Is LeBron's Chase Down Block in Game 7 the Biggest Block in Finals History?

[Meticode]

Just curious what people think. If you don't think so, what are some other famous blocks in the Finals?

https://youtu.be/CKqMoIxpsWM?t=63

[Nilocon165]

Finals history?

That was the greatest block in history PERIOD.

AYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO:banana:

[livingby3's]

Game 7 for the ring. Block on a potential outcome changing shot. I'd say it's the biggest

[AintNoSunshine]

That has got to be the greatest block in the history of blocks.

A championship is literally hanging in the balance there and that time.

[Orlando Magic]

Yes. Given all of the circumstances, I'd say so. GS wins the series if he doesn't block it imo

[Meticode]

That has got to be the greatest block in the history of blocks.

A championship is literally hanging in the balance there and that time.
Personally, I jumped out of my seat when he did it. I thought Iggy was going to get a layup and LeBron literally saved the game to me there and the momentum.

[ClipperRevival]

Yes. It was a legendary play on par with some of the best finals plays ever. And this play personified his GOAT level athleticism when he has a head of steam and allowed to jump off one foot.

[raprap]

Greatest block no doubt. It's also right up there with the greatest defensive play with the Celtics steals.

[SouBeachTalents]

It's probably the biggest defensive play in league history, unless someone can think of a more crucial one?

[AintNoSunshine]

Personally, I jumped out of my seat when he did it. I thought Iggy was going to get a layup and LeBron literally saved the game to me there and the momentum.


Yep. Both the degree of difficulty and the Wow factor, combined with the context of the moment. I doubt there will ever be a greater block than that.

[inclinerator]

y do u keep deleting ur vids!

[Meticode]

It's probably the biggest defensive play in league history, unless someone can think of a more crucial one?
Kevin Love on Curry after Irving's made three to put them up? Kind of joking, but it was at least credible. :oldlol: Totally unexpected. During that whole sequence I'm yelling, "NO, NOT LOVE, LOVE IS GOING TO GIVE IT UP!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL4KgZ_oxzo

[Ben Simmons]

Bill Russel had a similar block, Kblaze mentioned it. From what he said it was better. (More needed)

[Meticode]

y do u keep deleting ur vids!
YouTube kept silencing the music in them.

[SouBeachTalents]

Kevin Love on Curry after Irving's made three to put them up? Kind of joking, but it was at least credible. :oldlol: Totally unexpected. During that whole sequence I'm yelling, "NO, NOT LOVE, LOVE IS GOING TO GIVE IT UP!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL4KgZ_oxzo

Lol, each member of the Big 3 had their crucial moment at the end of Game 7. LeBron's block, Kyrie's GW, and Love's defense

[RedBlackAttack]

Yes. Given all of the circumstances, I'd say so. GS wins the series if he doesn't block it imo
I don't know about that. Remember, the block led to another Cavs miss (I believe), followed by another Warriors miss, and then the Cavs advanced the ball and called timeout ... leading to Kyrie's three-pointer, which was a play drawn up in the huddle.

There's a good chance that the same sequence of events could have happened whether the block was made or not, in which case the Cavs would have been up 1 instead of 3. The way the Cavs' half-court defense played in the last four minutes of that game and with how tight GS's offense got, I'm not sure they would have made a shot if you extended the game another minute.

The Cavs were missing shots down the stretch, too, but it was inevitable that either Kyrie or LeBron were going to make a big shot eventually. I could feel it coming, either way.

It's just impossible to reflect ahead like that. In the moment, it felt like a piece of an overriding theme of LeBron just helping to will (along with Kyrie and the overall team defense) that Cavs team to a championship.

It was an amazing play and, yes ... I don't even think it has a contender for biggest "Finals" block in NBA history. I think the bigger question is whether or not it is the biggest block in NBA history, period. Again, I can't think of one that felt bigger.


There was the famous Jordan and Pippen blocks of Charles Smith against the Knicks in the mid-90s. That guy got blocked like 3 times from under the rim as the clock was running out in a game-winning situation (series clinching).

That's the other biggest one(s) that I can think of just off the top of my head.

[moongaze]

It was a phenomenal block,no doubt, but if Kyrie missed the three and golden state went on to win it wouldn't be as talked about and celebrated. In the quest to lift lebron up, the shot that broke the tie has been minimized.

[SouBeachTalents]

It was a phenomenal block,no doubt, but if Kyrie missed the three and golden state went on to win it wouldn't be as talked about and celebrated. In the quest to lift lebron up, the shot ha bike the tie has been minimized.

