Worst Single-Game NBA Finals Performances of All Time
By Charles Nason
The NBA Finals can be the biggest stage to shine on. Stars are remembered for their legendary performances in the finals, while others aren't so lucky. For some, the finals turn into an embarrassing nightmare that produces some of their worst career outings. Here are the six worst single-game performances in the history of the NBA finals.
6. Steph Curry: Game 2, 2015
Even the biggest stars have bad scoring nights. Back in 2015, on the way to the Warriors' first title in their historic dynasty, Steph Curry had one of those nights. In Game 2 against the Lebron-led Cavaliers, Curry shot 2-for-15 from deep, and despite finishing with 19 points, it went down as one of the worst shooting nights of all time for the prolific shooter.
5. Larry Johnson: Game 2, 1999
After a historic playoff run for the New York Knicks, their efforts were cut short in the 1999 finals by the San Antonio Spurs. In Game 2 of the series, Knicks legend Larry Johnson put up a disappointing 5-point effort. Only adding 6 rebounds and 1 assist, Johnson and the Knicks fell down two games in the series and were quickly dismantled in the series.
4. John Starks: Game 7, 1994
After the Rockets forced a game 7 against the Knicks in the 1994 finals, New York needed their stars to provide on the road. After a 27-point effort in Game 6, Knicks guard John Starks put up a dismal 8 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds in the final game. The Rockets prevailed in Game 7 to shut down the Knicks' championship hopes, and many looked directly at Starks when placing blame.
3. Reggie Miller: Game 1, 2000
With an impressive performance throughout the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, Reggie Miller was expected to play a big role in helping the Pacers take down the Lakers in the finals. Instead, Miller came out cold in Game 1. With just 7 points and 4 assists, Miller and the Pacers lost Game 1 en route to a six-game series loss.
2. Dennis Johnson: Game 7, 1978
Dennis Johnson's Game 7 effort in 1978 provides another example of a star not showing up in the most important game of the series. In 38 minutes, Johnson totaled only 4 points along with 2 assists and 4 rebounds. His disappointing solo performance defined the SuperSonics finals loss to the Washington Bullets.
1. Ray Allen: Game 3, 2010
Ray Allen lives on as one of the best shooters in NBA history, with an impressive resume in the postseason. Game 3 of the 2010 finals marked one of Allen's rare dreadful efforts. Allen put up just 2 points, shooting 0-for-13 from the field, just one game removed from a 32-point outing in Game 2. In one of the best finals series in recent history, Allen's Game 3 goes down as one of the most disappointing solo performances in the NBA finals.