Fresh data shows LeBron James leads all players in crucial final moments as Indiana Pacers take stunning 111-110 victory.
The Indiana Pacers secured a dramatic 111-110 win in Game One of the NBA Finals, leading for just 0.3 seconds in the entire match. But it was enough to take a 1-0 series lead.
Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning basket marked the latest Finals winner since Michael Jordan’s famous shot 28 years ago. Back in 1997, Jordan’s heroics helped Chicago Bulls beat Utah Jazz in Game One before winning the series 4-2.
Following the dramatic finish, new graphics revealed LeBron James leads all players in go-ahead or game-tying points scored in the final five seconds of fourth quarters during playoffs since 1997.
The 40-year-old Lakers star tops the chart with the most clutch baskets, ahead of Reggie Miller and Haliburton who are tied with five each.
Miller spent his entire career with Indiana Pacers from 1987-2005, earning three All-NBA team selections despite never winning a championship.
The debate reignited discussions about basketball’s greatest player. LeBron often faces comparisons with Michael Jordan (six championships) and Kobe Bryant (five rings).
LeBron’s Championship Record
James has won four NBA titles across three different teams:
- 2012 and 2013 with Miami Heat
- 2016 with Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2020 with Los Angeles Lakers
Former NBA centre Olden Polynice, who played against all three legends during his 15-year career, recently ranked them on the Bryon Scott’s Fast Break show.
Polynice placed Jordan first, calling him a “killer” on court. Bryant came second because “he patterned so much of his game after Jordan.”
James ranked third despite his longest career (21 seasons) and becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer with over 40,000 points.
“I can go any one of them number one and be correct,” Polynice admitted.
The Numbers Game
Jordan won six Finals MVP awards during Chicago’s championship runs in 1991-1993 and 1996-1998, plus two Olympic golds.
Bryant spent 20 years with the Lakers, winning five championships and one MVP award in 2008, plus two Olympic golds.
James has played 21 seasons across three teams, winning four championships and four MVP awards, with three Olympic golds.
Game Two of the NBA Finals takes place in the early hours of Monday morning.
