Top playoff performances modern era

[glidedrxlr22]

ESPN: (http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8068148/nba-playoffs-top-25-performances-ever)

Greatest NBA playoff performances
We rank the top 25 single-game performances in NBA postseason history
Originally Published: June 20, 2012
ESPN.com

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The 2012 postseason has featured two instant-classic performances: Rajon Rondo's amazing 44-8-10 game and LeBron James' cold-blooded 45-15-5 follow-up to save Miami's season.

To put these games into perspective, we asked our writers to select the best playoff performances ever in the modern era, 1978 to 2012.

Here are our selections for the Top 25:

25. Dwyane Wade, Heat: 2006 NBA Finals, Game 3

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
43 14-26 1-2 13-18 13 2 2 0 1 42

Dwyane Wade drew favorable comparisons to Michael Jordan after Game 3 of the 2006 NBA Finals. With his Heat down 2-0 in the series and trailing the Dallas Mavericks by double digits late in Game 3, Wade went to work. He scored 15 fourth-quarter points to deliver the victory and salvage the series, finishing with 42 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals. A week later the Heat won the title and Wade was named NBA Finals MVP.

24. LeBron James, Cavaliers: 2009 Eastern Conference finals, Game 1

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
41 20-30 3-6 6-10 6 8 2 3 2 49

The Cleveland Cavaliers came into this game undefeated for the postseason, having swept the Pistons and Hawks in the first two rounds of the 2009 NBA playoffs. Cavs forward LeBron James was well-rested and ready for Game 1 of the East finals against the Orlando Magic. He made 20-of-30 field goals, scored 49 points and tallied eight assists, six rebounds and three blocks. Still, the Cavs lost the game and the series to Dwight Howard's Magic.

23. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 1988 Eastern Conference first round, Game 2

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 24-45 0-0 7-7 6 3 4 1 1 55

Michael Jordan victimized every team in the NBA during his reign with the Chicago Bulls. But he might have had a special thing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He broke Cavs fans' hearts on a number of occasions, including Game 2 of the 1988 Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Jordan dropped 55 points on the Cavs, shooting 24-of-45 from the field. He also hauled in six rebounds, had four steals and dished out three assists.

22. Rajon Rondo, Celtics: 2012 Eastern Conference finals, Game 2

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
53 16-24 2-2 10-12 8 10 3 0 3 44

At times, Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo appears to have superpowers. Rondo makes plays that mere mortals should not be able to make. In Game 2 of the 2012 Eastern Conference finals against Miami, Rondo put in a superhuman effort. He played all 53 minutes, scored 44 points, handed out 10 assists and grabbed eight rebounds. Rondo scored all of Boston's 12 points in overtime, but the Celtics lost to the Heat.

21. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 1993 Eastern Conference semifinals, Game 4

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
39 18-30 6-9 12-14 6 2 2 1 2 54

Michael Jordan was immensely talented as a basketball player. Yet despite his overall greatness, MJ was not known as an outstanding 3-point shooter. For his career, Jordan shot just 32 percent from downtown. But with the Chicago Bulls down 2-1 to the hated New York Knicks in Game 4 of the East semifinals, Jordan made 6-of-9 3-pointers on his way to 54 points in the 105-95 win. His line: 54 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

[glidedrxlr22]

20. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 1992 Eastern Conference first round, Game 3

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
43 20-30 0-0 16-18 5 5 4 2 2 56

Maybe this is why there's a banner with Jordan's name and number on it in AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami. Jordan and the Chicago Bulls swept the Miami Heat 3-0 in the first round of the 1992 Eastern Conference playoffs. In the clincher, Jordan made 20-of-30 field goals and 16-of-18 free throws for 56 points. He also had five rebounds and five assists and chipped in on the defensive end with four steals and two blocks.

19. Kobe Bryant, Lakers: 2001 Western Conference semifinals, Game 4

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
48 15-29 1-1 17-19 16 3 2 1 2 48

Kobe Bryant's impressive 48-point, 16-rebound, 3-assist outing helped the Los Angeles Lakers sweep the Sacramento Kings in the 2001 Western Conference semifinals. Bryant's dominant performance would launch him to the second of three straight NBA titles with the Lakers. L.A. lost only one game in the entire '01 playoffs ... a surprising overtime defeat at the hands of the Sixers at home in Game 1 on the NBA Finals.

