Ever wondered which NBA playoff runs stand out as the greatest of all time? Let’s dive into the specifics and break down some of the most incredible performances in NBA history.
Michael Jordan’s 1991 playoff run remains legendary. Leading the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA Championship, Jordan averaged an astonishing 31.1 points per game during the playoffs. His efficiency was off the charts, boasting a field goal percentage of 52.4%. Not only did he perform spectacularly on the court, but Jordan also changed the narrative for the Bulls as a resilient, championship-worthy team.
Fast forward to 2006, Dwyane Wade showcased one of the most phenomenal NBA Finals performances ever. Wade led the Miami Heat through a grueling series against the Dallas Mavericks, ultimately clinching the title. He averaged 34.7 points over the series, demonstrating an unmatched prowess and relentless drive that carried his team to victory. Wade’s performance in those Finals remains stamped in NBA annals for his sheer dominance and clutch play.
In 2016, LeBron James cemented his legacy with one of the most memorable NBA Finals performances. The Cleveland Cavaliers were 3-1 down against the Golden State Warriors, a team who had just set a regular-season record of 73 wins. Remarkably, LeBron led the Cavaliers to three consecutive wins, securing the Championship and ending Cleveland’s 52-year title drought. LeBron recorded a triple-double in Game 7, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time. That series alone featured one of the greatest blocks in history, when LeBron chased down Andre Iguodala in the finals minutes.
The 2000 Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, are another iconic example. Shaq was utterly dominant, averaging 30.7 points—and 15.4 rebounds during the playoffs. His Finals performance was otherworldly, where he averaged 38 points per game against the Indiana Pacers, earning him the Finals MVP. This was the beginning of the Lakers’ three-peat dominance in the early 2000s, with both Shaq and Kobe leading the charge.
Did you know that Magic Johnson’s rookie season in 1980 included one of the greatest playoff performances? Magic filled in for an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Playing multiple positions, including center, Magic scored 42 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists. A remarkable feat considering his age of just 20, Magic’s versatility and poise under pressure were key in the Lakers clinching the title.
Dirk Nowitzki’s 2011 playoff run requires mention due to his sheer offensive mastery. Leading the Dallas Mavericks, Dirk showcased clutch shooting and unstoppable scoring, averaging 27.7 points through the playoffs. The Mavericks, against all odds, defeated the favored Miami Heat in the Finals. Dirk’s performance was special because he demonstrated the power of perseverance and skill, concluding years of playoff letdowns to achieve ultimate victory.
Consider Boston Celtics’ 2008 run. With the addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, alongside Paul Pierce, the Celtics turned their fortunes around. They overcame both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons in seven-game series before clinching the title against the Lakers in six games. Paul Pierce was named the Finals MVP, averaging nearly 19.7 points per game, symbolizing the dramatic turnaround for a historic franchise.
What about Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 run? Leading the Toronto Raptors, Kawhi demonstrated incredible defensive and offensive efficiency. He averaged 30.5 points per game during the playoffs, with his iconic buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 forever etched in playoff lore. Kawhi’s performance was instrumental in leading the Raptors to their first NBA Championship, proving his status as a top-tier player.
Another remarkable playoff run is Hakeem Olajuwon’s 1994 performance. Hakeem was nearly unstoppable both offensively and defensively, averaging 28.9 points and 11 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He led the Houston Rockets to the championship, defeating the New York Knicks in seven hard-fought games. Olajuwon's dominance on both ends of the floor earned him the Finals MVP and solidified his legacy as one of the all-time great centers.
Among recent memory, the 2017 Golden State Warriors showed unparalleled dominance. With the addition of Kevin Durant, the Warriors breezed through the playoffs, losing just one game en route to the championship. Durant was named the Finals MVP against the Cavaliers, averaging 35.2 points per game in the Finals. The synergy and firepower of that team will be remembered for their near-invincibility.
These playoff performances were more than just games—they were epic displays of skill, perseverance, and legendary stature. For more thrilling discussions and deep dives into sporting legends, don't miss out on arena plus, where the best in sports comes to life.