What's Jordan's Best Finals?

[Wade's Rings]

1991: 31/7/11/2.8/1.4 shooting 56%
-38/8/12 shooting 58% in Game 1
-33/7/13 shooting 83% in Game 2
-29/9/9 in Game 3 + Clutch shot to send Game 3 to Overtime
-28/5/13 shooting 55% in Game 4
-30 & 10 shooting 52%

https://swishnba.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/mjswitch.gif

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fYSoA5AhL._SX425_.jpg

1992: 36/5/6/1.7/.3 shooting 53%

-Shut down Drexler
-35 Points in 1st half of Game 1(NBA Finals Record)
-39/5/10 shooting 50% in Game 2
-46 points on 61% in Game 5

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Michael-Jordan-Shrug-After-3-Pointer.gif

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/130214163622-15-michael-jordan-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/df/cd/da/dfcdda048396fe323559daf85791f90f.jpg

1993: 41/8/6/1.7/.7 shooting 51%

-31/7/5 shooting 50% in Game 1
-42/12/9 shooting 50% in Game 2
-44/9/6 in Game 3
-55 & 8 shooting 57% in Game 4
-41/7/7 shooting 55% in Game 5
-33/8/7 shooting 50% +9 straight 4th Quarter Points in Game 6
-4th Quarter Scoring: 10.7 points

http://sneakernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/barkley-jordan-93-finals.jpg

http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/b3Y690oGb_10khij.eZm_A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztxPTg1O3c9NjMw/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnbaexperts/MJ2211topper.jpg

1997: 32/7/6/1.2/.8 shooting 46%

-31 & 8 + Game Winner in Game 1
-38/13/9 shooting 55% in Game 2
-Flu Game: 38/7/5 shooting 48% + Game Winner
-29 & 11 + Game Winning Assist to Kerr
-4th Quarter Scoring: 10.4 points

http://scalabrinealert.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/MJ-Celebrating-Six-Titles.gif

http://ballislife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/michael-jordan-scottie-pippen.jpg

If anybody(3ball) can post some 4th Quarter numbers that would be appreciated and I will add it to the OP

[3ball]

It has to be 1991 or 1993 - even the heavily-biased 538 rankings of supporting casts (https://espnfivethirtyeight.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/paine-datalab-lebron-cast-2.png?w=610&h=2028) shows that MJ won 2 championships (1991 and 1993) with a weaker supporting cast than Lebron ever won a ring with - both the 1991 and 1993 casts are ranked near the bottom and far below Lebron's 2012 and 2013 rings.

I'll go with 1991, mainly because he eviscerated Magic heads-up - and Magic himself had a good series.. But MJ's on BOTH ends of the floor was GOAT.

And again, 1991 Bulls had one of the worst supporting casts ever according to 538.. In that season, MJ became one of the only players to win a ring without another all-star... A 1-all-star champion - very few have done it.

[90sgoat]

1991 is his best finals.

The Lakers were clearly the better team despite injuries. Vlade Divac was better than Kareem the year before, Sam Perkins was better than any Bulls big man. Worthy was still dangerous and better than Pippen.

1991 was a very ordinary Bulls team outside MJ and Pippen. MJ did it all.

[SouBeachTalents]

It has to be 1991 or 1993 - even the heavily-biased 538 rankings of supporting casts (https://espnfivethirtyeight.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/paine-datalab-lebron-cast-2.png?w=610&h=2028) shows that MJ won 2 championships (1991 and 1993) with a weaker supporting cast than Lebron ever won a ring with - both the 1991 and 1993 casts are ranked near the bottom and far below Lebron's 2012 and 2013 rings.

I'll go with 1991, mainly because he eviscerated Magic heads-up - and Magic himself had a good series.. But MJ's on BOTH ends of the floor was GOAT.

And again, 1991 Bulls had one of the worst supporting casts ever according to 538.. In that season, MJ became one of the only players to win a ring without another all-star... A 1-all-star champion - very few have done it.