18. Sleepy Floyd, Warriors: 1987 Western Conference semifinals, Game 4

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 18-26 2-3 13-14 3 10 4 0 2 51

"The Sleepy Floyd Game" has a special place in NBA history, because it was so unexpected. Floyd set the NBA playoff record for points in a quarter (29) and half (39) in a Warriors win over the Lakers. Floyd had scored just 19, 11 and 14 points in the first three games of the 1987 Western Conference semifinals; then, in Game 4 he exploded for 51 points, 10 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds.

17. Charles Barkley, Suns: 1993 Western Conference finals, Game 7

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
46 12-20 1-1 19-22 24 1 1 1 1 44

With a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, Charles Barkley delivered for the Phoenix Suns. Sir Charles scored 44 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in this Western Conference finals Game 7 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics. Barkley put loads of pressure on the Sonics' defense and earned many trips to the free throw line. He made 19-of-22 free throws while helping to get Shawn Kemp to foul out after 39 minutes of action.

16. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 1989 Eastern Conference first round, Game 5

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 17-32 1-1 9-13 9 6 1 0 2 44

Known simply as "The Shot," this one still gives Cleveland sports fans a stomachache. Michael Jordan's game-winning, series-clinching jump shot over a helpless Craig Ehlo lifted the Bulls to a 101-100 victory against the favored Cavaliers in this 1989 Eastern Conference first-round series. Jordan finished with 44 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The shot, the make, the leap and the wild, fist-pumping celebration are among the most iconic images in NBA history.

15. Isiah Thomas, Pistons: 1988 NBA Finals, Game 6

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 18-32 2-3 5-7 3 8 6 1 5 43

The pictures are burned into our basketball memory banks. Detroit Pistons guard Isiah Thomas making shot after shot while hopping up and down the court on one foot. It was Game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers and Thomas, playing on a sprained ankle, somehow produced a 24-point third quarter that nearly gave Detroit an upset victory and title. Thomas finished with 43 points, eight assists and six steals, but the Lakers won the game and the title in seven.

14. Tim Duncan, Spurs: 2003 NBA Finals, Game 1

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 11-17 0-0 10-14 20 6 3 7 1 32

When you talk about total domination in an NBA playoff game, this ranks at or near the very top. San Antonio Spurs big man Tim Duncan completely frustrated the New Jersey Nets at both ends of the floor in Game 1 of the 2003 NBA Finals. Not only did he have a big offensive night, but his effort on the defensive end of the floor was equally noteworthy. His line: 32 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 blocks, 3 steals.

13. Charles Barkley, Suns: 1993 Western Conference finals, Game 5

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
47 16-22 0-0 11-11 15 10 2 2 3 43

In his prime, Charles Barkley was a bucket-getter extraordinaire. He was a high-volume, high-percentage scorer. And that's what he did in Game 5 of the 1993 Western Conference finals between the Phoenix Suns and the Seattle SuperSonics. Sir Charles muscled his way to a tremendous 43-point night, shooting 16-of-22 from the floor and a perfect 11-for-11 from the line. He also managed to pick up 15 rebounds and 10 assists in the Suns' 120-114 victory over the Sonics.

12. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks: 2011 Western Conference finals, Game 1

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
41 12-15 0-0 24-24 6 4 0 4 2 48

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was unstoppable at the start of Game 1 of the 2011 Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nowitzki made 10 of his first 11 shots en route to a 48-point night. Nowitzki also made an NBA playoff-record 24 straight free throws. The Mavs had nine days off before the start of the Thunder series. Nowitzki said he got in some extra shooting practice during the layoff between rounds.

11. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 1993 NBA Finals, Game 4

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
46 21-37 0-1 13-18 8 4 0 0 1 55

Michael Jordan exploded for 55 points against Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the 1993 NBA Finals in Chicago. The Bulls, who were going for their third straight title, picked up their only home win in the series in this game. Jordan became the first player to score 40 or more points in four straight NBA Finals games. He averaged 41 points for the series, along with 8.5 boards and 6.3 assists, and amazingly committed only 16 turnovers in the six games.

