2018 Playoff MVP

[dankok8]

2022 - Stephen Curry
2021 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
2020 - Lebron James
2019 - Kawhi Leonard
2018 - VOTING NOW

This one should be interesting.

[ShawkFactory]

James

[SouBeachTalents]

Sure, the East was weak, but to choose anybody but LeBron for this year is basketball blasphemy. He was by far the best player in the playoffs, and I wouldn’t even bet on Curry or esp KD being able to lead that same Cavs team to the Finals.

[RRR3]

LeBron. Would have been much less debatable even for the Haters if the refs didn't literally steal game 1 from the Cavs in the finals and ruin arguably the best game LeBron ever had. Yes, Cavs still lose that series (at best they'd win one more game IMO) but no one could say durrr swept and ignore context.

[dankok8]

Sure, the East was weak, but to choose anybody but LeBron for this year is basketball blasphemy. He was by far the best player in the playoffs, and I wouldn’t even bet on Curry or esp KD being able to lead that same Cavs team to the Finals.

I agree that Curry or KD probably don't lead the Cavs to the finals but to give it to a losing player requires that the player in question is easily the best player in the playoffs. Given that Lebron didn't even outplay KD/Curry in the finals, I'm hesitant to give him the nod especially since his team got swept and the series was largely a rout after Game 1. There's also the point about Curry/KD not needing to put up big numbers especially the first two rounds.

There's defense too, not just offense. Lebron was quite bad defensively compared to KD.

Lebron isn't a bad choice though.

[RRR3]

I agree that Curry or KD probably don't lead the Cavs to the finals but to give it to a losing player requires that the player in question is easily the best player in the playoffs. Given that Lebron didn't even outplay KD/Curry in the finals, I'm hesitant to give him the nod especially since his team got swept and the series was largely a rout after Game 1. There's also the point about Curry/KD not needing to put up big numbers especially the first two rounds.
He was injured after game 1 (before you cry about that, ask yourself why LeBron is the only player ever who isn't allowed to be injured) and he easily wins game 1 with fair reffing. I don't usually use reffing as an excuse, but I will never cede ground on that particularly game, it was blatant and the announcers even called it out. They literally ignored the rules to give the Warriors a call on one play.

[dankok8]

He was injured after game 1 (before you cry about that, ask yourself why LeBron is the only player ever who isn't allowed to be injured) and he easily wins game 1 with fair reffing. I don't usually use reffing as an excuse, but I will never cede ground on that particularly game, it was blatant and the announcers even called it out. They literally ignored the rules to give the Warriors a call on one play.

Injury isn't an excuse. You're judged on how you play.

I agree that the overturned call was total BS but if it went 5 games it doesn't change things much.

I think 2018 could go to Curry, KD or Lebron. On another note I thought Curry deserved the Finals MVP because of his gravity opening things up for others plus KD was only better than him in Game 3.

For me personally, Lebron would have had to clearly outplay Curry and KD to get the playoff MVP. Since those guys won the title, it's tough to give him the nod. The only way you can get it as a losing player is if you're clearly better than the best player on the team that won. And Lebron didn't prove that IMO.

[SouBeachTalents]

I agree that Curry or KD probably don't lead the Cavs to the finals but to give it to a losing player requires that the player in question is easily the best player in the playoffs. Given that Lebron didn't even outplay KD/Curry in the finals, I'm hesitant to give him the nod especially since his team got swept and the series was largely a rout after Game 1. There's also the point about Curry/KD not needing to put up big numbers especially the first two rounds.

There's defense too, not just offense. Lebron was quite bad defensively compared to KD.

But yea Lebron isn't a bad choice by any means and I will probably vote for him too.
Just based off production it’d be hard to say LeBron didn’t outplay both of them, esp Steph. But it’s a very difficult comparison to make as sure, LeBron had free reign while Steph & KD had to split possessions. But on the flipside, LeBron had to go up against a team of quality-elite defenders in Dray/Iggy/KD/Klay, while the Cavs were one of the worst defenses in the league.

Esp in regards to KD, it’s been well documented how the Cavs put their sole defensive focus on Steph, with countless screenshots & stats that show KD received unprecedentedly easy looks for a player of his stature.

I’d like to see an argument made not related to team results that puts one of those two above LeBron.

[RRR3]

Injury isn't an excuse. You're judged on how you play.

I agree that the overturned call was total BS but if it went 5 games it doesn't change things much.