Who gives a **** about all-star teammates? The Hawks had 4 this year and even you said that was bullshit

Pippen in the '91 made the All-Defensive Team and put up 22/9/6/3/1 on 50%. No help doe :lol

[Smoke117]

It has to be 1991 or 1993 - even the heavily-biased 538 rankings of supporting casts (https://espnfivethirtyeight.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/paine-datalab-lebron-cast-2.png?w=610&h=2028) shows that MJ won 2 championships (1991 and 1993) with a weaker supporting cast than Lebron ever won a ring with - both the 1991 and 1993 casts are ranked near the bottom and far below Lebron's 2012 and 2013 rings.

I'll go with 1991, mainly because he eviscerated Magic heads-up - and Magic himself had a good series.. But MJ's on BOTH ends of the floor was GOAT.

And again, 1991 Bulls had one of the worst supporting casts ever according to 538.. In that season, MJ became one of the only players to win a ring without another all-star... A 1-all-star champion - very few have done it.

...true, its tough to win a championship when your 2nd best player is averaging 20.8ppg 9.4rpg 6.6apg 2.4spg 1.1bpg, 21.1ppg 9.2rpg 7.7apg 2.0spg 1.0bpg while playing elite defense. How did Mike even pull it off? I'm baffled.

[3ball]

Who gives a **** about all-star teammates? The Hawks had 4 this year and even you said that was bullshit

Pippen in the '91 made the All-Defensive Team and put up 22/9/6/3/1 on 50%. No help doe :lol
Let me know when someone in your lifetime averages 33/7/11 on 56% in the Finals.

and significantly outplays the greatest PG of all time and top 5 all-time player on both ends of the floor... Literally the goat offensive and defensive Finals performance..... ever.

let me know when that happens for you bud..

[ClipperRevival]

1991 or 1993.

1991 if you prefer all around dominance and just impacting the game in almost every way imaginable.

1993 if you prefer just offensive dominance with great efficiency.

I give the edge to 1991 because of his all around impact.

[Wade's Rings]

It has to be 1991 or 1993 - even the heavily-biased 538 rankings of supporting casts (https://espnfivethirtyeight.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/paine-datalab-lebron-cast-2.png?w=610&h=2028) shows that MJ won 2 championships (1991 and 1993) with a weaker supporting cast than Lebron ever won a ring with - both the 1991 and 1993 casts are ranked near the bottom and far below Lebron's 2012 and 2013 rings.

I'll go with 1991, mainly because he eviscerated Magic heads-up - and Magic himself had a good series.. But MJ's on BOTH ends of the floor was GOAT.

And again, 1991 Bulls had one of the worst supporting casts ever according to 538.. In that season, MJ became one of the only players to win a ring without another all-star... A 1-all-star champion - very few have done it.

Any 4th Quarter Stats 3ball?

[3ball]

Any 4th Quarter Stats 3ball?
4th Quarter Scoring:


MJ 1997 Playoffs: 9.6
MJ 1998 Playoffs (http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/893/stats/?Season=1997-98&SeasonType=Playoffs&Period=4): 9.0

MJ 1993 Finals: 10.7
MJ 1997 Finals: 10.4
MJ 1998 Finals: 10.3

FYI: MJ 1988 Regular Season (http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=380784): 12.1

[Wade's Rings]

4th Quarter Scoring:


MJ 1997 Playoffs: 9.6
MJ 1998 Playoffs (http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/893/stats/?Season=1997-98&SeasonType=Playoffs&Period=4): 9.0

MJ 1993 Finals: 10.7
MJ 1997 Finals: 10.4
MJ 1998 Finals: 10.3

FYI: MJ 1988 Regular Season (http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=380784): 12.1

Thanks :cheers:

Do you have '91 and '92?

[DoctorP]

goat.

[Angel Face]

Jordan's 1991 finals was the closest thing to a perfect basketball player. All around domination. GOAT.

[L8krH8tr]

against the Jazz 97

[Angel Face]

1997 is the most legendary playoff series of all time by a player. Most clutch as well.

game winning shot
flu game
game winning assist

[Magic 32]

1991:
-33/7/13 shooting 83% in Game 2


You can make a case for this as the perfect finals performance.

[Cali Syndicate]

98 imo

[SouBeachTalents]

You can make a case for this as the perfect finals performance.