[glidedrxlr22]

10. Shaquille O'Neal, Lakers: 2000 NBA Finals, Game 1

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 21-31 0-0 1-6 19 4 0 3 3 43

Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal set the tone for the 2000 NBA Finals in Game 1 with a 43-point, 19-rebound statement against the Indiana Pacers. O'Neal was at or near his powerful peak at the turn of the century and, on this night, Pacers center Rik Smits could not handle the Mighty Diesel. The Lakers took the series in six. It was the first of three straight titles for Los Angeles.

9. LeBron James, Heat: 2012 Eastern Conference finals, Game 6

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
45 19-26 2-4 5-9 15 5 0 0 4 45

LeBron James scores in any number of ways. He uses post-ups, turnarounds, pull-ups, half hooks, drives, dunks, putbacks, 3s, bank shots, floaters and more. It seemed like James unleashed his entire arsenal of scoring weapons against the Celtics in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference finals. James ended up with 45 points (19-of-26), 15 rebounds and five assists in a game his Miami Heat needed to win to stay alive in the playoffs.

8. Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets: 1987 Western Conference semis, Game 6

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
53 19-33 0-0 11-13 25 2 2 6 2 49

It is not easy to get on this list ... especially if you have a great performance, but your team ends up losing the game. That's the situation here with Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon. The Seattle SuperSonics beat the Rockets 128-125 in double overtime in Game 6 of the 1987 Western Conference semifinals, and the loss knocked the Rockets from the playoffs. But Olajuwon's brilliant 49-point, 25-rebound, six-block game is certainly worthy of high honors.

7. Charles Barkley, Suns: 1994 Western Conference first round, Game 3

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
41 23-31 3-4 7-9 14 4 3 1 2 56

As far as pure offense goes, this might be the very best playoff performance of all time. Against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 1994 Western Conference playoffs, Phoenix Suns forward Charles Barkley poured in 56 points on 23-of-31 shooting. Barkley shot an incredible 74 percent from the field, 75 percent on 3s and 77 percent from the free throw line. Barkley was one of 11 players in double figures and the Suns beat the Warriors 140-133.

6. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 1998 NBA Finals, Game 6

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 15-35 3-7 12-15 1 1 4 0 1 45

This game will be remembered for Michael Jordan's "push-off and pose" jumper that sent Utah Jazz defender Bryon Russell sliding toward the lane and the Chicago Bulls to their sixth championship of the MJ era. Jordan piled up 45 points on 15-of-35 shooting and, in typical Jordan fashion, was money down the stretch. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Jordan scored on a drive, stole the ball from Karl Malone and then offered his iconic game-winning shot to earn the 1998 NBA championship.

5. James Worthy, Lakers: 1988 NBA Finals, Game 7

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 15-22 0-0 6-10 16 10 2 0 5 36

It doesn't get any bigger than Game 7 of the NBA Finals, so "Big Game" James really earned his nickname in this one. Playing for the title at home against the Detroit Pistons, Worthy had 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. Worthy's first triple-double was good enough to lead the Lakers to back-to-back championships and earn him the 1988 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award.

4. LeBron James, Cavaliers: 2007 Eastern Conference finals, Game 5

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
50 18-33 2-3 10-14 9 7 2 0 2 48

LeBron James scored 29 of the Cavaliers' final 30 points against the Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills to lift his team to within a game of the NBA Finals. In this double-overtime thriller, James attacked the rim time and time again, throwing down numerous thunderous dunks. James finished with 48 points on 18-of-33 shooting from the field. He also had nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

3. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 1986 Eastern Conference first round, Game 2

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
53 22-41 0-0 19-21 5 6 3 2 4 63

"That was God disguised as Michael Jordan." Larry Bird said that after Jordan put up 63 points on the Celtics in a double-overtime, first-round playoff game at the Boston Garden in 1986. Jordan had been out almost the entire year with a broken foot, but returned late in the season to get the Bulls into the playoffs. The series went the minimum, as the eventual champs swept Chicago, but Jordan's spectacular performance set a playoff scoring record that still stands.

