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Was LeBron’s Game 1 performance in 2018 the greatest in NBA Finals history? | The Jump

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Rachel Nichols, Kevin Arnovitz and Dave McMenamin play “Make or Miss.”

They discuss Matt Barnes getting ejected from his son’s basketball game, Vince Carter possibly going back to the Toronto Raptors, Carter and Michael Jordan dunk tattoos, and Zach Lowe saying that many Warriors officials told him that LeBron James’ performance in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals (Cavaliers vs. Warriors) was the greatest Finals performance they’d ever seen in person.

What factors may complicate the debate over whether LeBron James’ Game 1 performance in 2018 was the greatest in NBA Finals history?

The NBA Finals have produced some of the greatest individual performances in basketball history, with iconic players cementing their legacies with their excellence on the biggest stage. However, the question remains: Was LeBron James’ Game 1 performance in 2018 the greatest in NBA Finals history?

On May 31, 2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the heavily favored Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. James, who was playing in his eighth consecutive Finals, delivered one of the most remarkable performances of his career. He recorded 51 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, shooting 19-for-32 from the field and 1-for-4 from three-point range. Despite his herculean effort, the Cavaliers ultimately lost the game in overtime, 124-114.

Many pundits and fans have debated whether James’ Game 1 performance was the greatest in NBA Finals history. However, several factors complicate this question. For one, the debate is inherently subjective, as different people have different criteria for what constitutes the “best” performance. Some may prioritize raw statistics, while others might consider the magnitude of the game, the level of competition, and the context of the performance.

Furthermore, there have been countless memorable performances in NBA Finals history that rival James’ Game 1 showing. For example, Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” in Game 5 of the 1997 Finals saw him score 38 points despite suffering from a severe case of food poisoning. Willis Reed’s inspiring return from injury in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals helped lead the New York Knicks to their first ever championship. Magic Johnson’s triple-double in Game 6 of the 1980 Finals as a rookie also ranks among the best Finals performances of all time.

Ultimately, the question of whether LeBron James’ Game 1 performance in 2018 was the greatest in NBA Finals history is open to interpretation. While it was undoubtedly an incredible individual effort, there have been other players who have risen to the occasion in similarly heroic ways. Regardless, James’ performance is a testament to his place among the all-time greats, and it will be remembered as one of the most impressive performances in NBA Finals history.