15 All-Time Great Performances in the NBA Finals
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1. Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers - 2000
Shaq went all-in for his first NBA title, averaging 38 points, 16.7 rebounds and 2.67 blocks per game.
Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE/Getty Images -
2. Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons - 1990
Thomas led the Bad Boys of Detroit to consecutive NBA titles with 27.6 points and 7 assists per game against Portland.
Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein - Getty Images -
3. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls - 1998
The last of Jordan's six championships was sealed on an iconic jump shot by number 23 himself.
Credit: Scott Cunningham - Getty Images -
4. 2006: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Wade led the Heat out of an 0-2 hole against the Mavericks with a line of 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists to win the world title.
Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE/Getty Images -
5. Magic Johnson, L.A. Lakers - 1980
Nearly averaging a triple-double helped Magic win an MVP and lead the Lakers to a series win against Philadelphia.
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6. Jerry West, L.A. Lakers - 1969
Jerry West was so amazing in the '69 finals that he became the only MVP ever selected from the losing team.
Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein - Getty Images -
7. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls - 1997
Jordan famously overcame a flu in Game 5 of the '97 finals to score 38 points and lead the Bulls to victory over the Utah Jazz.
Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler - Getty Images -
8. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks - 2011
Nowitzki's 26 points and 9.6 rebounds per game led Dallas to their first ever NBA world title.
Credit: Don Emmert - Getty Images -
10. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets - 1995
"The Dream" was a nightmare for Shaq and the Orlando Magic, averaging 32.8 points and 11.5 in a Rockets sweep.
Credit: Fernando Medina - Getty Images -
11. LeBron James, Miami Heat - 2012
LeBron powered his way to his first NBA title with an MVP-award winning performance of 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game against Oklahoma City.
Credit: Issac Baldizon - Getty Images -
12. Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers - 2002
A third straight NBA championship was culminated with a third straight Finals MVP award for Shaq.
Credit: Fernando Medina - Getty Images -
13. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls - 1993
Nobody has ever averaged more points in an NBA Finals than Jordan's 41 per game against Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns.
Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein - Getty Images -
14. Larry Bird, Boston Celtics - 1984
The '84 Celtics snuck by the Lakers in seven games behind Larry Legend's 27.4 points and 14 rebounds.
Credit: Dick Raphael - Getty Images -
15. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers - 2009
Kobe put up 32.4 points and 7.4 assists as the Lakers blew out the Orlando Magic.
Credit: Garrett Ellwood - Getty Images
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