5. LeBron James – 5.16 (2018, Cavaliers)
A Herculean solo effort: 34.0 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 9.0 APG in 22 games to drag Cleveland to the Finals. But after his historic 51 point game 1 that the Cavaliers lost in part because of an infamous play from JR Smith, the Cavaliers would be swept. But would have gotten nowhere close without Lebron.
4. LeBron James – 5.20 (2013, Heat)
A dominant two-way performance leading to back-to-back titles: 25.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 6.6 APG. Making the Finals for the 3rd straight year with the Miami Heat, he won his 2nd Finals MVP after he averaged 25.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists in a 7 game victory over the Spurs.
3. Dirk Nowitzki – 5.39 (2006, Mavericks)
Despite falling short in the Finals, Dirk carried Dallas with 27.0 PPG and 11.7 RPG across 22 games to lead the 4 seed Mavericks to the Finals. He averaged 22.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the 6 game loss to the Heat in those finals in what was his best run statistically despite 2011 being his most remembered.
2. LeBron James – 5.82 (2012, Heat)
LeBron’s first championship run: 30.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 5.6 APG. Lebron was at his best in his run to his first NBA title with the Miami Heat after the previous year’s disapointment. He averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 5 games against the Oklahoma City Thunder to win his 1st of 4 Finals MVPs.
1. Tim Duncan – 5.94 (2003, Spurs)
The highest ever. Duncan dominated on both ends: 24.7 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 5.3 APG, 3.3 BPG. Helping the Spurs win their 2nd of 5 NBA titles, Duncan won his 2nd of 3 Finals MVPs after averaging 24.2 PPG, 17 RPG, and 5.3 BPG. Leading the entire playoffs in about every category except assists in the most dominant of postseason runs.
What’s Happening
#1 prospect Roman Anthony hits 500 ft home run.
Sovereignty takes two legs of triple crown after winning Belmont Stakes.
Merab Dvalishvili retains title with victory Sean O’Malley.
This Day In Sports History
1955: Dodgers option Tommy Lasorda to make room for Sandy Koufax.
1965: Rick Monday selected 1st overall in 1st ever MLB Draft.
1966: NFL and AFL announce merger plans.
1969: Mickey Mantle gives retirement speech at Yankee Stadium.
Random Stat Of The Day
Jerry West has the most points ever in an NBA Finals game 2 that being in 1965 when he scored 45 against the Celtics. Despite the efforts, the Celtics again beat the Lakers in 5 games.