2. Michael Jordan, Bulls: 1997 NBA Finals, Game 5

MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
44 13-27 2-5 10-12 7 5 3 1 3 38

This is Michael Jordan's legendary "Flu Game" against the Utah Jazz from the 1997 NBA Finals. Jordan was clearly ill when he came to work the night of Game 5. He got off to a very slow start and the Jazz built a double-digit first-half lead. But as the game wore on, Jordan started to stack up points, despite obvious health issues, and led the Bulls back into contention. The Bulls edged out the Jazz in Game 5 and ended up winning the series in six games.

1. Magic Johnson, Lakers: 1980 NBA Finals, Game 6

MIN FGM-A FTM-A REB AST STL BLK TO PTS
47 14-23 14-14 15 7 3 1 5 42

With MVP center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out of the lineup with an ankle injury, things didn't look great for the Lakers heading to Philadelphia for Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals. That's when Earvin "Magic" Johnson uttered his famous line, "Never fear ... E.J. is here." The Lakers' rookie point guard started at center in Game 6 and drove L.A. to the series-clinching victory over the Sixers. Johnson stuffed the stat sheet with 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block and 3 steals.

[glidedrxlr22]

Honorable mention: Best single-game performances pre-1978

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers: 1974 Western Conference finals, Game 2
Abdul-Jabbar had 44 points (20-for-29) and 21 rebounds. The Bucks led by 20 points four minutes into the third quarter, but the Bulls got within three points twice in the final period at 94-91 and 104-101. The Bucks won the game 113-111.

Wilt Chamberlain, Lakers: 1972 NBA Finals, Game 5
It wasn't so much Chamberlain's stat line that stuck out; it's the fact that he took an anti-inflammatory injection before the game and played with his hand heavily bandaged (and reportedly broken). The Lakers won the game 114-100 over the Knicks, giving them their first title since moving to Los Angeles.

Walt Frazier, Knicks: 1970 NBA Finals, Game 7
Overshadowed by Willis Reed playing with a torn thigh muscle, Frazier tallied 36 points (12-for-17 from the field, 12-for-12 from the line), 19 assists and seven rebounds, leading the Knicks to a 113-99 win and their first NBA championship.

Jerry West, Lakers: 1969 NBA Finals, Game 1
West went off for 53 points (21-for-41) and 10 assists as the Lakers beat the Celtics 120-118 to take Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Bill Russell, Celtics: 1962 NBA Finals, Game 7
The memory is Bob Cousy burning time off the clock at the end of overtime by dribbling around the backcourt, but it was Bill Russell's 30 points and 40 rebounds that helped the Celtics beat the Lakers 110-107 in OT and win the NBA title.

Elgin Baylor, Lakers: 1962 NBA Finals, Game 5
Baylor set a Finals record, and then-postseason record, with 61 points (22-for-46 from the field, 17-for-19 from the line) against the Celtics in Boston for a 126-121 Lakers win that gave Los Angeles a 3-2 series lead. He also grabbed 22 rebounds.

Bob Pettit, Hawks: 1958 NBA Finals, Game 6
Pettit scored 50 points, including 19 of his team's last 21 points, in a 110-109 win that gave the Hawks their only NBA championship. His final basket came on a tip-in with 15 seconds remaining. He also collected 19 rebounds.

Bill Russell and Tom Heinsohn, Celtics: 1957 NBA Finals, Game 7
The Celtics won their first NBA title behind the play of two Boston rookies. While the Celtics beat the Hawks 125-123 in double overtime, Russell had 19 points and 32 rebounds and Heinsohn had 37 points and 23 rebounds. The Hawks had a final shot to win, but Bob Pettit's shot rolled off the rim.

Joe Fulks, Warriors: 1947 NBA Finals, Game 1
In the first NBA Finals, Fulks put on an exhibition for the home fans in Game 1, scoring 37 points -- with 29 in the second half. The Warriors won 84-71 in Game 1 and won the series in five games.

[WillC]

That's a carefully compiled list. I like it.

Barkley had some huge games in the playoffs.

A year later, it's nice to look back at Dirk's exploits last year and remember how incredible he played in the playoffs.

