Larry Bird, Boston Celtics
In the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals, the Celtics and Hawks played a tremendous game that will be forever remembered for the fourth quarter shootout between Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins. Bird entered the fourth quarter with 14 points. He then scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 34 points in a 118-116 Celtics win.
Bill Russell, Boston Celtics
In the 1962 NBA Finals, Bill Russell had 30 points and a Game 7-record 40 rebounds, as the Celtics won 110-107 in overtime. The game famously ended with Bob Cousy avoiding defenders while dribbling out the clock.
Bill Russell, Boston Celtics
In the 1966 NBA Finals, Bill Russell helped coach Red Auerbach retire with a title. After a Game 1 loss to the Lakers, Auerbach said he would step down after the season and Russell would take over as coach. The Celtics fought back in the series and forced a Game 7. Russell had 25 points and 32 rebounds in Game 7 as the Celtics won 95-93, and Auerbach retired on top of his profession.
Dave Cowens, Boston Celtics
During the 1975-75 NBA FInals, Cowens was the hero in Game 7, scoring 28 points as the Celtics brought the title back to Boston for the first time in five years.
Larry Bird, Boston Celtics
He provided one of the greatest moments in playoff history in the conference finals against Detroit. The Pistons had a one-point lead and possession of the ball with five seconds left in the pivotal Game 5 at Boston Garden. Bird stole an inbounds pass from Isiah Thomas and fed Dennis Johnson for a layup and a shocking victory. Detroit won Game 6, but the Celtics prevailed in Game 7, 117-114, to advance.
Stars always rise to the occasion in game 7 and who why they are so good, it's the most important game in the careers of some players and theres simply nothing like a game where both teams are on the verge of elimination and the celtics have a great tradition of game 7 performances.
Honestly, both LBJ and Pierce put on incredible games, but obviously Pierce's performance will be considered 'better' because his team won. So where would you put it on the all time celtics performances? He completely put his team on his shoulders and led them throughout the game offensively and in the clutch of a 4th quarter game 7 for the right to go on to the conference finals?
