NBA Finals: 10 Greatest Finals Performances in NBA History

• The NBA Finals are a chance for NBA stars to write their names in history books
• Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and other stars have produced memorable performances in the NBA Finals in the past
• Sports Brief ranks the top 10 performances in NBA Finals history

The NBA Finals are underway. The Denver Nuggets are looking to win their first NBA title in franchise history, while the Miami Heat are looking for their fourth title.

The NBA Finals give players a chance to rise to the occasion and make a name for themselves.

We've seen some iconic performances in the NBA Finals from great players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O'Neal. Sports Brief looks at the top 10 NBA Finals performances in NBA history, per Sporting News.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2021

After a 50-year drought, the Milwaukee Bucks had a chance to lift the title in the 2021 NBA Finals. Up 3-2 against the Phoenix Suns, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo rose to the occasion. He dropped 50 points on 16-for-25 shooting from the field to hand the Bucks their long-awaited title, per ESPN. In that series, the Greek averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, 1.2 steals on 61.8 FG%.

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LeBron James, 2016

James and the Cleveland Cavaliers mounted one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. The odds were stacked against them, but their magical performance after they went 3-1 down handed Cleveland their first and only NBA title. James was the best player, but Kyrie Irving contributed as well. The four-time NBA champion averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks on 49.4 FG%.

Dwyane Wade, 2006

At 24 and in his third career postseason, Dwyane Wade helped the Miami Heat win their first-ever title, beating a 60-win Dallas Mavericks team. They went 0-2 down, but Wade's magical performances, including two 40-point games, saw the Heat win the next four to seal the title. Wade won the Finals MVP, averaging 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.

Shaquille O'Neal, 2000

Shaquille O'Neal is the most dominant NBA player ever. In the early 2000s, he was at the peak of his powers. He had at least 30 points in every game and three 40-point games as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers in six games. He averaged 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks.

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Tim Duncan, 1999

Tim Duncan announced himself on the biggest stage at just 23 years old and in his second NBA season. He led the San Antonio Spurs to title glory against the New York Knicks, averaging 27.4 points and 14.0 rebounds. He won the finals MVP, making him the second youngest player to win the award.

Michael Jordan, 1998

Jordan was the star of the show in the 1990s. He led the Chicago Bulls to six titles before leaving the team for the second and final time. In the 1998 NBA Finals, he was on fire. He averaged 33.5 points per game and scored 45 points in Game 6 as the Bulls beat the Utah Jazz to win his sixth Finals MVP and NBA title.

Hakeem Olajuwon, 1995

Although the 1990s belonged mostly to Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon took advantage of his hiatus to ascend to the top of the NBA with the Houston Rockets. In the 1995 NBA Finals, Olajuwon averaged 32.8 points and 11.5 rebounds as they beat the Orlando Magic, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. He is considered the first-ever international Finals MVP.

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Michael Jordan, 1993

Jordan averaged 41 points per game in the 1993 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, which is the most in NBA Finals history. He scored at least 30 points in each game, including four 40-point games. He had 55 points showcase in Game 4. The Bulls won their third straight title, and Jordan became the first player to win finals MVP in three consecutive years.

Bill Walton, 1977

The 1977 NBA Finals was the first since the NBA-ABA merger, and it involved the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers. The Sixers took a 2-0 series lead, but the Blazers, led by Walton, won four straight games to win the title. Walton averaged 18.5 points and 19.0 rebounds to win Finals MVP.

Jerry West, 1969

Jerry "The Logo" West was the first-ever Finals MVP. In the 1969 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics beat West's Lakers after overcoming a 0-2 deficit. By winning the MVP despite being on the losing side, West was and remains the only Finals MVP on a losing team in NBA history.

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Greatest NBA Finals run

Sports Brief earlier reported on the greatest NBA Finals runs by NBA teams over the years.

The Goolden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers are at the top as they lost just once en route to winning the NBA title.

Detroit Piston and the Bulls lost twice in the playoffs in their respective title runs.