Greatest Plays of the Decade

A very Happy New Year to all sports, NBA and basketball fans across the globe. Wow! For me to get such a platform and to send wishes to every basketball fan is just a delight and makes me closer to the game.

So now that I have exchanged pleasantries with all NBA fans, it is time to continue with the review of the “best of the decade.” And today in the series is one heavy category --- The ‘best performance in a playoff game.’ Now that’s one hard decision! The category actually sounds like an Oscar nomination for the best actor.

So we first look at the contenders for the best performance in a playoff game. Allen Iverson scoring 48 points against the Lakers to give them their only defeat in a playoff match is a performance to remember. Iverson showed his class in the match as he single handedly swept aside the Lakers in game one of the NBA finals in 2001. Although the Philadelphia 76ers went on to lose the series, the performance did give them a chance to conquer the mighty LA Lakers.

If Iverson was the hero for the 76ers in game one, than a certain Shaquille O’Neal stole the show in game two of the same series in 2001. In what could be described as one of the most complete performances, Shaq took over the game with 28 points, 20 rebounds, 9 assists and 8 blocks. The performance brought the Lakers back in the series and eventually led them to yet another NBA title.

Next in line is the ‘silent giant’ from San Antonio, Tim Duncan. The Spurs have been the second most successful team of the decade, only behind LA Lakers, with three championships and Duncan has been instrumental for them in all three. I back my above statement by stating a complete performance by Duncan to lead Spurs to the title in 2003. In a performance that included 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks, Duncan overshadowed the New Jersey Nets and served the title on a platter to San Antonio.

How can I forget, big KG (Kevin Garnett) from this list. The man gifted himself a shiny performance on his 28th birthday against the Sacramento Kings in 2004. Ending the game with 32 points and 21 rebounds adding to a defining fourth quarter, KG ruled that night.

The next contender is Dwayne Wade and his inspirational performance in the 2006 NBA finals against a resurgent Dallas Mavericks. His 42 points thumping in game three scripted a classy comeback for the Heats in the finals.

And last but not least, LeBron ‘the King’ James! Termed as one of the best playoff performance ever, LeBron swept aside the Detroit Pistons in Game five of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals. A 48 points performance ensured that the Cavaliers took the game to a double over-time with James scoring Cleveland’s final 25 points.

These are some mighty performances, but the one that stands out is Dwayne Wade, who was the heart and soul of the Miami Heat, leading them to a historic title in 2006.