Worthy's Game 7 performance would have an argument for that

[DonDadda59]

1997 is the most legendary playoff series of all time by a player. Most clutch as well.

game winning shot
flu game
game winning assist

:bowdown:

It's not his best from a statistical standpoint but Jordan reached God level clutch, that hadn't been seen before or since. The man willed his team (with key guys like Rodman having a putrid series) to wins hitting buzzer beaters, overcoming the flu (some say food poisoning), and setting up Kerr for a game winner. If he misses the shot at the buzzer in Game 1 or plays down to the level of a man with the flu/poisoning... it's very possible the Bulls lose is 6 instead of winning.

[OldSchoolBBall]

I'd go '91 > '92 > '93

'91 needs no explanation - dude just did it all on both ends and was amazingly efficient.

I have '92 ahead of '93 because of the efficiency, the fact that he did a great job defensively against the runner-up MVP , and the fact that he realistically could have had a 43+ point half and/or 60+ point game in game 1 had he not sat out 7:30 of the first half and coasted in the second half. As it is, back to back games of 39/10+ ast to open a Finals series is crazy.

[Vertical-24]

'91 is the run away pick, hands down. It makes me cringe thinking about how bad Michael abused LA. It genuinely pains my heart everytime I see it, but it's the perfect example of what defines GOAT level basketball. MJ was a man on a mission.

[Young X]

I like Jordan's '97 finals against Utah better than his series against the Blazers. Every body gets caught up in the averages but comparing each series game by game...his series against the Jazz was just as good.

His '91 series is the GOAT though.

[ClipperRevival]

'91 is the run away pick, hands down. It makes me cringe thinking about how bad Michael abused LA. It genuinely pains my heart everytime I see it, but it's the perfect example of what defines GOAT level basketball. MJ was a man on a mission.

Yup. It was MJ's time. He had suffered so much heartache at the hands of the Pistons and Celtics that he played like a man on a mission. Like nothing was going to deny him this time now that Pippen and Grant had elevated their level of play. What I always remember about that series is his switch in the air lay up. Just toying with the Lakers at that point. Shows you how much mastery he had over them. MJ at the peak of his powers.

[sd3035]

The time he won without Pippen

[scandisk_]

Best: 91

Greatest: 97

[LikeMike]

91, but there is an argument for 93.

[Megabox!]

Question about the 1993 finals. Jordan shat on the Suns but how good defensively were they compared to the other finals teams the Bulls faced? Putting Dan Majerle on MJ was pretty much assisted suicide. How would guys like Kobe, LBJ and Durant do against them in a series?

[Round Mound]

93 Imo.

[ShawkFactory]

5 different ones being discussed seriously :bowdown:

[FreezingTsmoove]

92

[Odinn]

1993 >= 1991 > 1992 = 1997 > 1998 >>>>> 1996

[Mr Feeny]

You can make a case for this as the perfect finals performance.

Yes, that was astonishing. It felt like watching a video game.

[Mr Feeny]

Question about the 1993 finals. Jordan shat on the Suns but how good defensively were they compared to the other finals teams the Bulls faced? Putting Dan Majerle on MJ was pretty much assisted suicide. How would guys like Kobe, LBJ and Durant do against them in a series?

They tried several defenders on him. Kevin Johnson began the first two games and much of the triple overtime game on him. Midway through game 4, with Jordan going off, they tried Dan (who was, in his own right, a remarkable defender. Don't associate his skin color with any preconception linking that with defensive prowess. Kay Thompson reminds me off Dan when he's shuffling his feet and might go on to develop into the defender Marleje was).

[feyki]

1991 .

[andgar923]

Question about the 1993 finals. Jordan shat on the Suns but how good defensively were they compared to the other finals teams the Bulls faced? Putting Dan Majerle on MJ was pretty much assisted suicide. How would guys like Kobe, LBJ and Durant do against them in a series?
Both Majerle and Ainge were good defenders.

Ainge was very scrappy, smart and had good lateral movement.

Majerle was actually an All Defensive Team member and was used as a defensive player for the later part of his career.

He was strong, good feet and anticipation.