I think 2018 could go to Curry, KD or Lebron. On another note I thought Curry deserved the Finals MVP because of his gravity opening things up for others plus KD was only better than him in Game 3.

For me personally, Lebron would have had to clearly outplay Curry and KD to get the playoff MVP. Since those guys won the title, it's tough to give him the nod. The only way you can get it as a losing player is if you're clearly better than the best player on the team that won.
Injury is an excuse when it’s Curry :confusedshrug:

[dankok8]

For what it's worth, Lebron's usually stellar plus-minus numbers were also poor in the 2018 Finals. To me that agrees with the eye test that he was bleeding a ton of value on defense.

Game 1: -13 with Lebron in 47:32; +3 without Lebron in 5:28
Game 2: -18 with Lebron in 43:51; -1 without Lebron in 4:09
Game 3: -8 with Lebron in 46:52; 0 without Lebron in 1:08
Game 4: -21 with Lebron in 40:34; -2 without Lebron in 7:26

Overall: -60 with Lebron in 178:49 (-16.1 per 48 minutes); 0 without Lebron (0 per 48 minutes)

Four games is of course a small sample size but that's pretty bad to just dismiss.

[fsvr54]

Lebron James in 2020 over Rondo or AD is absurd

[SouBeachTalents]

Well I find it hard to believe the Cavs would be better without LeBron, esp in Game 1 :lol

[ShawkFactory]

Lebron James in 2020 over Rondo or AD is absurd

Wrong thread.

[dankok8]

Just based off production it’d be hard to say LeBron didn’t outplay both of them, esp Steph. But it’s a very difficult comparison to make as sure, LeBron had free reign while Steph & KD had to split possessions. But on the flipside, LeBron had to go up against a team of quality-elite defenders in Dray/Iggy/KD/Klay, while the Cavs were one of the worst defenses in the league.

Esp in regards to KD, it’s been well documented how the Cavs put their sole defensive focus on Steph, with countless screenshots & stats that show KD received unprecedentedly easy looks for a player of his stature.

I’d like to see an argument made not related to team results that puts one of those two above LeBron.

The series averages reward Lebron for a monster Game 1. Lebron was the best player in Game 1, Steph in Game 2, KD in Game 3 then Steph again in Game 4. That's probably three out of four games that Lebron wasn't the best player on the floor. I think all three of them played on a similar level. Lebron didn't separate himself.

[RRR3]

Lebron James in 2020 over Rondo or AD is absurd
Excellent job telling OP he shouldn’t even take your posts seriously for this project. Rondo :yaohappy:

[warriorfan]

For what it's worth, Lebron's usually stellar plus-minus numbers were also poor in the 2018 Finals. To me that agrees with the eye test that he was bleeding a ton of value on defense.

Game 1: -13 with Lebron in 47:32; +3 without Lebron in 5:28
Game 2: -18 with Lebron in 43:51; -1 without Lebron in 4:09
Game 3: -8 with Lebron in 46:52; 0 without Lebron in 1:08
Game 4: -21 with Lebron in 40:34; -2 without Lebron in 7:26

Overall: -60 with Lebron in 178:49 (-16.1 per 48 minutes); 0 without Lebron (0 per 48 minutes)

Four games is of course a small sample size but that's pretty bad to just dismiss.

Good find.

I vote for Curry

[FKAri]

Lebron


For what it's worth, Lebron's usually stellar plus-minus numbers were also poor in the 2018 Finals. To me that agrees with the eye test that he was bleeding a ton of value on defense.

Game 1: -13 with Lebron in 47:32; +3 without Lebron in 5:28
Game 2: -18 with Lebron in 43:51; -1 without Lebron in 4:09
Game 3: -8 with Lebron in 46:52; 0 without Lebron in 1:08
Game 4: -21 with Lebron in 40:34; -2 without Lebron in 7:26

Overall: -60 with Lebron in 178:49 (-16.1 per 48 minutes); 0 without Lebron (0 per 48 minutes)

Four games is of course a small sample size but that's pretty bad to just dismiss.

Might have had more to do with who was on the floor for GS. The rest of their playoff run showed that the team as constructed needed Lebron to be able to break down a defense more than they needed him going hard on D. It was a good strategy that made them better but it's a sign of a team that isn't championship material-which they weren't and is why they got swept.

