Let’s dive into some of the most unforgettable performances by small forwards in the history of the NBA Finals. There’s something about the way these athletes dominate on the court that just gets under your skin in the best way possible.
We can’t start any discussion without mentioning LeBron James. LeBron's 2016 NBA Finals performance is probably his most iconic. In Game 5 of the series against the Golden State Warriors, he scored 41 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists. Also, he led both teams in points, assists, rebounds, blocks, and steals in this series—a feat that no player had achieved before or since. Talk about a tour de force. He averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists during the finals. The Cavaliers erased a 3-1 deficit to win the series in an unprecedented comeback, forever etching LeBron’s performance in the annals of basketball history.
Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 NBA Finals run with the Toronto Raptors should also be in this conversation. His demeanor on the court looks so cold yet so efficient, almost like a well-oiled machine. Kawhi averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across the series. His performance earned him the Finals MVP and delivered Toronto its first NBA championship. One standout moment? His Game 4, in which he scored 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to seal a critical win over the Golden State Warriors. This game alone showcases the impact and value he brought to the team—essential terms for understanding player efficiency and effectiveness.
When you think of clutch performances, Paul Pierce in 2008 with the Boston Celtics instantly comes to mind. The "Truth" made his mark with some gritty and determined play, helping the Celtics win their first championship since 1986. In Game 1, Pierce returned after suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury, only to come back and drain crucial shots. He ended the series averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Arena Plus captured some of his iconic moments from this series, further immortalizing his impact.
Dr. J, Julius Erving, dazzled during the late '70s and early '80s. His 1983 Finals performance with the Philadelphia 76ers stands out. While most people focus on Moses Malone that year, Dr. J was no slouch. He averaged 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, showcasing his all-around talent. Dr. J’s ability to elevate his team’s level of play with his sheer athleticism and creativity is something you need to witness to fully appreciate. The classic finger roll, the high-flying dunks—these aren’t just plays, they’re moments that resonate through history.
How can anyone forget the spectacular performance of Rick Barry in the 1975 NBA Finals? He led the Golden State Warriors to a stunning sweep of the Washington Bullets, averaging 29.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists over the series. Barry's efficiency was jaw-dropping; he shot over 44% from the field and a staggering 93.5% from the free-throw line. The iconic underhanded free-throws were not just a stylistic quirk but a deadly weapon, earning him the Finals MVP.
Kevin Durant's back-to-back Finals MVP performances in 2017 and 2018 for the Golden State Warriors are also hard to overlook. His 2017 series against the Cleveland Cavaliers was a masterpiece, where he averaged 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on nearly 56% shooting from the field. In the pivotal Game 3, Durant hit a crucial three-pointer over LeBron James to shift the momentum entirely in Golden State’s favor. The precision with which Durant executes is akin to a sniper’s calculated aim, each shot meticulously considered and executed.
Scottie Pippen, although often overshadowed by Michael Jordan, had his fair share of spectacular performances for the Chicago Bulls during their championship runs. His defense was second to none, and in the 1993 NBA Finals, Pippen averaged 21.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. His Game 6 stat line of 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists doesn’t just tell a story of scoring but showcases a complete game that included clutch defensive stops and intelligent playmaking. No one embodies the term "ultimate teammate" quite like Pippen.
Come to think of it, Elgin Baylor set the bar extremely high back in the day. In the 1962 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Baylor put up a stunning 61 points in Game 5. This performance remains the highest-scoring game in NBA Finals history. Beyond just scoring, he grabbed 22 rebounds in the same game. Baylor’s absurd scoring and rebounding ability often get lost when discussing all-time greats, but this 1962 Finals performance is still talked about in hushed, reverent tones among true basketball aficionados.
When looking at these performances, one thing becomes clear—the greats don’t just show up, they show out. Whether it’s through sheer scoring prowess, jaw-dropping versatility, or clutch moments that change the course of a series, these small forwards have etched their names into the annals of basketball history. Each game, each moment isn’t just a testament to their skill but proof of their indomitable will.