MJ actually had an easier time vs the taller athletic Dumas.

But it wasn't a one man defensive effort, as he was always doubled and triple teamed.

[Smoke117]

Both Majerle and Ainge were good defenders.

Ainge was very scrappy, smart and had good lateral movement.

Majerle was actually an All Defensive Team member and was used as a defensive player for the later part of his career.

He was strong, good feet and anticipation.

MJ actually had an easier time vs the taller athletic Dumas.

But it wasn't a one man defensive effort, as he was always doubled and triple teamed.

Lmfao...Dumas...what is it exactly that makes you come to heel like a good little boy to MJ? He could jerk off on your face and you'd say thank you. Pathetic worm.

[andgar923]

Lmfao...Dumas...what is it exactly that makes you come to heel like a good little boy to MJ? He could jerk off on your face and you'd say thank you. Pathetic worm.
:rolleyes:

[Prime_Shaq]

1991 > 1993 > 1992 > 1997 > 1998 > 1996

[scandisk_]

1991 > 1993 > 1992 > 1997 > 1998 > 1996

statistically, yes of course.

GREATEST though is 97

:rockon:

[Indian guy]

Question about the 1993 finals. Jordan shat on the Suns but how good defensively were they compared to the other finals teams the Bulls faced? Putting Dan Majerle on MJ was pretty much assisted suicide. How would guys like Kobe, LBJ and Durant do against them in a series?

Here's how MJ's Finals opponents ranked defensively:

1) '96 Sonics -5.5
2) '92 Blazers -4.1
3) '91 Lakers -2.9
4) '97 Jazz -2.7
5) '93 Suns -1.3
6) '98 Jazz +0.4

Suns were indeed pretty ordinary defensively. And really, watching the games, it's hard to believe Majerle made the 2nd team defensively in 1993. His lateral movement was so poor.

[Megabox!]

Thanks for the info Feeny, Andgar and Indian guy. Didn't know Majerle was a great defender, usually whenever I see footage of the 93' finals I just see MJ being too quick for him(like Indian Guy saying his lateral speed being rather slow). How do you guys think Kobe, LBJ and Durant would do against that Suns team?

[broy_mvp]

92

[pauk]

1991.

[Indian guy]

Hard to pick between '91, '92, '93 and '97, honestly. I mean, I can make a case for each one. '91 had the best numbers. '92 came against the best defense. '93 - 41 ppg, regardless of D, is ridiculous. '97 - look at his performance in each of Chicago's 4 wins - 31 points + buzzer beater in Game 1, 38/13/9 in Game 2, 38 points + GW in Game 5 (flu), 39 + GW assist in Game 6.

[Gileraracer]

Those numbers :eek: GOAT

91 is GOAT finals

[Pointguard]

97 you kept looking at him like geesch where does the greatness stop. The eye test goes with 97.

91 he was hungry and doing it all over the court. Close second.

[Spurs5Rings2014]

Don't associate his skin color with any preconception linking that with defensive prowess. Kay Thompson reminds me off Dan when he's shuffling his feet and might go on to develop into the defender Marleje was).

Klay Thompson is black.

[Dr Hawk]

statistically, yes of course.

GREATEST though is 97

:rockon:

Why? Flu game?

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

1991 or 1992

The defense Mike played in 1992 probably gives that Finals the edge.

[Legends66NBA7]

Why? Flu game?

2 game winners and a game winning assist too.

[Dr Hawk]

2 game winners and a game winning assist too.

Oh nice. GOAT

[90sgoat]

Klay Thompson is black.

He looks more like an ugly jew to be honest.

[Wade's Rings]

You can make a case for this as the perfect finals performance.

For sure.


:bowdown:

It's not his best from a statistical standpoint but Jordan reached God level clutch, that hadn't been seen before or since. The man willed his team (with key guys like Rodman having a putrid series) to wins hitting buzzer beaters, overcoming the flu (some say food poisoning), and setting up Kerr for a game winner. If he misses the shot at the buzzer in Game 1 or plays down to the level of a man with the flu/poisoning... it's very possible the Bulls lose is 6 instead of winning.