[1987_Lakers]

This is easily LeBron. Last time we saw someone dominate a postseason like LeBron did that year was peak Shaq. He carried the Cavs to the Finals, I remember even Skip Bayless was impressed by what he was doing.

[1987_Lakers]

For what it's worth, Lebron's usually stellar plus-minus numbers were also poor in the 2018 Finals. To me that agrees with the eye test that he was bleeding a ton of value on defense.

Game 1: -13 with Lebron in 47:32; +3 without Lebron in 5:28
Game 2: -18 with Lebron in 43:51; -1 without Lebron in 4:09
Game 3: -8 with Lebron in 46:52; 0 without Lebron in 1:08
Game 4: -21 with Lebron in 40:34; -2 without Lebron in 7:26

Overall: -60 with Lebron in 178:49 (-16.1 per 48 minutes); 0 without Lebron (0 per 48 minutes)

Four games is of course a small sample size but that's pretty bad to just dismiss.

Take those numbers with a grain of salt. -13 in game 1, but if you watched that game live you knew you were watching one of the greatest Finals game performances ever by a player.

[8Ball]

LeBron and it ain't even close.


This is the best individual playoff run ever.

[dankok8]

Take those numbers with a grain of salt. -13 in game 1, but if you watched that game live you knew you were watching one of the greatest Finals game performances ever by a player.

I agree that Game 1 he was amazing. How about Game 2 through 4 though? And what about defense?

[Johnny32]

lol lebron and it isn't up for debate.

[post]

starting to think dankok might be as nuts as 3ball

[1987_Lakers]

starting to think dankok might be as nuts as 3ball

Why? I mean he is obviously biased against LeBron no matter how much he tries to deny, but he's not even close to 3ball in terms of crazy.

[Full Court]

KD hands down. Bronies are in denial as usual.

[post]

Why? I mean he is obviously biased against LeBron no matter how much he tries to deny, but he's not even close to 3ball in terms of crazy.

call it an educated guess

[Gohan]

Take those numbers with a grain of salt. -13 in game 1, but if you watched that game live you knew you were watching one of the greatest Finals game performances ever by a player.

Not really, he just had alot of points game was underwhelming actually. I will say this though, if lebron wasnt your 2018 playoff mvp you need to take the white sheet off your head because its clearly clouding your judgement. Not talking to you directly just saying that about anyone that doesnt think lebron was playoff mvp that year

[bison]

Roid gets the nod

[kawhileonard2]

Durant by far. http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?489748-When-KD-and-Lebron-go-head-to-head

[HoopsNY]

Why? I mean he is obviously biased against LeBron no matter how much he tries to deny, but he's not even close to 3ball in terms of crazy.

You do this repeatedly with anyone who doesn't put LeBron first in everything. You claimed I was a LeBron hater and now dankok is "biased". It's obvious he doesn't hold LeBron in the same regard as you (a LeBron fan), but that alone doesn't make him biased.

[HoopsNY]

My vote for 2018 would be LeBron.

[dankok8]

Not really, he just had alot of points game was underwhelming actually. I will say this though, if lebron wasnt your 2018 playoff mvp you need to take the white sheet off your head because its clearly clouding your judgement. Not talking to you directly just saying that about anyone that doesnt think lebron was playoff mvp that year

Not saying Lebron isn't the 2018 playoff MVP but it's far from clear-cut. Honestly any time a player doesn't win a ring, it's far from clear-cut right off the bat and then he failed to outplay KD/Curry in the Finals.

[HoopsNY]

Not saying Lebron isn't the 2018 playoff MVP but it's far from clear-cut. Honestly any time a player doesn't win a ring, it's far from clear-cut right off the bat and then he failed to outplay KD/Curry in the Finals.

KD maybe but Curry?

[ShawkFactory]

KD maybe but Curry?

Yea Curry doesn't have an argument in 2018 unless the argument is "well defenses had to worry about him still". Which is true...but still. KD was the best player on the team in most of the big moments.

[dankok8]

KD maybe but Curry?

Curry was better than KD in Game 1, Game 2 and Game 4. Ben Taylor made a strong argument that Curry should have won the Finals MVP in 2018. Not sure I agree but still... there is a case to be made.

[warriorfan]

Keep in mind how poor LeBron’s defense was by this time in 2018. This is the year he reached his peak in terms of coasting on defense and taking possessions off. He was still able to produce offensively because of it but some people are looking back with rose colored glasses and not remembering all of it. It’s reflected in the impact stats that Dankok posted earlier.

