Kevin Johnson

Cross-checked official NBA and Suns histories, Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame coverage, playoff series records, Game 7 scoring records, career highs, and archived box scores. The order centers Johnson's leadership of Phoenix's 1990 Lakers breakthrough and his signature attack on Hakeem Olajuwon, then balances his Game 7 scoring record with his Finals contribution and the 1989 playoff arrival that transformed the franchise.

1. #1. Johnson scored 37 points with eight assists and two steals as Phoenix won 106–103 at Los Angeles in 1990 conference-semifinal Game 5, completing the franchise's first playoff-series victory over the Lakers and returning the Suns to the conference finals. Suns: Kevin Johnson's Hall of Fame case and Lakers breakthrough · NBA official Suns–Lakers Game 5 box score
2. #2. Johnson poured in 38 points with 12 assists as Phoenix won 107–96 at Houston in 1994 conference-semifinal Game 4, evening the series and producing his enduring one-handed baseline dunk over Hakeem Olajuwon. Suns: Kevin Johnson's signature dunk over Hakeem Olajuwon · NBA official Suns–Rockets Game 4 box score
3. #3. Johnson scored a playoff-career-high 46 points and added 10 assists in the deciding game of the 1995 Houston series, setting a mark that remains among the highest individual totals in NBA Game 7 history despite Phoenix's 115–114 loss. NBA official Game 7 information guide · NBA official Rockets–Suns Game 7 box score
4. #4. Johnson answered a difficult start to the 1993 Finals with 25 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block over 62 minutes as Phoenix survived Chicago 129–121 in triple overtime for the franchise's first Finals victory since 1976. Suns: Kevin Johnson's role in the 1993 Finals run · NBA official Suns–Bulls Finals Game 3 box score
5. #5. In the first home playoff game of Phoenix's 1989 renaissance, Johnson delivered 34 points, 14 assists, and four steals in a 132–114 win over Denver, driving a sweep during the 28-to-55-win transformation that ultimately reached the conference finals. Suns: Kevin Johnson sparked Phoenix's 1989 transformation · NBA official Nuggets–Suns playoff box score

Reviewed through 2026-07-18