Twenty Greatest NBA Finals Moments...

[Jeffx]

Ahh the memories. These were the NBA's glory years. The scary thing is I was around for most of these.


http://nba.com/playoffs2004/greatest_fi ... ments.html

[Andrew]

Some great moments in that list. It's nice to see Willis Reed's moment up there at number two. Even though it happened before I was born, I've become familiar with the story and recognise it as one of the special moments in NBA history.

From the honourable mentions:

Foreshadowing his exploits a year later, Michael Jordan drains a game-winning jumper over Bryon Russell to give Chicago an 84-82 Game 1 victory at the buzzer

I might have substituted this one with MJ's performance in Game 5 of the same series, when he scored 38 points (including a three pointer that gave the Bulls the lead for good) despite being weakened by the flu.

[Fresh8]

MJ with the flu....coprison with Kobe scoring 42 with that mental problem

Wat do u think?

And also Willis Reed was inspirational

And Magic Johnson as a rookie when he played all five spots on the floor

[Andrew]

coprison with Kobe scoring 42 with that mental problem

I'm not sure which moment you're referring to there.

[Jackal]

He's trying to show you Kobe's greatness.

"Hmm, MJ played great with the flu, lets bring up how great Kobe plays while attending court being accused of raping a girl, his mind must stress alot, yet he plays great. Yay, Kobe > MJ, how can I let a moment go by when MJ is being praised and I don't praise Kobe? How, I ask you HOW is it possible for me to let go of such a great opportunity."

*shrug* Does everything revolve around Kobe? Talking about great moments in games, suddenly Kobe is popped out of nowhere because MJ had a great game with the flu, can you say.."Huh?"

[Andrew]

Oh. Well, Kobe hasn't played in the NBA Finals since the trial began, so it doesn't really qualify as a great NBA Finals moment.

[Jackal]

How dare you, are you taking away from Kobe's greatness?

But seriously, that comparison really sucked.

[RedTorro]

I really think all these arguments about how Kobe's mental strength surpasses some of Jordans great performances has some holes in it. First of all MJ carried a hellova alot of pressure night in and night out. He was expected to carry the NBA on his back by winning and winning big. Mj had to live up to people's expectations every night and he came through unlike where Kobe shows occasional flashes of brilliance and people praise him for it. Michael Jordan had to live up to playing like Michael Jordan in very tough and hostile situations as well. Being reminded that you could be locked up for the rest of your life, would motivate most people to play like it's your last game.

[Fresh8]

Ok... we'll have to wait for the NBA Finals in a few seasons when Kobe's the only player on LA- facing murder charges for killing Shaq/Malone/GP and Jax by poisoning them... Game 7 of NBA Finals- Kobe scores 50 and win ring but is taken to prison after police find evidence to convict him of murder!

[Andrew]

Even though Kobe has played well considering the distraction of the trial and the looming consequences if the verdict doesn't go his wat, the fact remains that none of his great performances this season have occurred in an NBA Finals game, and the moment that I mentioned did, which is what the article Jeffx posted is talking about. Kobe playing well this season despite a serious off-court distraction does not qualify as a memorable NBA Finals moment.

That's all I'm saying. I'm not saying Kobe's had an easy year or that he's not a great player. I'm just saying a memorable moment in the history of the NBA Finals must have occurred during an NBA Finals series.

[EGarrett]

(points to Kobe Talk)

Anyway....back to the topic...I think the "Spec-TAC-ular" move by Michael Jordan is overrated.

If you watch it, no one jumped or did anything to contest his shot. All Michael had to do was dunk the ball, so he switched hands unnecessarily. Julius Erving's move (also on the list there) was the only way he would've converted that basket.

There hasn't been a lot of drama in the Finals in the last 6 years or so. Here's hoping the Pacers or Pistons can keep up.

[Drex]

Anyway....back to the topic...I think the "Spec-TAC-ular" move by Michael Jordan is overrated.

Agree!!!

[Mazzocchi]

MJ with the flu....coprison with Kobe scoring 42 with that mental problem

playing w/ the flu is harder than playing with "that mental problem" i got the flu, and i barely got up the whole time lmao

[Andrew]

Anyway....back to the topic...I think the "Spec-TAC-ular" move by Michael Jordan is overrated.

As far as this list goes, I actually kind of agree. Some of the other moments that made the list were more significant as they had more of an impact on the outcome of the series.