In my opinion they missed a very deserving performance by Tim Duncan:

Game 6 of the 2003 NBA Finals vs the Nets. Duncan finished with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks. He held Kenyon Martin to a 3-for-23 shooting performance. The victory sealed the championship.

Now that's dominance.

[guy]

That list was pretty bad. I have a hard time believing Bird and Kareem don't deserve to be on the list, specifically the game in the 1980 Finals when Kareem had one game where he scored a bunch of points in the end on one leg. Seems like they ignored alot of the 80s. Magic should probably have more then 1 too. I have a hard time believing Shaq shouldn't have more then 1, specifically in the 2000 and 2001 Finals. Something from AI's 2001 run should be in there. And what about Duncan's near quad double in game 6 of the 2003 Finals? KG's game 7 in 2004 vs. the Kings? And I know Jordan is all over the list, but how the hell is game 2 vs. the Lakers when he barely missed a shot and game 1 vs. the Blazers when he scored 35 first half points not on there? I am surprised they didn't sprinkle the list with a bunch of Kobe's performances. They at least got that right by only putting 1 on there, cause he is very overrated as a playoff performer.

[andgar923]

*grabs popcorn*

[pauk]

:applause:

[Da_Realist]

That list was pretty bad. I have a hard time believing Bird and Kareem don't deserve to be on the list, specifically the game in the 1980 Finals when Kareem had one game where he scored a bunch of points in the end on one leg. Seems like they ignored alot of the 80s. Magic should probably have more then 1 too. I have a hard time believing Shaq shouldn't have more then 1, specifically in the 2000 and 2001 Finals. Something from AI's 2001 run should be in there. And what about Duncan's near quad double in game 6 of the 2003 Finals? KG's game 7 in 2004 vs. the Kings? And I know Jordan is all over the list, but how the hell is game 2 vs. the Lakers when he barely missed a shot and game 1 vs. the Blazers when he scored 35 first half points not on there? I am surprised they didn't sprinkle the list with a bunch of Kobe's performances. They at least got that right by only putting 1 on there, cause he is very overrated as a playoff performer.

Neither is his 42 point near triple double in the 1993 Finals or his 38 point near triple double in the 1997 Finals. Or his masterpieces in Detroit (Games 3 and 4) in 1991 ECF. He had some dominant performances against New York, Philly and Milwaukee that wasn't included either. I can think of about 15 games I'd watch over his 63 point game vs the Celtics. It's infamous, but not one of his best.

And Magic's Game 3 vs Detroit in 1988 should always be mentioned and I prefer that to the 42-15 game in the 1980 Finals. Game 2 was special, too. And the whole 1987 NBA Finals was legendary. No mention of any of those games?

Larry had a 15-20 fgs game in the sweltering heat of the Boston Garden during the 1984 Finals. Some of his games against Detroit in 1987 were :bowdown: . The 1986 Finals. No mention on any of them.

Really, those guys should have been excluded and put on a separate list --> "25 Best playoff performances by Bird, Magic and Jordan"

[Deuce Bigalow]

That list was pretty bad. I have a hard time believing Bird and Kareem don't deserve to be on the list, specifically the game in the 1980 Finals when Kareem had one game where he scored a bunch of points in the end on one leg. Seems like they ignored alot of the 80s. Magic should probably have more then 1 too. I have a hard time believing Shaq shouldn't have more then 1, specifically in the 2000 and 2001 Finals. Something from AI's 2001 run should be in there. And what about Duncan's near quad double in game 6 of the 2003 Finals? KG's game 7 in 2004 vs. the Kings? And I know Jordan is all over the list, but how the hell is game 2 vs. the Lakers when he barely missed a shot and game 1 vs. the Blazers when he scored 35 first half points not on there? I am surprised they didn't sprinkle the list with a bunch of Kobe's performances. They at least got that right by only putting 1 on there, cause he is very overrated as a playoff performer.
:oldlol:

[Mr Know It All]

IMO Dirk's game 5 against Phoenix in 2006 was more impressive than his 2011 48 pointer against OKC:

50 points on 14/26, 17/18 FTs, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

[guy]

:oldlol:

Overrated doesn't mean he's not great. Odd, I got your exact response from real GM. He is overrated. The fact that he only has 1 performance on this list even with so many great performances that I mentioned that were not included shows that.

