Man, the 2000s in the NBA playoffs had some unforgettable moments. One that instantly comes to mind is Derek Fisher’s “0.4” second miracle shot in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semis. Imagine, the Lakers were tied with the Spurs, and with just 0.4 seconds on the clock, Fisher caught and released the ball so fast it felt like magic. The ball swished through the net, and the Lakers went on to clinch the series. That shot had a 100% impact on shifting the momentum towards the Lakers. It was like watching a scene out of a movie.
Then there’s the 2006 NBA Finals where Dwyane Wade essentially transformed into a superhero. The Miami Heat were down 0-2 against the Dallas Mavericks, but Wade had other plans. Over the next four games, he averaged an insane 39.3 points per game, totaling 42 points in Game 3 alone. He practically carried the Heat to their first-ever NBA championship. His performance in those finals wasn’t just about scoring; he had a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 33.8, one of the highest ever in Finals history. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor was unreal.
Ray Allen’s performance in Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals also deserves a nod. Down 24 points to the Lakers, Ray Allen hit a record-breaking seven 3-pointers, finishing the night with 26 points. His sharp shooting helped the Boston Celtics complete one of the most incredible comebacks in finals history, eventually leading them to their 17th NBA championship. The Celtics’ aggressive defense played a key role as well, holding the Lakers to only 20% shooting from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter.
Who could forget Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue in the 2001 NBA Finals? In Game 1, Iverson exploded for 48 points, leading the 76ers to an overtime victory against the heavily favored Lakers. That season, Iverson was the scoring champion, averaging 31.1 points per game, and he continued that dominance into the playoffs. His crossover on Lue embodied his tenacity and swagger, though the Lakers eventually won the series 4-1.
The “Malice at the Palace” in 2004 is another moment etched into NBA history, albeit for different reasons. When Ron Artest entered the stands to confront a fan, it resulted in a massive brawl involving players and spectators. The game, played between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons, was halted with only 45.9 seconds remaining. This event led to several-season long suspensions, including Artest’s 73-game ban, the longest in NBA history at that time. The league took a hit, both in reputation and financially, estimating losses up to $11 million in player salaries.
LeBron James had his breakout playoff moment in 2007 against the Detroit Pistons. People still talk about his performance in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. LeBron scored his team’s final 25 points, finishing with 48 points in a double-overtime win. At just 22 years old, LeBron’s athleticism and court vision were on full display. He single-handedly carried the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance, showcasing his potential to become one of the all-time greats. His total game time in that series was close to 46 minutes per game, a testament to his endurance.
Speaking of endurance, Tim Duncan’s quadruple-double in the 2003 NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets can’t be overlooked. Duncan put up 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks in Game 6, sealing the championship for the San Antonio Spurs. He came agonizingly close to a quadruple-double, which speaks volumes about his versatility. Duncan’s consistent performance throughout the playoffs earned him the Finals MVP, further solidifying his legacy as one of the best power forwards of all time.
Kobe Bryant’s heroics also make the list, particularly his 2000 NBA Finals performance. The Lakers faced the Indiana Pacers, and although Shaquille O’Neal was dominating, Kobe had his moment in Game 4. After O’Neal fouled out, Bryant took over in overtime, scoring 8 points and leading the Lakers to a crucial win. His sense of timing was impeccable, and he played for a grueling 47 minutes. That game epitomized Kobe’s clutch gene and his ability to deliver when it mattered most. Kobe and Shaq’s partnership yielded a 67% win rate over three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.
Not to mention Kevin Garnett’s emotional outburst after clinching the 2008 NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics. Garnett shouted, “Anything is possible!” after the Celtics crushed the Lakers in Game 6 by 39 points. KG’s defensive prowess was key to Boston’s success that year. His Defensive Rating, which measures a player’s ability to prevent the opposing team from scoring, was among the best in the league. His leadership and tenacity were instrumental in guiding a team that had one of the most incredible single-season turnarounds in NBA history.
If I had to choose one last memorable moment from the 2000s, it has to be Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance in the 2001 Playoffs. Averaging 30.4 points and 15.4 rebounds per game, Shaq was unstoppable. In the Finals against the 76ers, he averaged an insane 33 points and 15.8 rebounds, earning him the Finals MVP. His physical dominance was unmatched, and his ability to control the paint was a critical factor in the Lakers’ back-to-back-to-back championships. Shaq’s Player Efficiency Rating during those playoffs was a staggering 30.5, demonstrating his overall impact on the game.
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