Talking about the great performances in NBA Finals history brings up a lot of exciting memories. Take Michael Jordan, for instance. In the 1993 Finals against the Phoenix Suns, he averaged a jaw-dropping 41.0 points per game across the six games. Now, that’s a number that just jumps off the screen. Scoring 41 points per game in an NBA Finals series is almost unheard of. Jordan’s performance in that series, particularly in Game 4 where he scored 55, was nothing short of legendary. It’s hard to imagine anyone playing at that intense level, but when you are ‘His Airness,’ anything is possible.
Another standout performance has to be Magic Johnson in the 1980 NBA Finals. He stepped up when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was injured and couldn’t play Game 6. At just 20 years old, Magic played all five positions and still managed to put up 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to help the Lakers clinch the title. That game emphasized why Magic is still considered one of the game’s greatest. The point guard position often sees players primarily acting as facilitators, but Magic showed he could score and dominate physically when needed. He literally redefined what we could expect from a point guard.
LeBron James also deserves a mention. In the 2016 Finals, LeBron led the Cleveland Cavaliers back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series in seven games against a record-setting 73-9 Golden State Warriors team. During that series, LeBron averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists. His monumental block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 is still one of the most talked-about plays in NBA history, and it’s no wonder why. The sheer athleticism required for that chase-down block, especially during the closing minutes of such a critical game, speaks volumes about his dedication and skill.
Then there’s Shaquille O’Neal in the 2000 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Shaq averaged 38 points and 16.7 rebounds per game over the series. His sheer dominance in the paint showed why he was one of the most physically imposing players to ever step on the court. The center position is usually filled with large, imposing figures, but Shaq was on another level. I remember watching those games and being awed by his ability to bully his way to the basket.
In recent years, Kevin Durant’s performance in the 2017 Finals also stands out. Facing off against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Durant averaged 35.2 points, along with 8.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. What made Durant’s performance particularly special was his efficiency—he shot 55.6% from the field and an incredible 47.4% from three-point range. It’s one thing to score a lot of points, but to do so with such high efficiency in the pressure cooker of the Finals is truly extraordinary. This performance cemented his place in history and showcased his remarkable scoring ability.
Even players sometimes overlooked can show up for the Finals. Dwyane Wade in the 2006 Finals against the Dallas Mavericks is a prime example. Over the six-game series, Wade averaged 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. This was a series where Wade just refused to lose, leading the Miami Heat to their first championship. His ability to draw fouls and score was remarkable; Wade shot 97 free throws over the six games, making 75. That’s a lot of trips to the line and a testament to his aggressive playing style.
Another unforgettable moment came from Tim Duncan during the 2003 Finals. Against the New Jersey Nets, Duncan averaged 24.2 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 5.3 blocks per game. His Game 6 performance, where he almost had a quadruple-double with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks, was a masterclass in versatility. Duncan’s ability to contribute in so many facets of the game made him a cornerstone for the Spurs and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest power forwards ever.
How could we forget Dirk Nowitzki in the 2011 Finals? Leading the Dallas Mavericks against the favored Miami Heat, Dirk was phenomenal. He averaged 26 points and 9.7 rebounds while shooting nearly 98% from the free-throw line. Nowitzki’s clutch performances in Games 2 and 4, where he battled illness and still managed to lead his team to victory, were nothing short of heroic. Dirk’s unique skill set, being a seven-footer with a deadly jump shot, made him almost unguardable throughout the series.
Finally, I have to mention Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 Finals performance against the Golden State Warriors. Leonard averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA title. What stood out most was Kawhi’s ability to be a two-way force. During the series, he was tasked with guarding the Warriors’ prolific scorers while still being the main offensive weapon for his own team. Leonard’s incredible versatility and composure underscored the Raptors’ remarkable run and his Finals MVP performance proved he was amongst the elite in the NBA.
These were some unforgettable performances that shaped NBA (National Basketball Association) history. For anyone interested in more sports highlights and in-depth match analysis, Arena Plus offers a plethora of engaging content. You can check them out at arena plus.