[Horatio33]

Duncan 21pt, 20reb, 10assist, 8block game six close out win 2003 finals.

[Magic 32]

Some stuff is missing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBseRlgoSLc

The most :eek: game in Jordans finals career. 15-18 from the floor and still double digits in assists. Still can't fully comprehend it.

5 Kobe games worth at least a mention:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkvpnmAk2xU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS7cITR_ymc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_45hPxUSCQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW-ejPA-Fdc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTKa3arJtJo

[IGotACoolStory]

Duncan's stats in that entire 03 playoffs are absurd.

[OldSchoolBBall]

Two glaring omissions:

Michael Jordan, Game 2 vs. LA had 33 pts/7 reb/13 ast/2 stl/1 blk on 15-18 FG (including 13 straight made FG's at one point, capped off by "the move" where he switched hands mid-air) and huge defensive impact. Possibly the most perfect playoff game ever played.

In 1992 Game 1 vs, Portland he had 35 points in the first half including an NBA record 6 three-pointers. He finished with 39 pts/11 ast/2 stl as he focused on passing in the second half. What few people realize is that he could have EASILY had a 43+ point first half, since he scored 35 despite sitting out 7:00 of the half and was absolutely on fire from everywhere. Could have also had a 55-60+ point game if he wanted to if the Bulls weren't rolling. Another game that's as close to perfect as possible.

[Deuce Bigalow]

Overrated doesn't mean he's not great. Odd, I got your exact response from real GM. He is overrated. The fact that he only has 1 performance on this list even with so many great performances that I mentioned that were not included shows that.
:wtf:
I don't have a RealGM account

Also, Kareem is not on that list at all. I guess he's overrated too huh?
Kobe had a 49 point & 10 assist game, that should be on there, Also a 50 point game with 20 made FG deserves a mention.

[nightprowler10]

Barkley's triple double behind LeBron's big game this year?

[guy]

:wtf:
I don't have a RealGM account

Also, Kareem is not on that list at all. I guess he's overrated too huh?
Kobe had a 49 point & 10 assist game, that should be on there, Also a 50 point game with 20 made FG deserves a mention.

I clearly stated that it was stupid that no Kareem performance was on that list and that its pretty clear that they ignored alot of the 80s.

Great game, but no. There's alot more glaring omissions which I mentioned. Kobe's game 1 vs. the Spurs in 2001 was better then that game.

He's definitely overrated as a playoff performer. Even if you think he should have more then 1 on this list, the fact that the writers from ESPN, who are in love with the most recent history and love to push players like Kobe and Lebron down our throats, didn't have enough conviction to do that is a great example of this. Hell, the fact that Lebron has more then Kobe on this list despite being around about half as long and having nowhere near as great of a playoff reputation and the fact that no one thinks thats egregious is a great of example of that as well.

[jlauber]

Honorable mention: Best single-game performances pre-1978

Wilt Chamberlain, Lakers: 1972 NBA Finals, Game 5
It wasn't so much Chamberlain's stat line that stuck out; it's the fact that he took an anti-inflammatory injection before the game and played with his hand heavily bandaged (and reportedly broken). The Lakers won the game 114-100 over the Knicks, giving them their first title since moving to Los Angeles.





First of all, WHY couldn't they POST his stat line? All he did was score 24 points, on 10-14 shooting, with 10 blocks, and with 29 rebounds (the ENTIRE NY team had 39.)

Secondly, he played with BOTH wrists heavily wrapped. Why? One had was badly sprained, and the other...FRACTURED.

Third, how about Wilt's game six of the '70 Finals, in a "must-win" game, when he hung a 45 point, 20-27 shooting, 27 rebound game. All achieved only four months after MAJOR KNEE SURGERY.

Or, Wilt's game seven of the '70 playoffs against Phoenix, when he brought his Lakers back from a 3-1 series deficit, and again, on basically ONE LEG, with a 30 point, 27 rebound, 11 block game.