:bowdown:

[Thesmallmamba]

The one he played in without Pippen














oh wait....

[DonDadda59]

The one he played in without Pippen














oh wait....

Remember when Dan Majerle and Danny Ainge won back to back Finals MVPs vs Jordan?










Yeah, me neither.

http://i.imgur.com/0jSHa0p.png






Also-

http://www.supersportscenter.com/images/product/medium/2528.jpg


:applause:

[Wade's Rings]

Remember when Dan Majerle and Danny Ainge won back to back Finals MVPs vs Jordan?










Yeah, me neither.

http://i.imgur.com/0jSHa0p.png






Also-

http://www.supersportscenter.com/images/product/medium/2528.jpg


:applause:

:bowdown: :bowdown:

[Hey Yo]

Remember when Dan Majerle and Danny Ainge won back to back Finals MVPs vs Jordan?
Was Majerle or Ainge 1st team all NBA defense the year before?

[LBJFTW]

Was Majerle or Ainge 1st team all NBA defense the year before?

Does it matter? The fact that a self proclaimed "chosen one" lost a FMVP not once but TWICE speaks volumes about his inferiority relative to a GOAT JORDAN who didn't know how to not win FMVP in every single finals that he ever played in.

:no: :no: :no:

http://i.imgur.com/lAZ1L.gif

[JohnnySic]

1993. You had to have been there. MJ elevated his game so high it was basically at cartoon level.

[DonDadda59]

Was Majerle or Ainge 1st team all NBA defense the year before?

:oldlol:

In '96 when Jordan was 33 years old he went up against DPOY Gary Payton for long stretches in the finals.

You wanna know who won Finals MVP that year? :confusedshrug:

[Doranku]

:biggums: @ these numbers

No wonder dude never lost in the finals.

[Hey Yo]

Does it matter? The fact that a self proclaimed "chosen one" lost a FMVP not once but TWICE speaks volumes about his inferiority relative to a GOAT JORDAN who didn't know how to not win FMVP in every single finals that he ever played in.

You forgot to switch to your Straight_ Ballin' account when deep throating MJ.

[diamenz]

You forgot to switch to your Straight_ Ballin' account when deep throating MJ.

at least it's possible... lebron wouldn't even hit the back of your throat.

[andgar923]

:oldlol:

In '96 when Jordan was 33 years old he went up against DPOY Gary Payton for long stretches in the finals.

You wanna know who won Finals MVP that year? :confusedshrug:
Hersey Hawkins?
Nate McMillian?

Not sure who else comes off the bench?

Eric Snow?
Vincent Askew?

[Da_Realist]

Hard to pick between '91, '92, '93 and '97, honestly. I mean, I can make a case for each one. '91 had the best numbers. '92 came against the best defense. '93 - 41 ppg, regardless of D, is ridiculous. '97 - look at his performance in each of Chicago's 4 wins - 31 points + buzzer beater in Game 1, 38/13/9 in Game 2, 38 points + GW in Game 5 (flu), 39 + GW assist in Game 6.

This.

If I want to watch the best combination of all-around play and sheer creativity -- 91 Finals. This was eye-candy.

If I want to watch the best version of MJ -- 92 Finals. Just as explosive as 91 but with championship experience and playing a little more off-ball.

If I want to watch pure offensive domination -- 93 Finals. He made quick decisions, took what the defense gave him and his jumpshot was money from all over the court.

If I want to watch precision post play, his infamous fade-away and one of the best clutch performances ever -- 97 Finals.

If I want to watch a series highlighting his will to win -- 98 Finals

The 96 Finals was more about watching the team overcome a tough, physical opponent to cap off a great season.

[ArbitraryWater]

This.

If I want to watch the best combination of all-around play and sheer creativity -- 91 Finals. This was eye-candy.

If I want to watch the best version of MJ -- 92 Finals. Just as explosive as 91 but with championship experience and playing a little more off-ball.

If I want to watch pure offensive domination -- 93 Finals. He made quick decisions, took what the defense gave him and his jumpshot was money from all over the court.

If I want to watch precision post play, his infamous fade-away and one of the best clutch performances ever -- 97 Finals.