Lol well that's obvious, same could be said for other famous plays in sports history like Tyree's Super Bowl catch, Jordan's walk off in '98 etc. Just look at the catch that Seahawk receiver made in last years Super Bowl, it was right up there with Tyree's, but since they went on to lose, nobody cares about it

[jlip]

Bill Russel had a similar block, Kblaze mentioned it. From what he said it was better. (More needed)


It was called the "Coleman Play." In game 7 of the 1957 Finals with 39 seconds left he sprinted the full length of the court to execute a chase down block on Hawks forward Jack Coleman. If Coleman had hit that layup the Hawks would have taken the lead 103-102 with 39 seconds to go. The Celtics ended up winning by 2 in double OT.

[Meticode]

It was called the "Coleman Play." In game 7 of the 1957 Finals with 39 seconds left he sprinted the full length of the court to execute a chase down block on Hawks forward Jack Coleman. If Coleman had hit that layup the Hawks would have taken the lead 103-102 with 39 seconds to go. The Celtics ended up winning by 2 in double OT.
Thanks for the info. :rockon:

[RoundMoundOfReb]

I don't know about that. Remember, the block led to another Cavs miss (I believe), followed by another Warriors miss, and then the Cavs advanced the ball and called timeout ... leading to Kyrie's three-pointer, which was a play drawn up in the huddle.

There's a good chance that the same sequence of events could have happened whether the block was made or not, in which case the Cavs would have been up 1 instead of 3. The way the Cavs' half-court defense played in the last four minutes of that game and with how tight GS's offense got, I'm not sure they would have made a shot if you extended the game another minute.

The Cavs were missing shots down the stretch, too, but it was inevitable that either Kyrie or LeBron were going to make a big shot eventually. I could feel it coming, either way.

It's just impossible to reflect ahead like that. In the moment, it felt like a piece of an overriding theme of LeBron just helping to will (along with Kyrie and the overall team defense) that Cavs team to a championship.

It was an amazing play and, yes ... I don't even think it has a contender for biggest "Finals" block in NBA history. I think the bigger question is whether or not it is the biggest block in NBA history, period. Again, I can't think of one that felt bigger.


There was the famous Jordan and Pippen blocks of Charles Smith against the Knicks in the mid-90s. That guy got blocked like 3 times from under the rim as the clock was running out in a game-winning situation (series clinching).

That's the other biggest one(s) that I can think of just off the top of my head.

Tayshaun Prince on Reggie Miller is the other biggest one.

Edit: Also, Hakeem on Starks.

[moongaze]

Lol well that's obvious, same could be said for other famous plays in sports history like Tyree's Super Bowl catch, Jordan's walk off in '98 etc. Just look at the catch that Seahawk receiver made in last years Super Bowl, it was right up there with Tyree's, but since they went on to lose, nobody cares about it

True, but my point is that Kyrie's game winner should be given a little more credit. It's almost like people are acting like the block was the game winner. Even espn has lebrons block , and not Kyrie's shot as an option for best play in the upcoming espys

[Trollsmasher]

Kevin Love on Curry after Irving's made three to put them up? Kind of joking, but it was at least credible. :oldlol: Totally unexpected. During that whole sequence I'm yelling, "NO, NOT LOVE, LOVE IS GOING TO GIVE IT UP!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL4KgZ_oxzo
never noticed how totally mortified Curry is of driving into the paint with Lebron waiting for him:lol

[Meticode]

True, but my point is that Kyrie's game winner should be given a little more credit. It's almost like people are acting like the block was the game winner. Even espn has lebrons block , and not Kyrie's shot as an option for best play in the upcoming espys
Because the block artistically is the better viewing play. The only way Irving's shot gets the nod over LeBron's block is if it's a buzzer-beater to me.

[Meticode]

never noticed how totally mortified Curry is of driving into the paint with Lebron waiting for him:lol
I noticed when Love was on him there was a split second where Curry could've drove past him if he wanted to, but he decided not to. He obviously wasn't the same player in that series not going to the basket nearly as much. Even after he came back from injury against Portland he was still going to the rim in a lot of cases and finishing, but that didn't happen often against the Cavs. he became timid.

[RedBlackAttack]

It was a phenomenal block,no doubt, but if Kyrie missed the three and golden state went on to win it wouldn't be as talked about and celebrated. In the quest to lift lebron up, the shot that broke the tie has been minimized.
Kyrie's overall play in The Finals and the playoffs has been minimized, period, let alone what was the game-winning shot.

If the roles were reversed and Kyrie blocked Curry's shot (which he did at the end of regulation in Game 1 last year) with 1:30 left and LeBron hit the three in Iggy's face, which ultimately ended up being the championship-winning shot, the media probably wouldn't be giving the block any attention.

And, I say that not minimizing the amazing athletic feat that LeBron displayed on that play. It was an amazing block and, like I said, the biggest ever, imo. But, if the roles were reversed, LeBron is still getting 99.99% of the attention.

