Game 4 has always been a pivotal moment in many NBA playoff series, often tipping the scales in favor of one team. Consider Michael Jordan’s performance in Game 4 of the 1993 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. Dropping 55 points in a game is no small feat, but Jordan made it look almost effortless, shooting 21-of-37 from the field. His incredible performance not only cemented his reputation as a clutch player but also gave the Bulls a significant 3-1 lead in the series. With a player efficiency rating of over 30 for that game, Jordan's impact was monumental.
In 2008, the Boston Celtics faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Paul Pierce's unforgettable Game 4 performance served as a masterclass in leadership and tenacity. He logged 38 minutes on the court, scoring 20 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists. Pierce’s defensive play was equally stellar, holding Kobe Bryant to just 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting. This performance was not just numbers on a stat sheet; it shifted the momentum heavily in Boston’s favor. After trailing by as much as 24 points, Pierce led the Celtics to an improbable comeback victory, showcasing the kind of resilience that defines champions.
Another standout moment in NBA Game 4 history came during the 2016 NBA Finals. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving both scored 41 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Golden State Warriors. It was the first time two teammates had scored over 40 points in the same Finals game. The Cavs avoided a 3-1 deficit with this incredible performance, keeping their championship hopes alive. LeBron and Kyrie's combined scoring outburst contributed 82 of the team's 112 points, accounting for a staggering 73% of the total. This Game 4 performance was crucial, setting the stage for Cleveland's historic comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to win the championship.
Think back to Game 4 of the 2013 NBA Eastern Conference Finals when the Miami Heat faced the Indiana Pacers. LeBron James, once again, proved why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. LeBron scored 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, notching another triple-double to add to his playoff resume. His dominant presence on both ends of the court led the Heat to a crucial 102-90 victory, tying the series at 2-2. LeBron’s court vision and ability to read plays were on full display, exemplifying the basketball IQ that has made him a perennial MVP candidate.
In 2010, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Derek Fisher's performance in Game 4 is often remembered as one of the most clutch in NBA history. Fisher, at 35 years old, scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, guiding the Lakers to a 91-84 victory. Fisher’s leadership and timely shooting allowed the Lakers to tie the series at 2-2, showcasing the importance of veteran presence in crucial playoff moments. His fourth-quarter heroics included a pivotal three-pointer and several key defensive stops. Fisher’s experience and poise under pressure added an invaluable dimension to the Lakers' championship run that season.
nba game 4 In 2021, one of the most exciting Game 4 performances came from Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during the Finals against the Phoenix Suns. Giannis delivered an exceptional 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, but it was his defensive prowess that truly made headlines. With just under two minutes left in the game, Giannis made a spectacular block on Deandre Ayton's alley-oop attempt, a play that has since been dubbed "The Block." This game-changing moment exemplified Giannis' defensive acumen and highlighted why he was a back-to-back MVP winner. His all-around contribution helped the Bucks tie the series 2-2 and eventually win their first championship in 50 years.
In 2019, during the Western Conference Semifinals, Damian Lillard outdid himself with a fantastic performance in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets. Lillard scored 28 points, but perhaps more impressively, he exhibited incredible shooting efficiency, hitting 6-of-8 from the three-point line. His clutch shooting and leadership on the court drove the Portland Trail Blazers to a critical 3-1 series lead. Lillard has always been known for his "Dame Time," moments where he takes over in crucial stages of the game, and this was no exception. His performance in Game 4 showcased not only his scoring ability but also his aptitude for making big plays when it mattered most.
Stephen Curry's Game 4 performance in the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers also deserves mention. Curry scored 38 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists, leading the Warriors to a 118-113 victory. This performance was instrumental in giving Golden State a commanding 3-1 series lead. Curry's offensive prowess was on full display, shooting 7-of-13 from beyond the arc and consistently breaking down Cleveland's defense with his quick handles and sharp shooting. Many analysts believe that Curry's Game 4 performance was a pivotal moment in solidifying his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Kawhi Leonard's Game 4 performance for the Toronto Raptors during the 2019 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors is another unforgettable moment. Leonard scored 36 points, and his laser-focused defense limited the Warriors' offensive options. Kawhi’s uncanny ability to affect both ends of the court while maintaining high efficiency—a 60% field goal percentage for that game—proved decisive. The Raptors' victory in Game 4 gave them a 3-1 series lead, and Leonard’s exceptional all-around play helped Toronto secure their first NBA Championship. His defensive plays, coupled with his scoring, exemplify the kind of two-way player he is.
The Houston Rockets’ James Harden also had a remarkable Game 4 performance in the 2018 Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Harden scored 30 points and added 4 rebounds and 4 assists. What stood out was his defensive effort, a part of his game often critiqued. Harden held his own, forcing several crucial turnovers and playing a big part in Houston’s 95-92 win. This performance tied the series at 2-2, although the Rockets eventually lost the series. Harden’s Game 4 effort was a testimony to his all-rounded game, showing that even the best offensive players can contribute defensively when it matters the most.