Or Wilt's clinching game five performance in the '67 ECF's, which ended the Celtic's eight year reign, in which he pounded Russell by outscoring him, 29-4; outshooting him, 10-16 to 2-5; outassisting him, 13-7; blocking 7 shots, and outrebounding Russell, 36-21.

Or Chamberlain's game one of that '67 ECF series, when he put up a 24-32-13-12 QUAD-DOUBLE game.

Or Wilt's "must-win" game five performance, against Russell, in the '66 ECF's, when he scored 46 points, on 19-34 shooting, with 34 rebounds.

Or Wilt taking his 40-40 Sixers to a game seven, one point loss, against the 62-18 Celtics, with a 30 point, on 12-15 shooting, with 32 rebound game.

Or Wilt's game four in the '64 Finals, and against Russell, in which he outscored Russell, 27-8, and outrebounded him, 38-19.

Or Wilt's game seven of the '64 WCF's, when he hung a 39 point, 26 rebound, 10 block game on the Hawks.

Or Wilt's game five in that same series against the Hawks, when he scored 50 points, on 22-32 shooting, with 15 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Or Wilt's game two of the '62 ECF's, when Chamberlain outscored Russell, 42-9, and outrebounded him, 37-20.

Or Wilt's game five, in a best-of-five series, against Syracuse in the '62 playoffs, in which he scored 56 points, with 35 rebounds.

Or Wilt's "must-win" game five in the '60 ECF's, and against Russell, in which he scored 50 points, on 22-42 shooting, with 35 rebounds.

Or Wilt's game three, in a best-of-three series, in the '60 playoffs (his rookie season BTW), in which he scored 53 points, on 24-42 shooting, with 22 rebounds.

I could list many more, as well.

[Deuce Bigalow]

AHAHAHAHA Wilt not even on there

u mad?

[The Iron Fist]

That's a carefully compiled list.
When you have to separate with "pre", it makes the list shit.

[Rake2204]

Of the top four, I'd seen two (the Flu Game and LeBron vs. the Pistons). James' performance was much more stunning for me to watch. I don't know if it makes it better, but that 4th quarter and overtime stretch is one of the best hours of individual basketball performance I've ever witnessed in my life, if not the best.

[Odinn]

It's like fap fap time for Jordan&LeBron.

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

weird that they did not include the games from the 60s and 70s.
Elgin Baylors 61 and 22 has to be ranked amongst the greates of all time....not just "honorable mention"

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

When you have to separate with "pre", it makes the list shit.
this.

[jlauber]

AHAHAHAHA Wilt not even on there

u mad?

Which list?

The Post-1978 season list (the so-called modern era list), which came five years after Wilt retired? Or the "honorable mention pre-1978 list" which did indeed have a Chamberlain game (listed at #2 BTW)?

In any case, Chamberlain had MANY MONUMENTAL playoff games, and the vast majority came against HOF starting centers (whom he faced in 105 of his 160 post-season game...as well as another 26 games against a multiple All-star starting center.)

[imdaman99]

didnt obviously watch this... but how the hell is clyde frazier game 7 just a fckin honorable mention???????????

[SevereUpInHere]

Iverson game 1 2001 finals anyone??

[dynasty1978]

Iverson game 1 2001 finals anyone??

Exactly, ESPN has a short memory. That Iverson performance was legendary, against perhaps the greatest post-season team ever.

Kobe's 45 pts, 10 rebounds vs. the Spurs in Game 1 deserves a place considering that team was #1 in D and set the stage for a series sweep.

[dynasty1978]

Shaq, Kobe, and Magic have only 1 mention each on that list.

That's how you know it's utter rubbish.

[jlauber]

When you have to separate with "pre", it makes the list shit.

And why draw the line from '78? '76-77 was the first year of the ABA merger (only six teams BTW.) Why not '80, or '70, or 60?

In any case, there were MANY sensational performances before '78, and there were a considerable number of performances pre-'78 that were the equal, or better, than those listed in that time frame.

[jlauber]

BTW, no mention of West's game seven of the '69 Finals, in which he hung a 42-13-12 game?

