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25 Greatest Performances In NBA Finals History

By Bill Speros

PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 16: Earvin Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with team owner Jerry Buss after they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA finals 4 games to 2 on May 16, 1980 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Johnson played for the Lakers from 1979 - 91, 96. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 16: Earvin Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with team owner Jerry Buss after they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA finals 4 games to 2 on May 16, 1980 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Johnson played for the Lakers from 1979 - 91, 96. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics’ player Bill Russell hooks a shot during the NBA championship’s final game in 1960 against the Saint Louis Hawks.
Boston Celtics’ player Bill Russell hooks a shot during the NBA championship’s final game in 1960 against the Saint Louis Hawks. /

7. Bill Russell, Boston vs. St. Louis, Game 7 (1960)

It would be entirely possible to compile a list of Bill Russell’s top NBA Finals performances. After all he played in the Finals 12 times and won 11 rings. Among his most memorable single-game performances was his gem in Game 7 against the St. Louis Hawks in Boston.

Russell scored 22 points and hauled in a barrel of rebounds, 35 to be exact, in Boston’s 122-103 rout. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this Game 7 Celtics victory is that occurred on April 9. Now, the NBA Finals extend into the final days of June.

Speaking of Game 7s, Russell was 10-0 in Game 7s during his NBA career, including five Game 7s in the Finals. He also never lost an NCAA tournament nor an Olympic game.

Kids, keep that stat in mind the next time someone tells that the “most-clutch” NBA player of all time was not named Bill Russell.

Next: Bringing Down The Rockets