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The 10 Best Debuts Of The NBA Playoffs

By Josh Eberley

Apr 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, 2006

Age 21
Points 32
Rebounds 11
Assists 11

The King knew no other way to arrive to the NBA playoffs. There was no other way; he showed up in style, turning in a stunning triple-double. No offense to Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards but they never had a chance. A generational talent was destined to start his post-season career with a spectacle, so began the legend of LeBron James.

James outscored Arenas 32-26, shot 12-for-27 to Arenas’ 7-for-20; it was a clear win for the league’s sparkling new face. The Cavaliers won Game 1 97-86, but the series actually went to six games.

This was a classic series–the final two games went to overtime and though the Cavaliers won both, there was tons of Arenas and James going back and forth. In Game 5, which to this day is one of my all-time favorite playoff games, Arenas had 44 points, while James had 45. Final score, Cavaliers 125, Wizards 124. (If you’re just now remembering, enjoy the chills.)

This was the first of three straight meetings between James’ Cavaliers and Arenas’ Wizards. James and the Cavaliers won all three.

Next: Derrick Rose 2009