I think KI deserves more than he's gotten, which is why I've been posting much more about him than LeBron in the last couple weeks. LBJ is getting a lot of attention already (and rightly so, and as expected).

[Meticode]

Kyrie's overall play in The Finals and the playoffs has been minimized, period, let alone what was the game-winning shot.

If the roles were reversed and Kyrie blocked Curry's shot (which he did at the end of regulation in Game 1 last year) with 1:30 left and LeBron hit the three in Iggy's face, which ultimately ended up being the championship-winning shot, the media probably wouldn't be giving the block any attention.

And, I say that not minimizing the amazing athletic feat that LeBron displayed on that play. It was an amazing block and, like I said, the biggest ever, imo. But, if the roles were reversed, LeBron is still getting 99.99% of the attention.

I think KI deserves more than he's gotten, which is why I've been posting much more about him than LeBron in the last couple weeks. LBJ is getting a lot of attention already (and rightly so, and as expected).
No, no. Let Irving be hush, hush so he can be the silent assassin.

http://i.imgur.com/SwOG8aH.jpg

[ArbitraryWater]

theres a whole different level of pressure on Kyrie to hit that shot if down 2, instead of tied. Hell, he probably would think about not even taking a three... hed get crucified for taking it if he would miss, when they only needed a two.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Kyrie's overall play in The Finals and the playoffs has been minimized, period, let alone what was the game-winning shot.

If the roles were reversed and Kyrie blocked Curry's shot (which he did at the end of regulation in Game 1 last year) with 1:30 left and LeBron hit the three in Iggy's face, which ultimately ended up being the championship-winning shot, the media probably wouldn't be giving the block any attention.

And, I say that not minimizing the amazing athletic feat that LeBron displayed on that play. It was an amazing block and, like I said, the biggest ever, imo. But, if the roles were reversed, LeBron is still getting 99.99% of the attention.

I think KI deserves more than he's gotten, which is why I've been posting much more about him than LeBron in the last couple weeks. LBJ is getting a lot of attention already (and rightly so, and as expected).

Just the way it is...Does anyone remember this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yOM4vSoqPs

Imagine if it was MJ

[RedBlackAttack]

I noticed when Love was on him there was a split second where Curry could've drove past him if he wanted to, but he decided not to. He obviously wasn't the same player in that series not going to the basket nearly as much. Even after he came back from injury against Portland he was still going to the rim in a lot of cases and finishing, but that didn't happen often against the Cavs. he became timid.
He was timid because he was having zero success with his dribble-drives. Once you have a certain amount of turnovers and/or devastating blocks, you're going to get timid.

I thought he officially lost any credibility to claim injury as a crutch when he scored a pretty effortless 30+ points in three straight games to help lead the Warriors back against OKC. And, he screamed "I'm back" after one of those threes. All guys get banged up during the course of the season and no one is completely healthy in a Game 7 of the Finals after a grueling season/playoffs.

He needs to take that bit of humility and hold it for a while, because I think the Warriors in general and Curry specifically were getting a little too full of themselves at a certain point ... and that artificial feeling of superiority led to some really sloppy basketball.

[Meticode]

I thought he officially lost any credibility to claim injury as a crutch when he scored a pretty effortless 30+ points in three straight games to help lead the Warriors back against OKC. And, he screamed "I'm back" after one of those threes. All guys get banged up during the course of the season and no one is completely healthy in a Game 7 of the Finals after a grueling season/playoffs.

He needs to take that bit of humility and hold it for a while, because I think the Warriors in general and Curry specifically were getting a little too full of themselves at a certain point ... and that artificial feeling of superiority led to some really sloppy basketball.
Well that and didn't he do a between the legs or 360 dunk during a shoot-around or practice after he came back?

[RedBlackAttack]

Just the way it is...Does anyone remember this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yOM4vSoqPs

Imagine if it was MJ
I do remember it, yes. But I'm a basketball nerd. lol. And that's fair enough.

But, it was also a little different situation. When two teams fail to score for over 4 minutes late in the fourth quarter of a Finals Game 7, and then a guy just stone-cold nails the game-winning three (the last basket of a game) with under a minute left and the face of the unanimous back-to-back MVP, that's normally the play that would be talked about in any game.

I'm not sure a scramble situation with seconds left that leads to a desperation cross-court inbounds pass stolen by the team winning the championship would be THE play people would focus on if you took the names off the backs of the jerseys. Like Kyrie's shot, it would probably be the play that got them the lead.

[moongaze]

Kyrie's overall play in The Finals and the playoffs has been minimized, period, let alone what was the game-winning shot.

