When the NBA Playoffs begin, a different level of basketball takes over. The pace slows, the defense tightens, and the stars stay on the court longer. Playoff basketball isn’t just about talent—it’s about endurance, focus, and how long your legs can hold up under the brightest lights. And when it comes to logging serious time in the postseason grind, a few active players stand in a class of their own.
Let’s take a look at the active leaders in playoff minutes played, and what their longevity tells us about greatness, resilience, and the art of postseason survival.
1. LeBron James — The Iron Throne 👑
No surprise here. LeBron James is in a league of his own when it comes to playoff minutes. Heading into the 2025 postseason, the King has logged over 11,700 playoff minutes, far and away the most of any active player—and the most in NBA history.
From his first playoff appearance in 2006 to his title runs in Miami, Cleveland, and L.A., LeBron has been the centerpiece of deep playoff pushes for nearly two decades. His ability to stay healthy, adapt his game, and perform at an elite level in his 40s is nothing short of astonishing. Every minute he plays in the postseason adds to a record that might never be broken.
2. Kevin Durant — The Silent Marathon 🐍
Kevin Durant comes next, with over 6,000 playoff minutes under his belt. While injuries have limited his appearances in recent years, KD has still been a major factor in deep playoff runs with Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn, and now Phoenix.
What makes Durant’s playoff minutes even more impressive is the level of efficiency he brings night after night. He’s not just logging time—he’s giving you 30 points on 55% shooting while guarding the opponent’s best wing. That kind of two-way effort, over that many minutes, speaks volumes about his place among the game’s greats.
3. Stephen Curry — Efficiency and Endurance 🎯
Right behind Durant is his former Splash Brother, Stephen Curry, who has also played well over 5,700 playoff minutes. Curry’s endurance sometimes goes under the radar because of how effortlessly he moves, but make no mistake—his off-ball activity alone burns serious energy.
What’s more impressive is how many of those minutes came in the Finals. With six Finals appearances and four rings, Curry has been the heartbeat of a dynasty, consistently stepping up when the lights are brightest. He’s not just a shooter—he’s a workhorse with a killer instinct.
4. James Harden — A Quiet Constant 🔥
James Harden may not have the rings, but he’s quietly climbed into the upper tier of playoff minutes as well, with over 5,500 minutes played. From his Sixth Man days in OKC to his superstar runs in Houston and Philly, Harden has been a playoff mainstay for over a decade.
While his playoff performances have had their ups and downs, his availability and consistency in reaching the postseason speaks to his value. Whether running point, drawing fouls, or hitting big shots, Harden has been a key figure in countless playoff battles.
5. Chris Paul — Point God, Long Time ⏳
Chris Paul rounds out the top five with over 5,200 playoff minutes. Known as the “Point God,” CP3 has brought leadership and precision to every team he’s touched—from New Orleans to the Clippers, to Phoenix, and now Golden State.
Though the elusive championship still evades him, Paul’s control of tempo and cerebral approach to the game have allowed him to remain effective deep into his 30s. Every playoff minute with CP3 on the floor is a masterclass in decision-making.
These five names—LeBron, Durant, Curry, Harden, and Paul—aren’t just playoff veterans. They’re survivors. They’ve carried teams, faced dynasties, battled injuries, and lived through the pressure that defines legacies. Their minutes played are more than just numbers—they’re stories, written in sweat and sealed in history.
So next time you see LeBron logging 44 minutes in a Game 7, just remember: greatness isn’t just what you do—it’s how long you can keep doing it.
