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NBA Finals: The 10 Most Dominant Finals Performances

By Brandon Jennings

Jun 5, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; A view of the NBA Finals logo on the floor before game one of the 2014 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; A view of the NBA Finals logo on the floor before game one of the 2014 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Kobe Bryant, 2009 vs. Orlando Magic

The Los Angeles Lakers won their first NBA championship of the post-Shaquille O’Neal era in 2009 led by Kobe Bryant  The Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in five games as Kobe Bryant proved to all doubters that he had the ability to carry the Lakers to the promised land without the legendary center. Bryant averaged 32.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game against the Orlando Magic.

The Magic were one of the best defensive teams in the league, led by 2009 Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. The Magic were able to contain LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Finals but they had no answer for Kobe Bryant. The Lakers star used his scoring, passing ability and defense to help the Lakers knock out the Magic in just five games. Bryant has won five championships but his performance in 2009 stands above them all.