Is Lebron's Game 6 vs. Boston (2012) a top 5 NBA playoff moment?

Probably LeBron's biggest defining moment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvwpKSzB10I

Memorable playoff games:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhiY3jVoAuM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRu3XRXe8cs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGvgkwOcuIY

 

You have to consider context. It was an elimination game on the road, which is where the pressure is highest. It was against a rival. Losing would have made LeBron a laughingstock regardless of performance.

Very few games on your list involve even close to the same pressure. It is not about stats... MJ's record setting game against the Celtics was a loss under no pressure because the Bulls were an 8 seed. First round and non elimination games are meaningless.

 

I wouldn't even say that was his best game in the playoffs as great as that was. Regardless of what pressure he was under, Game 5 vs the Pistons in 2007 was his best playoff performance.

 

To put it another way, LeBron himself has had comparable games. He had one against Indy last year and basically the whole series against Orlando in 09. But none of the games were all time greats because of the context. The pressure in game 6 against the Celtics was as big as it gets, and he pretty much played a flawless game.

Also, you really shouldn't list any games the player lost since those are always discounted in history.

 

That was an amazing game, as were any number of the ones against Orlando in 09, but I think the pressure of the game is very important in rating it in the history books. The Celtics game was a precursor to a title, but no one really gave the Cavs a chance even after they beat the Pistons.

 

Regardless, I'd put that game 5 as his top playoff performance.

 

I remember that game too. There have been about 10 times I've seen Lebron have "that look" in his eyes. That was the first time. He did it again for about 10 minutes last night and calmed down the last 2 minutes of the 4th qt.

 

This.

 

We need the context of every single one of those games you mentioned.

Was said player on the road, was it an elimination game for said player, was this against a rival?

 

His Game 5 against the Pistons was clearly his best performance

 

This isn't a yes or no question.

Different people will have different opinions.

 

Then Daniel Gibson carrying them to victory in Game 6 should be as well....

 

How about what Shaq did in the 2001 finals against the DPOY?

33 PPG, 15.8 RPG, 3.4 BPG. That entire postseason, he was on a different planet.

 

I guess quantitatively: http://www.basketball-reference.com/blog/?p=5605

 

Looks like this thread went off on a tangent a bit. But in regards to Lebron's performance being compared to all time playoff moments. I don't think so at all. Lebron was passive, scared to shoot the ball, threw his hands up when he missed layups hoping refs would bail him out. Crying for foul when stripped by Danny Green when it was a great defensive play. Tony Parker drained huge 3 pointer in Lebron's face, right after Lebron's turnover. Lebron made two huge turnovers during this time. Lebron was getting outplayed on both sides of the court last few minutes of regulation.

My post in the Lebron choked thread:
Lebron looked shook honestly. Complaining about every call, scared to take the shot, making turnover after turnover. Even Wade got into the action resorted to crying about not getting foul calls because the whole Heat team just couldn't buy a bucket during a critical stretch of the 4th quarter. They wanted the refs to bail them out. Not sure if you guys remember the moment where the Heat CROWD crying about the refs chanting "referees suck". It was hilarious. The Heat was atrocious and the Spurs were all business, no smiles or celebrations. Even after Lebron made that 3 to bring the Heat within 2, the body language of the Heat in the huddle looked like the defeated team. Lebron should thank Ray Allen for saving his legacy, which would've been ripped to shreds if not for that amazing (and lucky) sequence to tie the game.


Anyways, with that said, I don't see the Spurs winning game 7. They were SO CLOSE. I feel for them. Lebron and Heat didn't WIN that game, the Spurs LOST that game.

 

Absolutely not. I thought we were going to see something special when that headband came off and he started killing it, but then he got rattled and was bailed out by his teammates heroics. I thought the Heat were just going to run away with the game, but Lebron's mistakes and turnovers late in the game almost gave the Spurs the championship.

The best player in the game shouldn't be getting shook up like that in the most important moments of game with the championship on the line. I was honestly surprised that I didn't see he start chewing on his nails again.

 

not true.

 

I Think Game 5 vs Detroit in 07? was a better individual performance

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What does a Daniel Gibson performance have to do with this thread?