Last Updated on May 21, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Denver Nuggets have featured some of the NBA’s most explosive postseason scorers across multiple eras. From the smooth offensive brilliance of Alex English to the all-around dominance of Nikola Jokić, Denver’s playoff history is filled with elite offensive talent.

This ranking examines the greatest playoff scorers in Nuggets history based on postseason points totals, scoring averages, iconic playoff performances, and overall postseason impact.

1. Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokić has become the greatest playoff scorer in Denver Nuggets history.

He already leads the franchise in playoff points with more than 2,700 postseason points while combining elite scoring efficiency with historic playmaking and rebounding. (Land of Basketball)

Jokić’s 2023 championship run cemented his place among the greatest postseason performers ever. He scored 600 points during the 2023 playoffs, the highest single-playoff scoring total in franchise history. (StatMuse)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • 2023 NBA champion
  • NBA Finals MVP
  • Franchise leader in playoff points
  • Highest playoff scoring average in Nuggets history
  • Nuggets playoff single-game scoring record

Jokić scored 53 points against the Phoenix Suns during the 2023 playoffs, the highest-scoring postseason game in franchise history. (StatMuse)

2. Alex English

Alex English was the face of Nuggets basketball throughout the 1980s and one of the most consistent playoff scorers of his generation.

English scored more than 1,500 playoff points for Denver and averaged 26.1 points per game in the postseason with the franchise. (Land of Basketball)

His smooth mid-range scoring, transition offense, and efficient shooting made him one of the NBA’s most difficult players to defend.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Over 1,500 playoff points with Denver
  • One of the highest playoff scoring averages in franchise history
  • Multiple elite playoff scoring runs
  • Offensive centerpiece of the 1980s Nuggets

English also produced several 40-point playoff games during Denver’s high-scoring era.

3. Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray has delivered some of the most explosive playoff scoring performances in Nuggets history.

Known for his shot-making ability and scoring streaks, Murray became a postseason star during Denver’s deep playoff runs in 2020 and 2023. He ranks second in franchise history in playoff points with nearly 2,000 postseason points. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • 2023 NBA champion
  • Multiple 50-point playoff games
  • One of the best playoff scoring guards in franchise history
  • Elite postseason shot creator

Murray scored 50 points twice during the 2020 playoffs against the Utah Jazz, producing one of the greatest scoring series performances ever by a Nuggets player. (Land of Basketball)

4. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony helped revive Nuggets basketball during the 2000s and quickly became one of the franchise’s elite playoff scorers.

Anthony scored 1,104 playoff points for Denver while averaging 24.5 points per game in the postseason with the franchise. (Land of Basketball)

His isolation scoring, mid-range game, and physical offensive style made him one of the league’s most dangerous postseason forwards.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Over 1,100 playoff points with Denver
  • One of the best playoff scoring averages in franchise history
  • Western Conference Finals appearance
  • Multiple dominant postseason scoring performances

Anthony averaged 30.7 points per game during the 2010 playoffs, one of the best postseason scoring averages in Nuggets history. (Land of Basketball)

5. Dan Issel

Dan Issel was one of the Nuggets’ most productive playoff scorers during the late 1970s and 1980s.

His interior scoring, rebounding, and physical style helped anchor Denver’s offense during multiple playoff appearances.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Over 1,000 playoff points with Denver
  • Elite low-post scorer
  • Important leader during the early Nuggets era
  • Consistent playoff production

Issel also posted several outstanding playoff scoring runs during Denver’s high-tempo offensive years. (Land of Basketball)

6. David Thompson

David Thompson was one of the most electrifying scorers in NBA history and an early superstar for the Nuggets.

His athleticism and scoring ability translated well to postseason basketball, where he averaged 23.8 points per game in the playoffs for Denver. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Elite playoff scoring guard
  • One of the NBA’s greatest athletes
  • Multiple explosive postseason scoring performances
  • Hall of Fame career

Thompson’s scoring brilliance helped establish Denver as an exciting offensive franchise.

7. Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as one of the Nuggets’ most productive secondary playoff scorers during the Jokić era.

His elite perimeter shooting and ability to score efficiently without dominating the ball have made him a critical postseason weapon for Denver.

Porter already ranks among the franchise leaders in playoff points and played a major role during the Nuggets’ 2023 championship run. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • 2023 NBA champion
  • One of Denver’s best playoff three-point shooters
  • Important secondary scorer
  • Multiple deep playoff runs

Honorable Mentions

  • Fat Lever
  • Kiki Vandeweghe
  • Chauncey Billups
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Allen Iverson

Final Thoughts

The Denver Nuggets have featured elite playoff scorers across multiple generations, but Nikola Jokić now stands clearly at the top of the franchise’s postseason scoring history.

From Alex English’s offensive dominance in the 1980s to Jamal Murray’s playoff explosions and Carmelo Anthony’s scoring brilliance, the Nuggets have consistently relied on star scorers during their biggest postseason moments.

Sources: