2. 2001 NBA Finals vs. Philadelphia 76ers – 28 points, 20 rebounds, 9 assists, 8 blocks, 12-19 FG
After the Game 1 performance we already documented, many wondered if the Lakers were going to fall victim to the one-man-show 76ers and Iverson. All the talk of an undefeated post-season had disappeared and talk of whether the team could win the Finals arose in it’s place.
Shaq silenced those critics immediately.
We aren’t talking just one of O’Neal’s greatest games, we’re talking one of the greatest games by any player in Finals history. The Big Aristotle messed around and nearly got a QUADRUPLE-DOUBLE. In the NBA Finals.
He dominated every facet of the game and completely overwhelmed the Sixers. This wasn’t necessarily an undermanned 76ers squad either, who trotted out reigning defensive player of the year Dikembe Mutombo. Shaq made him look like Chris Mihm as he had his way with Philly’s front line.
The message was sent loud and clear and the Lakers would win the final four games of the series to complete their back-to-back run.
Next: 61 points