James Harden occupies a few of Houston’s top five spots.
Check out the best individual performances in Rockets playoff history.
1. Hakeem Olajuwon – 49 Points (1987 Western Conference Semifinals, Game 6)
Olajuwon left it all out on the floor with an unbelievable performance against the SuperSonics. He not only racked up a franchise-record 49 points that still stands nearly 40 years later, but he also pulled down 25 rebounds and swatted 6 shots. Ultimately, it was not enough as the Sonics would prevail 128-125 to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon – 46 Points (1994 Playoffs First Round, Game 2)
The Rockets were embarking on a title run in the 1994 playoffs and Olajuwon helped set the tone early with a terrific individual performance in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Trail Blazers. Olajuwon was exceptionally busy that night, going 16-for-30 from the floor and 13-for-18 from the charity stripe. He added six blocks and four steals over his 40 minutes of work. The Rockets would go on to win the NBA Championship that year, defeating the Knicks in 7 games.
3. James Harden – 45 Points (2015 Western Conference Finals, Game 4)
The Rockets were coming off a grueling, 7-game series victory over the Clippers and the reward was facing a Warriors team that was on the precipice of starting its dynasty. Harden was outstanding in that series and that was never more evident than his 45-point performance in the Rockets’ only win. He hit seven threes on 11 attempts and also pulled down nine rebounds over 40 minutes of action. The Rockets ultimately fell 4-1 to the eventual champs.
4. Hakeem Olajuwon – 45 Points (1995 Playoffs First Round, Game 1)
The Rockets were on the hunt for back-to-back rings in 1995. Olajuwon and Karl Malone had a clash of the titans down low in Game 1 of the Rockets vs. Jazz series where the Jazz took the series opener despite an amazing showing from Olajuwon. ‘The Dream’ went 20-for-30 from the floor and added eight boards and three blocks. The Rockets would bounce back to win the next four games and close out the series en route to repeating as NBA champs.
5. James Harden – 44 Points (2017 Playoffs First Round, Game 3)
Harden made his mark in this game by getting to the line, where he went 18-for-18. The Rockets would actually end up losing this game 115-113, but it was their lone blemish in the series as they closed it out in five games. Harden was terrific not only in this game, but throughout the entire series. He scored at least 30 points in four of the five games, including the 44-pointer in Game 3.
