2nd: John Williamson – 38 points

Nets (vs. 76ers) – April 11, 1979

Another ABA stalwart, John Williamson was not new with the playoffs atmosphere. During his time with the Nets in the ABA, he was already an established scorer for the team. After the merger of the NBA and ABA, he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks but failed to get a roster spot.

After this, Williamson finessed his way back with the New Jersey Nets and was vital in turning things around for the team in the 1979 season as a starter. The New Jersey Nets secured a playoff spot in their first year in the NBA.

Against his fellow former ABA star Julius Erving, the two had an iconic match-up in the series opener. Williamson put up 38 points in a loss. Even though the Nets weren’t able to proceed to the next round, Williamson etched his legacy with the team’s success throughout the 80s.

After a couple of years, he was traded to the Washington Bullets in which he ended his career in the NBA. His impactful tenure with the Nets was repaid by retiring his No. 23 jersey in the rafters.

So, who leads the list of NBA players with most points in their playoff debut? Click on the next page to find out!