A researched consensus introduction to Walter Davis's defining games.
Editorial methodology and sources
Cross-checked official NBA and Suns histories, Rookie of the Year and Ring of Honor coverage, franchise scoring records, shooting landmarks, playoff series context, career highs, and archived box scores. The order centers Davis's leadership in Phoenix's 1984 conference-finals run, then preserves the singular efficiency record, rookie-season peak, and two-way playoff performance that define the franchise's longtime scoring leader.
- #1. Davis produced 27 points and 10 assists as Phoenix won 126–121 at Los Angeles in 1984 Western Conference finals Game 5, staving off elimination on the eventual champion Lakers' floor and extending the Suns' deepest run of his era. Suns: Walter Davis's career as Phoenix's scoring leader · NBA official Suns–Lakers Game 5 box score
- #2. Davis scored 34 points with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals as Phoenix beat Los Angeles 135–127 in 1984 conference-finals Game 3, earning the Suns' first victory of the series and halting the Lakers' 14-game winning streak. Suns: Walter Davis's Ring of Honor legacy · NBA official Lakers–Suns Game 3 box score
- #3. Davis made his first 15 field goals and all six free throws, scoring an NBA-record 34 consecutive points without a miss before finishing with 36 points, five rebounds, and five assists in Phoenix's 106–101 win at Seattle. Suns: Walter Davis's record-setting night · NBA official Suns–SuperSonics box score
- #4. During his Rookie of the Year season, Davis erupted for 40 points and 11 rebounds as Phoenix won 121–111 at Boston, an early all-around scoring peak in one of the finest rookie campaigns in Suns history. Suns: Walter Davis's historic Rookie of the Year season · NBA official Suns–Celtics box score
- #5. Davis scored 31 points with five rebounds, five assists, and five steals as Phoenix won 96–92 at Portland in the 1979 playoff opener, launching the conference-finals run that established the young All-NBA guard as a postseason force. Suns: Walter Davis's six-All-Star Phoenix career · NBA official Suns–Trail Blazers playoff box score
Reviewed through 2026-07-18