If the roles were reversed and Kyrie blocked Curry's shot (which he did at the end of regulation in Game 1 last year) with 1:30 left and LeBron hit the three in Iggy's face, which ultimately ended up being the championship-winning shot, the media probably wouldn't be giving the block any attention.

And, I say that not minimizing the amazing athletic feat that LeBron displayed on that play. It was an amazing block and, like I said, the biggest ever, imo. But, if the roles were reversed, LeBron is still getting 99.99% of the attention.

.

I've thought this same thing. Kyrie might be the most underrated player I've ever seen. He's my favorite player all time but I'm not even mad. I said after the finals ended that lebron would probably get most to all the praise and credit and I think he should. At this stage in his career, this finals ment more to his legacy and being from Ohio the story should mostly be about him . I don't think kyrie cares and I'm sure he understands. He just goes out and does the job regardless of the naysayers and media. Curry was hyped big time prior to the finals and Kyrie came out and did what he does on him. He proves the doubters wrong. Let's just not forget about uncle drew , though

[RedBlackAttack]

Well that and didn't he do a between the legs or 360 dunk during a shoot-around or practice after he came back?
Yes, he did. :oldlol:

[Meticode]

Yes, he did. :oldlol:
I have no doubt he was injured or banged up, but as he said in his own words, it's not an excuse. He suited up and played, and was torching the Blazers.

[Leftimage]

In terms of importance, the block scores a 10/10. Undeniably the most "important" block in NBA history. I mean KD is not a warrior without that block right there...

In terms of beauty and "amazingness", it's right at the top for a chasedown. I put it ahead of Prince's block because the timing and athleticism required on Lebron's play is simply greater.

That being said, imo the most beautiful and impressive block in NBA HISTORY - disregarding the importance - was Lebron on Splitter. Just a disgusting display of strength and dominance. There have ppbly been similar ones in the past but older camera technologies don't really allows us to verify.

So yeah.... it will come off as Lebron stannery but my sincere opinion is that Bron is the author of both the "biggest" and the most visually stunning block in NBA history. Unusual since he is more associated with shots,dunks & passes but yeah that's how I feel.

[JebronLames]

Best play in NBA history

[Round Mound]

Probably

[Da_Realist]

He was timid because he was having zero success with his dribble-drives. Once you have a certain amount of turnovers and/or devastating blocks, you're going to get timid.

I thought he officially lost any credibility to claim injury as a crutch when he scored a pretty effortless 30+ points in three straight games to help lead the Warriors back against OKC. And, he screamed "I'm back" after one of those threes. All guys get banged up during the course of the season and no one is completely healthy in a Game 7 of the Finals after a grueling season/playoffs.

He needs to take that bit of humility and hold it for a while, because I think the Warriors in general and Curry specifically were getting a little too full of themselves at a certain point ... and that artificial feeling of superiority led to some really sloppy basketball.

I agree

[6 for 24]

It's probably the biggest defensive play in league history, unless someone can think of a more crucial one?

It was a solid block, but it seems like hyperbole to call it the biggest defensive play ever. I can think of several plays by Kobe that were much more crucial. For example, check out the "lockdown" defense by the self-proclaimed Mamba to save the Finals against Orlando:

http://i.makeagif.com/media/7-09-2016/bphowt.gif

It's no wonder that Kobe has so many all-defensive team selections!

Warmest regards,

Ayotunde Ndiaye

[ScalsFan21]

That being said, imo the most beautiful and impressive block in NBA HISTORY - disregarding the importance - was Lebron on Splitter. Just a disgusting display of strength and dominance. There have ppbly been similar ones in the past but older camera technologies don't really allows us to verify.

So yeah.... it will come off as Lebron stannery but my sincere opinion is that Bron is the author of both the "biggest" and the most visually stunning block in NBA history. Unusual since he is more associated with shots,dunks & passes but yeah that's how I feel.

I'm one of the biggest Bransvestites on this board, but to me even Bron on Splitter wasn't as visually stunning as the likes of:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evq1h3prDIA

[dreamwarrior]

I don't know about the greatest block ever but it was the greatest I've ever watched live.

[Orlando Magic]

I don't know about that.

...

There's a good chance that the same sequence of events could have happened whether the block was made or not

Straight up not true. Curry and company are front runners that do better with less pressure. If they go up with 2 minutes left and the crowd going nuts I'd put money on them starting to pull away and pour the shots in.

[Mr Feeny]

I don't know about that. Remember, the block led to another Cavs miss (I believe), followed by another Warriors miss, and then the Cavs advanced the ball and called timeout ... leading to Kyrie's three-pointer, which was a play drawn up in the huddle.

There's a good chance that the same sequence of events could have happened whether the block was made or not, in which case the Cavs would have been up 1 instead of 3. The way the Cavs' half-court defense played in the last four minutes of that game and with how tight GS's offense got, I'm not sure they would have made a shot if you extended the game another minute.

