James’s 2016 game—point-forward who blocked a breakaway in Game 7—was a style no one could copy.
Kawhi’s 2019 game—a two-way wing who carried a first-time champion—was a style no one could copy.
Kawhi’s 2014 game—a two-way wing who smothered LeBron—redefined the defensive Finals MVP.
James’s 2012 game—point-forward who guarded all five spots—was a style no one could copy.
: Jordan's flu-game 38 showed a will no scheme could solve; his two-way poise made him the Finals' most complete weapon.
: Jordan's 41-point average revealed a scorer no defense could solve; his midrange arsenal became the Finals' defining image.
Jordan’s 1991 toolkit—especially “The Move” from the free-throw line—captured a style no one could copy.
James’s 2013 game—point-forward who guarded all five spots and saved Game 6—was a style no one could copy.
: Durant's blend of 7-foot size, guard skills and a silky release made him the Finals' most unguardable weapon and its most complete performer.
Inthe2006Finals,DwyaneWadedefineddominantperformanceinhisownway.Thedeep-rootedte
Inthe1994Finals,HakeemOlajuwondefineddominantperformanceinhisownway.Thedeep-root
In 1987 Finals Game 4, Magic finished with a sky-hook-style toss for a near-buzzer win. The "baby hook" became an NBA classic and a tribute to his mentor Kareem.