If I want to watch a series highlighting his will to win -- 98 Finals

The 96 Finals was more about watching the team overcome a tough, physical opponent to cap off a great season.

well, you just called 1992 the best....

IMO 1990 is GOAT MJ. 1991 and 1992 are soooo close though.

[Da_Realist]

well, you just called 1992 the best....

IMO 1990 is GOAT MJ. 1991 and 1992 are soooo close though.

No, I meant the best Finals version of MJ. 91 didn't have the championship experience, 93 had just a little less athleticism. It's very close though.

[Hey Yo]

:oldlol:

In '96 when Jordan was 33 years old he went up against DPOY Gary Payton for long stretches in the finals.

You wanna know who won Finals MVP that year? :confusedshrug:
Why deflect and not answer the question?

Was Majerle or Ainge 1st team all-NBA defense the year before playing the Bulls in the Finals?

simple yes or no.

[HighFlyer23]

1991

First title
Won in 5 opposed to 6
The move
Record consecutive FG makes
Officially overtook Magic as the best player in the game
Lakers were the favorites IIRC
11 APG average
56%FG average

[IllegalD]

Why deflect and not answer the question?

Was Majerle or Ainge 1st team all-NBA defense the year before playing the Bulls in the Finals?

simple yes or no.

Jordan: 41, 9 and 6 with 2 steals on 51% shooting and elite defense to 3-peat.

Stay mad b*tch. Cry yourself at nights knowing that your boyfriend LeBron will NEVER reach those levels. :applause:

[Straight_Ballin]

Jordan: 41, 9 and 6 with 2 steals on 51% shooting and elite defense to 3-peat.

Stay mad b*tch. Cry yourself at nights knowing that your boyfriend LeBron will NEVER reach those levels. :applause:

That's all these kids do is complain about the gap between Jordan's greatness and Lebron.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[SouBeachTalents]

It's amazing this dude has 3, arguably 4 Finals better than any of LeBron's or Kobe's

[Town's Town]

I say 91.

[IllegalD]

It's amazing this dude has 3, arguably 4 Finals better than any of LeBron's or Kobe's

As a Kobe Stan I have NO problem conceding that. :cheers:

But at least Kobe has the excuse that he lost THREE of his ABSOLUTE PEAK years (2005-2007) to having shitty/non-contending teams.

Who knows what kind of Finals he would've had if he had the supporting cast to help him get there? :confusedshrug:

What's LeBron's excuse? :no:

[Thesmallmamba]

It's amazing this dude has 3, arguably 4 Finals better than any of LeBron's or Kobe's

Which?

2012 LeBron = 1991 Jordan

2013 LeBron > 1996, 1998 Jordan

2014 LeBron = 1997 Jordan (especially efficiency wise)

2015 LeBron > 1993 Jordan


So yea, 1992 Jordan was better than 2007 and 2011 LeBrons finals, however LeBrons top 4 finals equal or are better than Jordans top 4


So Jordan was a more consistent finals performer, but LeBrons finals performance were more variable (Some performances worse, while some performances were better)

Overall it averages out to them being equal in terms of finals performances

[Straight_Ballin]

Which?

2012 LeBron = 1991 Jordan

2013 LeBron > 1996, 1998 Jordan

2014 LeBron = 1997 Jordan (especially efficiency wise)

2015 LeBron > 1993 Jordan


So yea, 1992 Jordan was better than 2007 and 2011 LeBrons finals, however LeBrons top 4 finals equal or are better than Jordans top 4


So Jordan was a more consistent finals performer, but LeBrons finals performance were more variable (Some performances worse, while some performances were better)

Overall it averages out to them being equal in terms of finals performances

:roll: :roll: :roll:

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/57662256.jpg

[IllegalD]

Which?

2012 LeBron = 1991 Jordan

2013 LeBron > 1996, 1998 Jordan

2014 LeBron = 1997 Jordan (especially efficiency wise)

2015 LeBron > 1993 Jordan


So yea, 1992 Jordan was better than 2007 and 2011 LeBrons finals, however LeBrons top 4 finals equal or are better than Jordans top 4


So Jordan was a more consistent finals performer, but LeBrons finals performance were more variable (Some performances worse, while some performances were better)

Overall it averages out to them being equal in terms of finals performances

Great analysis!!