[Psileas]

weird that they did not include the games from the 60s and 70s.
Elgin Baylors 61 and 22 has to be ranked amongst the greates of all time....not just "honorable mention"

Even worse, they add the titles:

"NBA playoffs - Top 25 performances ever".
"We rank the top 25 single-game performances in NBA postseason history".
:facepalm

Apart from this, as already explained, this list has too many ommisions: Shaq with only 1 game? Magic with 1? Kareem and Bird with 0? Hakeem with 0 performances from the 1988 or 1995 playoffs? Duncan's near QD and defensive domination in 2003 Finals' Game 6 nowhere to be seen? Nope, no "small guy" bias here. :rolleyes:
Needless to say, the "honorable mention" is not any better.

BTW, the only reason I see for posting performances only after 1977 is in order to be able to get full stats for all of them. From 1978 and on started the modern boxscores era, not the modern NBA era.

[markymark]

AI has AT LEAST 2 performances that were top 25-worthy in that 01 run. BS list. Fck ESPN.

[Da_Realist]

1992 ECSF Knicks vs Bulls Game 7 might be better than all of MJ's playoff games.

[Rake2204]

Stupid hypothetical: As great as LeBron James' performance was in 2007 against the Pistons, do you guys believe it would have turned out differently if Ben Wallace was still playing for Detroit that year? Further, even without Ben, would it have made a difference if Antonio McDyess had not been ejected early in the first half?

I imagine LeBron still would have done LeBron things, and the most spectacular of his buckets were his insane 23 foot pull-ups and fallaways over double teams (of which there were many). But just in theory, if it were Ben Wallace responsible for coming from the helpside and not Jason Maxiell, could James have been curbed enough to allow Detroit to prevail, considering Detroit almost won already, even with James' performance?

[pauk]

Where is 1984 Larry Bird? :rolleyes:

[pauk]

Stupid hypothetical: As great as LeBron James' performance was in 2007 against the Pistons, do you guys believe it would have turned out differently if Ben Wallace was still playing for Detroit that year? Further, even without Ben, would it have made a difference if Antonio McDyess had not been ejected early in the first half?

I imagine LeBron still would have done LeBron things, and the most spectacular of his buckets were his insane 23 foot pull-ups and fallaways over double teams (of which there were many). But just in theory, if it were Ben Wallace responsible for coming from the helpside and not Jason Maxiell, could James have been curbed enough to allow Detroit to prevail, considering Detroit almost won already, even with James' performance?

That game wouldnt have turned differently for Lebron even if Hakeem, Wilt, Jordan, Malone and Magic or Jesus or Mohammed were playing............. he was simply on fire and thats an understatement....

[RaininTwos]

AI has AT LEAST 2 performances that were top 25-worthy in that 01 run. BS list. Fck ESPN.
Yeah AI's Finals Game 1 performance should have been top 10 easy.

I think his 55 point game on 65% shooting against the Hornets should be up there as well.I think that was 03.

[TheMarkMadsen]

Do people actually take ESPN seriously anymore? Their just there to push an agenda.



How does Kobe's 2010 series against PHX not even get mentioned?
:biggums:

[PickernRoller]

Do people actually take ESPN seriously anymore? Their just there to push an agenda.



How does Kobe's 2010 series against PHX not even get mentioned?
:biggums:

They are there to push an agenda?

Fox sleeps with GOP, MSNBC, ABC with the Dems...everyone tries to push an agenda. It's a matter of you caring or not. At the end of the day it was people like you and me who decided on it....no perfect answer.

[I LUV KOBE]

That list sucks.. Two from Lebrick in the top ten, no way..

[guy]

Do people actually take ESPN seriously anymore? Their just there to push an agenda.



How does Kobe's 2010 series against PHX not even get mentioned?
:biggums:

It's games not series. Kobe had an all time great series but there was no game in that series that deserved to be on that list.

For what reason would espn have an agenda against Kobe, probably a top 3 most popular athlete in the world? That makes no sense at all. He just didn't really deserve anymore on that list.

[Freedom Kid7]

How does Duncan's game 6 in the '03 finals not get on there?
:biggums:

[Horatio33]

Duncan 2003 WCF game 3 34/24/6 with 8 blocks.

[Wally450]

I feel Rondo's 09 Game 4 vs Cleveland was better than his 44 pt performance