The 2010s era of NBA playoffs gifted basketball fans with many unforgettable moments. In 2013, LeBron James scored one of the most memorable buzzer-beaters in NBA history during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. With just 2.2 seconds left on the clock, LeBron made sure Miami Heat fans had something to cheer about. His team, the Heat, won the game 103-102, and LeBron finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Talk about delivering under pressure!
Continuing the trend of spectacular performances, the 2016 NBA Finals remain etched in fans’ memories, especially Game 7. LeBron James delivered “The Block” in the last few minutes, stopping Andre Iguodala’s layup attempt, an iconic moment that helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win their first-ever championship. That finals series saw LeBron average a triple-double, accumulating 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. His performance solidified his reputation as one of the greatest players in the game.
In the same series, Kyrie Irving also left his mark with one of the most clutch shots in Finals history. With less than a minute remaining in Game 7, and the score tied at 89-89, Kyrie hit an incredible three-pointer over Steph Curry, ultimately giving the Cavaliers a 92-89 lead. That shot was critical, and the Cavaliers eventually closed out the game, ending a 52-year championship drought for the city of Cleveland. Kyrie averaged 27.1 points per game in that series, proving he was an indispensable part of the Cavaliers’ success.
Another unforgettable performance came from KD, Kevin Durant, in the 2017 NBA Finals. Durant joined the Golden State Warriors, a team already loaded with talent, and helped them excel in the postseason. Durant showcased his scoring prowess by averaging 35.2 points per game in the Finals against LeBron’s Cavaliers. In Game 3, Durant nailed a go-ahead three-pointer, sealing the fate of the Cavaliers and leading the Warriors to a 118-113 victory. The Warriors won the series 4-1, and Durant was rightfully named Finals MVP. His addition to the Warriors added an extra dimension to their already potent offense.
James Harden also had some standout performances in the playoffs during the 2010s. A particularly notable moment came in the 2018 Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Harden, known for his scoring and playmaking abilities, put on a show with 32 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds in Game 4. Although the Houston Rockets eventually lost the series, Harden’s efforts were undeniable. His performance underscored his importance to the Rockets, as he averaged 28.6 points and 6.8 assists per game during that playoff run.
In 2019, Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA Championship, delivering a playoff run for the ages. Leonard’s shot in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers still amazes fans. With the game tied at 90-90, Leonard launched a buzzer-beater from the corner that bounced on the rim four times before finally dropping in, clinching a 92-90 victory for the Raptors. Leonard averaged 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs, showing his elite skills on both ends of the floor. The Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to capture their first title in franchise history, and Leonard earned the Finals MVP award.
Damian Lillard also had his share of unforgettable moments during the 2010s playoffs. In 2019, Lillard sent the Oklahoma City Thunder packing with a game-winning, 37-foot three-pointer in Game 5 of the first round. Lillard’s shot gave the Portland Trail Blazers a 118-115 victory and ended the series. He scored 50 points in that game, further establishing himself as one of the most clutch players in the league. Lillard’s scoring averages during the 2019 playoffs were impressive, as he posted 26.9 points per game.
Fans can still recall Dirk Nowitzki’s incredible performance during the 2011 playoffs when he led the Dallas Mavericks to their first NBA Championship. One standout moment came in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nowitzki scored 40 points in a comeback victory, including 12 points in the fourth quarter alone. The Mavericks eventually defeated LeBron’s Miami Heat in the Finals, where Nowitzki averaged 26 points and 9.7 rebounds, earning Finals MVP honors. This run solidified Nowitzki’s legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.
Steph Curry’s phenomenal shooting prowess also led to some unforgettable playoff performances. In Game 6 of the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals against the Houston Rockets, Curry exploded for 33 points in the second half, helping Golden State win 118-113 and clinch the series. Curry’s ability to take over games, especially in critical moments, has become a hallmark of his career. He averaged 28.2 points per game in the 2019 playoffs, further cementing his reputation as one of the best shooters and point guards in NBA history.
These unforgettable performances from the 2010s will be remembered by fans for years to come. Each player left an indelible mark on the game with their exceptional talents and clutch moments. You can learn more about these astounding performances and other sporting events at the arena plus.