. He needs just 15 boards to pass James Harden for 3rd in franchise history, a likely feat given his typical playoff output.
Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron's Defensive and Shooting Ascent
LeBron James continues to defy age, and for the Lakers, he's closing in on defensive milestones. He needs 10 steals to pass Jamaal Wilkes for 10th and 13 blocks to pass Magic Johnson for 15th in team playoff history.
