No. 1: James Worthy – 1988 NBA Finals
Was there ever any doubt as to who would be No.1? James Worthy was an absolute monster in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 1988. He put together a stat line that reflected his first and only triple-double of his 1,069-game career against the Detroit Pistons. Worthy led the way for the Los Angeles Lakers and helped the team win back-to-back titles for the first time in the league since 1969.
Head coach Pat Riley, one of the top-10 coaches in history, knew it all along. He predicted during the championship parade in 1987 that the Lakers would be once again hoisting the trophy at the end of the following season, and he was right. It was a bold prophecy, considering Los Angeles had lost five straight Game 7s over the course of 34 years.
The Lakers beat the Pistons, 108-105, behind the MVP’s 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. James shot 15-for-22 from the field by outplaying “The Bad Boys” in the post. Good or bad, Detroit couldn’t contend with Worthy on the offensive boards. Not only was his outing worthy (pun intended) of taking the top spot, but it’s also regarded as one of the top-five Game 7 NBA Finals outings of all time.
June 21, 1988: NBA Finals. Game 7 vs. Detroit Pistons. Big Game James Worthy notches his first and only career triple double on the biggest stage.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 26, 2018
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Magic Johnson on the 1988 title: “The hardest championship we’ve ever won.” Los Angeles’ journey to the finals resulted in two seven-game series, first overcoming the Utah Jazz and then taking down the Dallas Mavericks before squaring up against the Pistons. The conclusion of the 1987-88 season is regarded as the beginning of the end for the Showtime Era.
Six-foot-nine James Worthy left his mark on the postseason that year in more ways than one. His 506 points during the playoffs holds the top spot in history and his legacy remains within the Staples Center to this day.