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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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Shaquille O'Neal won his lone MVP award as well as three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. (USA Today Sports Images)
Shaquille O’Neal won his lone MVP award as well as three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. (USA Today Sports Images) /

3. Shaquille O’Neal, 2000 vs. Indiana Pacers

Shaquille O’Neal was the most dominating physical presence of his era and arguably of all-time. O’Neal was at the top of his game in the 2000 NBA Finals and absolutely dominated the Indiana Pacers. O’Neal was known as “The Diesel” and he lived up to his nickname, averaging 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game in the Lakers 4-2 series win over the Pacers.

This would be the first of three consecutive championships for Lakers. The Pacers tried to use a variety of defenders, double-teams and even the “Hack-a-Shaq” strategy, but found no solution that would slow down O’Neal. When it comes to dominating performances, this was easily one of the finest performances in NBA history.