Best Game 1 Performances In NBA Finals History

Kevin Durant thrashed the Cavaliers in the Warriors' Game 1 victory in the 2017 NBA Finals, tallying 38 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Throw in zero turnovers and a couple staredowns of Rihanna, and KD’s return to the Finals was an undoubted success. Here's a look at some of the other best Game 1 performances in NBA Finals history. (Written by Michael Shapiro).

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 2, 2017

Best Game 1 Performances In NBA Finals History

Kevin Durant, 2017

LeBron James, 2015

James’ Game 1 explosion proved to be par for the course throughout the 2015 Finals. The King transitioned from floor general to a scoring machine with no Kevin Love and a hobbled Kyrie irving, scoring 44 points on 38 shots. Cleveland dropped Game 1 and lost the series in six games, but it was frankly a minor miracle that LeBron could even make the series close considering his shoddy supporting cast. James ended the series averaging 36-13-9, garnering four MVP votes in the process. The award ultimately went to Andre Iguodala.

Kobe Bryant, 2009

The Mamba mentality was in full effect to open the 2009 Finals, as Bryant’s 40 points led the way in a 100-75 Lakers route of Orlando. Kobe failed to can a three in 38 minutes, but the likes of Courtney Lee and Mickael Pietrus couldn’t contain Bryant’s array of midrange moves and attacks to the tin. The next three games were each decided by less than 10 points, but LA handedly dispatched Dwight Howard and Co. in five games.

Tim Duncan, 2003

NBA fans witnessed peak Duncan in the ‘03 Finals, highlighted by a near-quadruple-double in Game 6 to clinch the title. But the closeout contest wasn’t Duncan’s only dominant effort in the series. The Big Fundamental poured in 32 points paired with 20 boards in a 101-89 Game 1 win, controlling the paint at will. Duncan also held his own on the defensive end, holding Kenyon Martin to 21 points on 24 shots.

Allen Iverson, 2001

The 2001 Lakers would have become the first team in league history to go 16-0 in the postseason if it weren’t for Iverson’s Game 1 heroics. AI’s 48 points – and iconic step-over of Tyronn Lue – stunned the Staples Center crowd, putting in doubt a series many viewed as a corantation. Things reverted back normal after Game 1, though, as Los Angeles would go on to win the next four games en route to the title. But don’t blame Iverson. He averaged nearly 36 points a game while playing alongside Eric Snow and Aaron McKie in the backcourt. Not exactly a star-studded supporting cast.

Shaquille O’Neal, 2000

Indiana simply had no answer for The Big Diesel in the 2000 Finals. Shaq brought the hammer down on whatever defender the Pacers sent his way, ending the series with an average of 38 points and 17 rebounds. Game 1 was no different. O’Neal dropped 43 points along with 19 rebounds, adding four blocked shots for good measure. Add in Reggie Miller’s 1-16 performance from the field and the Lakers cruised to a 104-87 victory.

Michael Jordan, 1992

The United Center crowd erupted as Jordan banged home his sixth trey of the first half in Game 1 of the 1992 Finals, punctuated by Jordan’s shrug seen ‘round the world. MJ ended the evening with 39 points on 27 shots, promptly shutting down any debate on whether he or Clyde Drexler was the league’s premier shooting guard. Portland would bounce back to win Game 2 and later even the series at two games apiece, but a combined 59 points between Jordan and Scottie Pippen in Game 6 granted Chicago its second-straight championship.

Moses Malone, 1983

A loss in the Eastern Conference Finals prevented Malone from achieving full-prophet status after declaring the 76ers would win their three playoff series in “Fo’, fo’, fo’”, but his performance in Game 1 of the Finals did guarantee a short series. Malone destroyed the Lakers inside, posting 27 points and 18 boards in Philly’s 113-107 victory. And things would only get easier for the 76ers from there. They won each of the series’ next three games, sweeping the Lakers to end the playoffs with a 12–1 record.

Willis Reed, 1970

Reed’s signature Finals moment came in Game 7 when he started for New York despite previously being ruled out with an ankle injury. Reed trotting out of the tunnel and scoring on his first two shot attempts is the signature moment of his 10-year career, but perhaps his most impressive performance came six games prior. The seven-time all-star posted 37 points and 16 rebounds in Game 1, leading the charge in New York’s 124-112 win. Reed ended the series averaging 23 points and a double-double, ultimately winning Finals MVP.

Jerry West, 1969

The only player to ever win Finals MVP on a losing team, West’s 1969 Finals were an immaculate display of basketball excellence. The Logo averaged 38 points per game in the Finals and notched a triple double in Game 7, coming within two points of defeating then-10-time champion Bill Russell. West’s Game 1 performance may have been the most impressive of all, though, a 53-point outburst in Los Angeles’ 120-118 victory. And while West’s Lakers were never able to defeat Boston, he did get a championship ring three years later when LA defeated the Knicks in five games.