The Cavs were missing shots down the stretch, too, but it was inevitable that either Kyrie or LeBron were going to make a big shot eventually. I could feel it coming, either way.

It's just impossible to reflect ahead like that. In the moment, it felt like a piece of an overriding theme of LeBron just helping to will (along with Kyrie and the overall team defense) that Cavs team to a championship.

It was an amazing play and, yes ... I don't even think it has a contender for biggest "Finals" block in NBA history. I think the bigger question is whether or not it is the biggest block in NBA history, period. Again, I can't think of one that felt bigger.


There was the famous Jordan and Pippen blocks of Charles Smith against the Knicks in the mid-90s. That guy got blocked like 3 times from under the rim as the clock was running out in a game-winning situation (series clinching).

That's the other biggest one(s) that I can think of just off the top of my head.

The Charles Smith one had Pippen, Grant and Jordan all either strip or block him 4 times at point blank range with the game on the line in the final seconds. Maybe that sequence WAS the greatest but it wasn't one individual. It was a combination. It wasn't in the finals either. And definitely not game 7 of the finals with the championship on the line.

[fsvr54]

Hakeem on Starks

[jayfan]

Finals history?

That was the greatest block in history PERIOD.

AYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO:banana:

No. Tay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QJ4iwqnLKc

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Definitely one of the best I can remember. There could've been greater that just aren't coming to mind, but on that stage, and in THAT moment? Doubtful.

[Springsteen]

I noticed when Love was on him there was a split second where Curry could've drove past him if he wanted to, but he decided not to. He obviously wasn't the same player in that series not going to the basket nearly as much. Even after he came back from injury against Portland he was still going to the rim in a lot of cases and finishing, but that didn't happen often against the Cavs. he became timid.

He saw Lebron roaming in the paint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbMS1rcaNR0

Look how much Lebron sags off HB here. Didn't even care about Barnes potentially getting the ball ( :lol ). He was getting ready to swat Curry's shit again as he did 5 times before. I'm pretty sure Curry knew too, so he went for the three instead.

[Hey Yo]

I don't know about that. Remember, the block led to another Cavs miss (I believe), followed by another Warriors miss, and then the Cavs advanced the ball and called timeout ... leading to Kyrie's three-pointer, which was a play drawn up in the huddle.

There's a good chance that the same sequence of events could have happened whether the block was made or not, in which case the Cavs would have been up 1 instead of 3. The way the Cavs' half-court defense played in the last four minutes of that game and with how tight GS's offense got, I'm not sure they would have made a shot if you extended the game another minute.

The Cavs were missing shots down the stretch, too, but it was inevitable that either Kyrie or LeBron were going to make a big shot eventually. I could feel it coming, either way.

It's just impossible to reflect ahead like that. In the moment, it felt like a piece of an overriding theme of LeBron just helping to will (along with Kyrie and the overall team defense) that Cavs team to a championship.

It was an amazing play and, yes ... I don't even think it has a contender for biggest "Finals" block in NBA history. I think the bigger question is whether or not it is the biggest block in NBA history, period. Again, I can't think of one that felt bigger.


There was the famous Jordan and Pippen blocks of Charles Smith against the Knicks in the mid-90s. That guy got blocked like 3 times from under the rim as the clock was running out in a game-winning situation (series clinching).

That's the other biggest one(s) that I can think of just off the top of my head.
Actually, that's was game 5 of the series and would have put NYK up 3-2.

I recently read where Pippen wasn't even givin' credit in the box score yet he clearly blocked Smith 2x. Looked it up and sure as shit, he isn't credited.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hQ9B66MbxM

http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199306020NYK.html

[Nilocon165]

He saw Lebron roaming in the paint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEBN4sF5m9U

Look how much Lebron sags off HB here. Didn't even care about Barnes potentially getting the ball ( :lol ). He was getting ready to swat Curry's shit again as he did 5 times before. I'm pretty sure Curry knew too, so he went for the three instead.
What the hell dude :roll:

Why did you link that

[Prometheus]

No. Tay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QJ4iwqnLKc

How in the hell do you figure that to be better than LeBron's block?

[SouBeachTalents]

How in the hell do you figure that to be better than LeBron's block?

It was a huge block, but Game 2 of the ECF or Game 7 of the Finals, with what was at stake for LeBron/Cleveland/Warriors? No contest, easily LeBron's

[Prometheus]

It was a huge block, but Game 2 of the ECF or Game 7 of the Finals, with what was at stake for LeBron/Cleveland/Warriors? No contest, easily LeBron's

Yes, the context made LeBron's better, but so did the pure aesthetics and difficulty. LeBron's block was better in every way. That guy is either a hater or a nostalgia nerd.