[Shooter]

LeBron and it ain't even close.


This is the best individual playoff run ever...

32.2 PER

NBA Record

[sdot_thadon]

The run that some consider Lebron's offensive peak? No question Lebronto.

[coastalmarker99]

My vote goes to Lebron.

In the First Round of the 2018 Playoffs vs the Pacers LeBron James accounted for 35% of the Cavs total points, rebounds and assists.

Also In the First Round of the 2018 Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James won a playoff series without any teammate scoring 20 points in any of the games for the first time in his career.

In Game 7 of the First Round of the 2018 Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to have at least 45 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals in a Game 7.

In-Game 2 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors, LeBron James became the first player in NBA History to have at least 42 points, 8 rebounds, and 14 assists in a Playoff Game. Since then, Luka Doncic has also done it in the 2021 Playoffs.

Most Points in a Game 7 Win in NBA Playoff History:
1. Sam Jones (1963) - 47 Points
2. LeBron James (2018) - 45 Points

Most Points on the Road in a Game 7 Win to Advance to the Finals in NBA Playoff History:
T1. LeBron James (2018) - 35 Points
T1. Shaquille O’Neal (2002) - 35 Points


Players to Lead Both Teams Outright in Points, Rebounds, and Assists in a Game 7 in NBA Playoff History:
•LeBron James - 2018 Eastern Conference Finals
•Jayson Tatum - 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals
•Larry Bird - 1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals



In the 2018 Playoffs, LeBron James had:
•8 of the 13 highest scoring games
•9 of the 25 highest assisting games
•8 of the 26 highest rebounding games

Highest Percentage of a Team's Points, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, and Blocks in a Finals Run:
1. LeBron James (2018) - 32%
T2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1974) - 30%
T2. LeBron James (2015) - 30%
T4. Shaquille O’Neal (2000) - 29%
T4. LeBron James (2012) - 29%

In the 2018 Playoffs, LeBron James scored or assisted on 55.4 PPG through the Eastern Conference Playoffs, which was the most he has ever had in all of his 10 finals runs.


LeBron James had 612 points in the first 18 games of the 2018 Playoffs, which was 34 PPG. That is tied with Michael Jordan in the 1992 Playoffs for the most PPG entering the Finals since 1970.

Most Points in a Single Playoff Run Entering NBA Finals in NBA Playoff History:
1. LeBron James (2018) - 612 Points
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (1995) - 594 Points
3. Michael Jordan (1989) - 591 Points
4. Michael Jordan (1990) - 587 Points
5. Kevin Durant (2014) - 563 Points

Most PPG in a Single Playoff Run in NBA Playoff History minimum of 19 games :
1. Michael Jordan (1993) - 35.1 PPG
2. LeBron James (2018) - 34.9 PPG
3. Michael Jordan (1992) - 34.5 PPG
4. Hakeem Olajuwon (1995) - 33.0 PPG

Most Points in a Single Playoff Run in NBA Playoff History :
1. Michael Jordan (1992) - 759 Points
2. LeBron James (2018) - 748 Points
3. Kawhi Leonard (2019) - 732 Points
4. Hakeem Olajuwon (1995) - 725 Points
5. Allen Iverson (2001) - 723 Points


Most 40 Point Games in a Single Postseason in NBA Playoff History
T1. LeBron James (2018) - 8
T1. Jerry West (1965) - 8
3. Michael Jordan (1989) - 7

[nayte]

Interesting how they are all in non winning seasons.
And no I'm not implying anything

[coastalmarker99]

The 2018 Cavaliers (aside from Lebron):

vs the Indiana Pacers:
38.8%FG, 31.6%3P, 49.9%TS

vs the Toronto Raptors:
50%FG, 45%3P, 62.4%TS

vs the Boston Celtics:
41.9%FG, 29.6%3P, 52.3%TS

vs the GSW:
37%FG, 28.8%3P, 45%TS


Lebron pulled off one of the biggest carries ever.


He was easily the MVP of the 2018 postseason.

[nayte]

I agree it's LeBron but damn that some piss poor shooting lol

[Nowitness]

LeBron, and it's not close.

Dude was winning playoff series with his 2nd option being outscored by his oppositions 5th leading scorer.

Almost had as many 40+ point games as Kobe had his entire career.

[1987_Lakers]

Can we move on to 2017, LeBron has this in the bag.