When you think about NBA elimination games in the playoffs, it's impossible to forget about Michael Jordan's 1998 performance against the Indiana Pacers. This was Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and Jordan put up 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. With 5.9 seconds left on the clock, his clutch free throws sealed the game for the Chicago Bulls. In terms of efficiency, Jordan had a player efficiency rating (PER) of 27.91, one of the highest in playoff history.
Another unforgettable elimination game performance came from LeBron James in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 6 against the Boston Celtics. LeBron scored an incredible 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. This victory was pivotal, as it enabled the Miami Heat to push the series to Game 7, which they eventually won. LeBron's shooting efficiency was off the charts, making 19 of his 26 shots from the field, which comes out to 73%. It was a masterclass in playoff basketball.
Kevin Durant's performance in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks is also worth mentioning. In Game 5, Durant logged a staggering 48 minutes, never coming off the court. He posted 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, giving him a triple-double on one of the biggest stages. What makes this even more impressive is that he achieved these stats while shooting 70.6% from the field. This was a game that showcased Durant's incredible stamina and skill under pressure.
Speaking of unforgettable moments, Allen Iverson's 2001 performance in Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors cannot be overlooked. Iverson scored 21 points, but his 16 assists were equally important for the Philadelphia 76ers' 88-87 win. Iverson played 47 minutes in this nail-biting game, steering his team through one of the tightest elimination games in history. His clutch performance in both scoring and playmaking was crucial, and it kept the 76ers' championship hopes alive.
Dirk Nowitzki's 2011 Game 6 against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals was another iconic elimination game performance. The Dallas Mavericks were fighting to win their first-ever NBA championship, and Nowitzki delivered by scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His off-balance jumpers and three-pointers were instrumental in the Mavericks defeating the Heat to secure the title. Dirk's performance in this game was the epitome of clutch, and his Finals MVP award was well deserved.
Moving further back, let's revisit Magic Johnson's Game 6 in the 1980 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. As a rookie, Magic was tasked with starting at center due to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's injury. He responded with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading the Lakers to clinch the championship. Magic's versatility and ability to perform under pressure were undeniable, and this game remains one of the greatest performances in NBA history.
Tim Duncan's 2003 performance in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets is another standout. Duncan put up a monster stat line with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks, nearly achieving a quadruple-double. Duncan's dominance on both ends of the floor was instrumental in the Spurs securing their second NBA title. His defensive prowess and offensive efficiency under high stakes solidified his legacy as one of the best power forwards ever.
And who could forget Klay Thompson's legendary Game 6 in the 2016 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder? Thompson nailed an astonishing 11 three-pointers, finishing the game with 41 points. This performance not only kept the Golden State Warriors' season alive but also helped them complete a historic comeback from a 3-1 series deficit. Klay's shooting accuracy and composure under pressure make this one of the greatest elimination game performances ever.
Finally, we have Damian Lillard's incredible performance in Game 5 of the 2019 Western Conference First Round against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Lillard scored 50 points, including a series-clinching three-pointer from 37 feet, sending the Portland Trail Blazers to the next round. This game stood out not just for the points but also for Lillard's late-game heroics and shooting range. His 50-point game on 55.3% shooting was a testament to his deep range and clutch capability.
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