[Springsteen]

What the hell dude :roll:

Why did you link that

:facepalm

Sorry. :roll:

[Nilocon165]

:facepalm

Sorry. :roll:
:roll: :roll: :roll:

[Ben Simmons]

He saw Lebron roaming in the paint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbMS1rcaNR0

Look how much Lebron sags off HB here. Didn't even care about Barnes potentially getting the ball ( :lol ). He was getting ready to swat Curry's shit again as he did 5 times before. I'm pretty sure Curry knew too, so he went for the three instead.
I saw this as well. He clearly could have driven

[Meticode]

No doubt that Tayshuan Price's block is awesome, but fortunately the thread title specifies "Finals". That wasn't a Finals game.

[Prometheus]

No doubt that Tayshuan Price's block is awesome, but fortunately the thread title specifies "Finals". That wasn't a Finals game.

Dude don't sell Lebron short here. His block was better regardless.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Easily the best, most iconic and important block in league history.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Not quite as athletic or aesthetic, but this is a block from one of the very few games i remember watching when I was 7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdSVT1UXXA

[Uchmanmamba24]

I really hate LeBron BUT that play was as great as any other championship winning play there ever was! I really couldn't hate the b!tch after that block.

[SamuraiSWISH]

I really hate LeBron BUT that play was as great as any other championship winning play there ever was! I really couldn't hate the b!tch after that block.
:oldlol:

[Haymaker]

That block is up there with Bird's steal vs the Pistons.

[Meticode]

Dude don't sell Lebron short here. His block was better regardless.
I'm not selling anyone short. I just said Prince's block was awesome. Was it not?

[SamuraiSWISH]

LeBron's chase down and MJ's 2 handed back board pin chase down at 39 years old are my favorite blocks of all time. Oh and one from Bron in 2008 Olympics.

[jayfan]

No. Tay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QJ4iwqnLKc


How in the hell do you figure that to be better than LeBron's block?

Tay, the slower & less athletic player, covered more ground against a pure break-away.

Iggy felt Bron coming and was adjusting the layup to avoid JR's swipe. Reggie literally had no clue what hit him.


.

[3ball]

.
The greatest defensive play in Finals history:


https://media.giphy.com/media/lf665nKLiR2P6/giphy.gif

[SouBeachTalents]

.
The greatest defensive play in Finals history:


https://media.giphy.com/media/lf665nKLiR2P6/giphy.gif

That one is certainly up there, LeBron's was more important though

[3ball]

That one is certainly up there, but Lebron's was more important


You're rewarding Lebron for needing 7 games to enhance his block.. Lebron needed 7 games because he only averaged 24 ppg and 6 TO through 4 games

Otoh, Jordan never needed a desperation block in Game 7 because he dominated sufficiently through 6 games (including goat clutch in Game 6)

[AirBonner]

You're rewarding Lebron for needing 7 games to enhance his block.. Lebron needed 7 games because he only averaged 24 ppg and 6 TO through 4 games

Otoh, Jordan never needed a desperation block in Game 7 because he dominated sufficiently through 6 games (including goat clutch in Game 6)
Jordan never played a 73 win team. or faced a stacked team like the Warriors because he was ON the stacked team :coleman:

[3ball]

Jordan never played a 73 win team. or faced a stacked team like the Warriors because he was ON the stacked team :coleman:
Teams with the best regular season record have FREQUENTLY lost in the playoffs, so regular season record is not a good gauge of all-time greatness.

The Warriors proved it again this year - they were 15-9 in these playoffs - many teams from prior eras would beat them.

Btw, Jordan was never on a stacked team - he played with only ONE all-star his entire career (6 appearances), compared to FIVE for Lebron (11 appearances).

[riseagainst]

It absolutely was. The greatest block of all time, not just in the finals.

[nnn123]

This block was way bigger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdSVT1UXXA

Stop overrating this "greatest block of all time", just because it was LeBron. If it wasn't Lebron - but was some random scrub instead - no one would even be talking about a block that occurred with TWO MINUTES left in the game

[3ball]

This block was way bigger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdSVT1UXXA

Stop overrating this "greatest block of all time", just because it was LeBron. If it wasn't Lebron - but was some random scrub instead - no one would even be talking about a block that occurred with TWO MINUTES left in the game
Exactly - Jordan scored every single point of the 4th quarter, and then had the hockey-hockey assist to Paxson, before Grant blocked KJ

[Meticode]

This block was way bigger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdSVT1UXXA

Stop overrating this "greatest block of all time", just because it was LeBron. If it wasn't Lebron - but was some random scrub instead - no one would even be talking about a block that occurred with TWO MINUTES left in the game
Can you give me some opinions of why the Grant's block was more important or way bigger instead of just saying it?