Now compare Finals records please and punch yourself in the face. :cheers:

[HighFlyer23]

Which?

2012 LeBron = 1991 Jordan

2013 LeBron > 1996, 1998 Jordan

2014 LeBron = 1997 Jordan (especially efficiency wise)

2015 LeBron > 1993 Jordan


So yea, 1992 Jordan was better than 2007 and 2011 LeBrons finals, however LeBrons top 4 finals equal or are better than Jordans top 4


So Jordan was a more consistent finals performer, but LeBrons finals performance were more variable (Some performances worse, while some performances were better)

Overall it averages out to them being equal in terms of finals performances


Makes sense to me :hammerhead:

[Cold soul]

Tough choice either 93 or 91 I'll go with 91.

[Angel Face]

Which?

2012 LeBron = 1991 Jordan

2013 LeBron > 1996, 1998 Jordan

2014 LeBron = 1997 Jordan (especially efficiency wise)

2015 LeBron > 1993 Jordan


So yea, 1992 Jordan was better than 2007 and 2011 LeBrons finals, however LeBrons top 4 finals equal or are better than Jordans top 4


So Jordan was a more consistent finals performer, but LeBrons finals performance were more variable (Some performances worse, while some performances were better)

Overall it averages out to them being equal in terms of finals performances

There's no finals series where Lebron performed better than Jordan. Even MJ's worst '96 finals for his standards is better than Lebron's finals. 2015 Finals of Lebron is overrated. Yeah he scored 35 something ppg, but that was GSW gameplan, to exploit his lack of elite isolation scoring, that's why they left him on an island againt Iggy where he can't do shit at the same time, shot atrocious fg% and can't seal the deal in clutch.

MJ is just a different level to anyone come playoffs time, the same reason why he is considered the best playoff performer of all time.

The only thing Lebron did better than Jordan in the finals is handing over FMVP's to the role players of the other team.

[julizaver]

1993 was the climax of MJs career (im my view).

I know the 1991 Finals have a case but is because of near perfect statistics. Based on my impression at the time I would clasify it:

1993
1992
1991

MJ earn his bread as a scorer and in 1993 he did best what he does best. And that's why he retired in the autumn of 1993 having that GOAT (GOD) aura around him.

Anyway for the sake of good old days I am goind to rewatch 1991 Finals when have the time for it. And it would be because of Magic - I want to see his last games before HIV announsement.

[julizaver]

There's no finals series where Lebron performed better than Jordan. Even MJ's worst '96 finals for his standards is better than Lebron's finals. 2015 Finals of Lebron is overrated. Yeah he scored 35 something ppg, but that was GSW gameplan, to exploit his lack of elite isolation scoring, that's why they left him on an island againt Iggy where he can't do shit at the same time, shot atrocious fg% and can't seal the deal in clutch.

MJ is just a different level to anyone come playoffs time, the same reason why he is considered the best playoff performer of all time.


Not that he was left to score at will, he was guarded. And he gave his all in my opinion, it was not like 2011. He was the best offensive player in his team and had no other choice than to do a ton of scoring.
Otherwise you are right - Lebron is not at MJs level as a scorer. Anyway in my opinion if prime MJ (circa 91-93) was on Lebron's place he would have scored probably more (40+) ppg and with better efficiency (probably around 48-50 % mark), but it would still not be enough to overhelm GSW, because basketball is a team game. CAVS won two games and exceeded the expectations vs heavily favoured GSW and it was only behind Lebron's play, so credit should be given in that case.

[SouBeachTalents]

There's no finals series where Lebron performed better than Jordan. Even MJ's worst '96 finals for his standards is better than Lebron's finals. 2015 Finals of Lebron is overrated. Yeah he scored 35 something ppg, but that was GSW gameplan, to exploit his lack of elite isolation scoring, that's why they left him on an island againt Iggy where he can't do shit at the same time, shot atrocious fg% and can't seal the deal in clutch.

MJ is just a different level to anyone come playoffs time, the same reason why he is considered the best playoff performer of all time.

