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.
Walt Frazier, New York Knicks
In the 1970 NBA Finals, Walt Frazier had 36 points, 19 assists, and 7 rebounds in a game best remembered for Willis Reed's triumphant return to the Knicks. New York won the game 113-99 and the NBA title against the Lakers.
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.
Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks
Dominique Wilkins matched Bird's performance in the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals. He had 47 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, but could not will the Hawks to victory. His 47 points are tied with Sam Jones (1963 conference finals) for the most in a Game 7 in NBA history.
Allen Iverson, Phildadelphi 76ers
He scored 44 points in game 7 of the eastern conference finals against the bucks.
Charles Barkley, Phoenix Suns
He also scored 44 points and hauled down 24 rebounds in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Seattle SuperSonics.
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
He scored 37 points and 15 rebounds in a classic game 7 duel against Tim Duncan and scored the game tying bucket to send the game to overtime which he won
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Duncan scored 41 points and 15 rebounds in a heartbreaking game 7 loss at home against the Mavericks
Shaquille O'neal, Los Angeles Lakers
Vintage Shaq dominated with 35 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals which gave the Lakers the best fight during the during their run of three straight championships.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Bryant wasnt far behind Shaq as he totaled 30 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists to get it done and seal the deal in a 112-106 overtime win for the Lakers.
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.
These are just some of the greatest game 7 performances, what are other historic performances and where does Pierce/LBJ's game yesterday rank?
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? 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?