Mine argument is that LeBron's block happened in a tie game with Golden State looking to go up. It looked like there was no one able to make a play on the ball except J.R. Smith on a 2-on-1. LeBron hustled back on the play to stay in it and came out of no where to get the block to keep the tie game to keep the 73 win Golden State Warriors from gaining momentum and going up. Which in turned led to Irving's 3 pointer to put the Cavs up by 3 points with less than a minute left in the game.

[Meticode]

Exactly - Jordan scored every single point of the 4th quarter, and then had the hockey-hockey assist to Paxson, before Grant blocked KJ
We don't care about Jordan scoring whatever points in the fourth quarter. We only care about importance of blocks in the game.

[nnn123]

Can you give me some opinions of why the Grant's block was more important or way bigger instead of just saying it?

Mine argument is that LeBron's block happened in a tie game with Golden State looking to go up. It looked like there was no one able to make a play on the ball except J.R. Smith on a 2-on-1. LeBron hustled back on the play to stay in it and came out of no where to get the block to keep the tie game to keep the 73 win Golden State Warriors from gaining momentum and going up. Which in turned led to Irving's 3 pointer to put the Cavs up by 3 points with less than a minute left in the game.


Grant's block was more important because it was a game winning block, at the buzzer, on a wide open jump shot (that had a good chance of going in), which CLINCHED the title for the bulls. These are all facts and not arguable at all.

To say the LeBron block was more important because it was a "momentum" changer is just speculation. You could argue it did not change the outcome in the game, particularly because there were 120 seconds left in regulation

Just answer me this - if Tristan Thompson made that same play, would anyone care?

[Hey Yo]

"KJ's shot has a good chance of going in"


That's not speculation?

[Meticode]

Grant's block was more important because it was a game winning block, at the buzzer, on a wide open jump shot (that had a good chance of going in), which CLINCHED the title for the bulls. These are all facts and not arguable at all.

To say the LeBron block was more important because it was a "momentum" changer is just speculation. You could argue it did not change the outcome in the game, particularly because there were 120 seconds left in regulation

Just answer me this - if Tristan Thompson made that same play, would anyone care?
Tristan Thompson can't make that same play because he's not that fast or atheletic in open court. That's why the block is so good. You don't see players 240-250+ pounds catching back up on offense doing chase-down blocks like that for a reason. Most of it is effort, and the other part is sheer athleticism.

You bring up speculation, but you say "that had a good chance of going in" and call that a fact. I would have to disagree with you. You could say Iggy's shot had a good chance of going in too since it was a layup on a 2-on-1. LeBron's block was close to being a goal-tend as well, he pinned it right up against the backboard right before it hit it.

Plus to me, the importance is more for the Cavs in this case. The Bulls had already won a championship before that one. The Cavs were going against history and the odds and looking to end a 50+ year drought for the city. LeBron helped save that. Irving clinched it.

[nnn123]

"KJ's shot has a good chance of going in"


That's not speculation?


One block literally clinched the title.

The other prevented the opposing team from going up 2, with 120 seconds in the game. Which, in turn, supposedly "led to" Kyrie's 3 pointer.

I don't know, we can agree to disagree here, but the answer seems clear in my head

[nnn123]

Tristan Thompson can't make that same play because he's not that fast or atheletic in open court. That's why the block is so good. You don't see players 240-250+ pounds catching back up on offense doing chase-down blocks like that for a reason. Most of it is effort, and the other part is sheer athleticism.

You bring up speculation, but saying you say "that had a good chance of going in" and call that a fact. I would have to disagree with you. You could say Iggy's shot had a good chance of going in too since it was a layup on a 2-on-1.


Well if your argument is that LeBron's block was more difficult to make, fine.

My only argument is that one block clinched the title, and the other occurred with 2 minutes left in the game. Your "speculation" comment is completely missing my point. I never disagreed that Iggy's shot had a good chance to go in. I'm just saying that to assume LeBron's block changed the fortune of the game and "led to" Kyrie's 3 is a bit of a leap of faith.

[Meticode]

I don't know, we can agree to disagree here, but the answer seems clear in my head
That's the whole point of the thread is to discuss these things. Not to be right or wrong about things.

[Meticode]

Well if your argument is that LeBron's block was more difficult to make, fine.

My only argument is that one block clinched the title, and the other occurred with 2 minutes left in the game. Your "speculation" comment is completely missing my point. I never disagreed that Iggy's shot had a good chance to go in. I'm just saying that to assume LeBron's block changed the fortune of the game and "led to" Kyrie's 3 is a bit of a leap of faith.
Who knows what would've happened if LeBron didn't make the block. No one can predict if the Cavs run the same play.