The only thing Lebron did better than Jordan in the finals is handing over FMVP's to the role players of the other team.

Nah, LeBron's '12 Finals were easily better than Jordan's '96, and his '13 Finals were better as well

[Thesmallmamba]

Nah, LeBron's '12 Finals were easily better than Jordan's '96, and his '13 Finals were better as well

LeBrons 2015 and 2014 were also better than MJs 1998, 1991, 1992 finals

[OldSchoolBBall]

LeBrons 2015 and 2014 were also better than MJs 1998, 1991, 1992 finals

LMAO :roll: :hammerhead:

[Magic 32]

LeBrons 2015 and 2014 were also better than MJs 1998, 1991, 1992 finals

Shouldn't you at least be at competitive when you want to compare yourself to a FMVP.

At what point was he better than MJ in 2014?

When he cut san antonio's lead from 20 to 15 in game 3 and 4?

[Thesmallmamba]

Shouldn't you at least be at competitive when you want to compare yourself to a FMVP.

At what point was he better than MJ in 2014?

When he cut san antonio's lead from 20 to 15 in game 3 and 4?

When he shot 70% TS and averaged 28 ppg with 8 rebounds


His PER was 30+ in the finals



Replace LeBron with MJ and in all likelyhood Miami get swept

MJ wouldn't be able to hit 51% from 3 like LeBron did, especially with kawhi contensting him

[riseagainst]

LeBrons 2015 and 2014 were also better than MJs 1998, 1991, 1992 finals


:roll:
:lol

[Straight_Ballin]

When he shot 70% TS and averaged 28 ppg with 8 rebounds


His PER was 30+ in the finals



Replace LeBron with MJ and in all likelyhood Miami get swept

MJ wouldn't be able to hit 51% from 3 like LeBron did, especially with kawhi contensting him

:lol
This kid talks like Bron was a great pure 3 point shooter when he first entered the league.:lol

If Jordan played in today's era which has more emphasis on the 3 point shot, he would have simply spent more time focusing on that aspect of his game and his numbers beyond the arc would be much better than bron's. All evidence points to the fact that the only aspects of the game that Jordan didn't dominate at where the ones not needed for him to ensure finals 6/6 perfection.

[I<3NBA]

As a Kobe Stan I have NO problem conceding that. :cheers:

But at least Kobe has the excuse that he lost THREE of his ABSOLUTE PEAK years (2005-2007) to having shitty/non-contending teams.

Who knows what kind of Finals he would've had if he had the supporting cast to help him get there? :confusedshrug:

What's LeBron's excuse? :no:
boohoo, three years lost

Lebron lost SEVEN YEARS of his peak because Cavs

[Wade's Rings]

When he shot 70% TS and averaged 28 ppg with 8 rebounds


His PER was 30+ in the finals



Replace LeBron with MJ and in all likelyhood Miami get swept

MJ wouldn't be able to hit 51% from 3 like LeBron did, especially with kawhi contensting him

Would MJ let Kawhi shoot 69% on him in the last 3 Games?

[3ball]

Would MJ let Kawhi shoot 69% on him in the last 3 Games?


That's the thing - not only does MJ have a big advantage offensively, but when you consider defense, MJ's Finals are WAY better than Lebron's.. It's easy to see what makes up the gap between 6/6 and 2/6: far superior offense AND defense.

Also, we all saw how Lebron's high shot volume found success controlling game flow in the 2015 Finals... But unfortunately, high shot volume can't be achieved on all 3-and-D, and Lebron's efficiency is poor at the additional midrange and isolations required of high volume shooting.. So despite his ability to control pace with shot volume, at 39% efficiency, it BENEFITED the Warriors every time he shot the ball, so they never double-teamed - they played the Cavs to let Lebron get his, and shut down everyone else.

Otoh, teams played MJ the opposite because he was elite at the additional midrange and 1-on-1 required of high volume shooting, and therefore shot WELL at high volume.. Accordingly, teams had to double-team MJ to prevent the high volume, since his high volume was accompanied by high efficiency as well, a combination which devastated teams.. Just as the Phoenix Suns in 1993 Finals.
.