On Grant's block did the Bulls already have the lead?

[Prometheus]

If Grant didn't make that play, and Chicago lost that game, the series would not have been over. That's why it still wasn't as big.

[Meticode]

It was a solid block, but it seems like hyperbole to call it the biggest defensive play ever. I can think of several plays by Kobe that were much more crucial. For example, check out the "lockdown" defense by the self-proclaimed Mamba to save the Finals against Orlando:

http://i.makeagif.com/media/7-09-2016/bphowt.gif

It's no wonder that Kobe has so many all-defensive team selections!

Warmest regards,

Ayotunde Ndiaye
Why do you post a GIF of a Game 2 Kobe defensive play with the Lakers being up 1-0? It wasn't even a clinching game.

[Meticode]

If Grant didn't make that play, and Chicago lost that game, the series would not have been over. That's why it still wasn't as big.
Wait, that wasn't even a clinching game?

[nnn123]

The bulls had a 1 point lead, and a 3-2 series lead, yes

[Meticode]

The bulls had a 1 point lead, and a 3-2 series lead, yes
Got you. Thanks for your input. :cheers:

[Prometheus]

Tie game, 2min left in gm7 > 1pt lead, final play up 3-2

The athleticism and aesthetics are also both vastly superior

[SouBeachTalents]

This block was way bigger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdSVT1UXXA

Stop overrating this "greatest block of all time", just because it was LeBron. If it wasn't Lebron - but was some random scrub instead - no one would even be talking about a block that occurred with TWO MINUTES left in the game

That was a huge block, but I'd argue even Hakeem's against Starks was bigger than that

[nnn123]

Tie game, 2min left in gm7 > 1pt lead, final play up 3-2

The athleticism and aesthetics are also both vastly superior

I disagree 1000000%, but it's all good

[nnn123]

I was about to post this block. When I look at the film it looks arguable that Hakeem even tipped it, which is why I never mentioned it lol

[Prometheus]

I disagree 1000000%, but it's all good

Disagree about my statement regarding the situation? Bc that is certainly debatable. I just hope u arent disagreeing about the aesthetics/athleticism part.

[nnn123]

Agree about the aesthetics part.

Disagree with the situational aspect. That's like saying Jordan's game winning shot against Byron Russell wasn't one of the best plays ever because it happened in a game 6. Or Steve Kerr's shot was less significant than [INSERT RANDOM SHOT MADE WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF A GAME 7]. I think the game clinching shots/plays mean the most

[Prometheus]

Agree about the aesthetics part.

Disagree with the situational aspect. That's like saying Jordan's game winning shot against Byron Russell wasn't one of the best plays ever because it happened in a game 6. Or Steve Kerr's shot was less significant than [INSERT RANDOM SHOT MADE WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF A GAME 7]. I think the game clinching shots/plays mean the most

I could definitely see it. I'm on the fence about disagreeing now. But the skill level required is just not even comparable on the two plays. LeBron's block was one of the most difficult plays I've ever seen.

[Mikaiel]

I agree with Cavs' fans wanting to give some props to Kyrie, his performance in the Finals would have been MVP worthy in a different context, you could actually write a list of Finals' MVPs who played worse than he did, and he did nail the biggest shot in the Cavs' franchise history.

However, when watching the game live, it seemed the game had been tied for 10 minutes, and you had the feeling whoever would score next would put one hand on the trophy. Then it seemed the Warriors were finally gonna score, but LeBron denied it. As a fan it felt that right there, we had won the championship, because there's no way LeBron would allow any other outcome. I felt this as a fan, I can't imagine what it felt to his own teammates. I'm pretty sure that was a major confidence booster, especially when in a hostile environment when you can't count on fans boosting you to victory.

Had the roles been reversed, ie Kyrie making the block and LeBron making the game winning three, I'm sure Cavs fans wouldn't shut up about Kyrie's block, because let's face it, we have a soft spot for the guy :cheers: The national storyline would have been about LeBron's three though, that I agree with.

[La Frescobaldi]

Just curious what people think. If you don't think so, what are some other famous blocks in the Finals?

https://youtu.be/CKqMoIxpsWM?t=63

I don't disagree about that amazing LeBron block shot.... but for that second part, there's this:

http://ballislife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/1262.jpg

Bill Russell '63 Finals he had 8 blocks in that close-out g6, including 5 on the Logo - this kind of block right here, over the top from behind but yet under the basket...... it is never easy to avoid the foul on that.
Jerry West was insanely smart, he knew how to draw fouls so he probably never saw this coming.

[La Frescobaldi]

and it's easy to forget LBJ himself with this iconic block right at the rim:

http://thesportsdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/lebron-says-no.jpg