The NBA Finals is the pinnacle of professional basketball, showcasing the league’s top talent and thrilling moments. As fans gear up for the next championship showdown, it’s essential to reflect on the statistical leaders in various categories throughout the history of the Finals. This article examines the players who have excelled in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks, highlighting their remarkable achievements in this prestigious series.
LeBron James, despite a 4-6 record in the NBA Finals, stands out as a statistical powerhouse. In his ten Finals appearances, he led all players in scoring six times, rebounding five times, assists eight times, steals four times, and blocks once. This versatility makes him the only player in NBA history to lead every major statistical category at least once in the Finals. His total of 24 statistical leads far surpasses the next closest players, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson, who are all tied at 11.
Duncan is noteworthy as the only non-Laker or Celtic among the top 10 statistical leaders, a list that is otherwise dominated by players from these two storied franchises. Below, we provide a breakdown of the leaders in the five main statistical categories from the NBA Finals over the years.
NBA Finals Statistical Leaders by Year
# 2024 Finals
– Points: Luka Doncic (29.2)
– Rebounds: Luka Doncic (8.8)
– Assists: Jayson Tatum (7.2)
– Blocks: Kristaps Porzingis (1.7)
– Steals: Luka Doncic (2.6)
# 2023 Finals
– Points: Nikola Jokic (30.2)
– Rebounds: Nikola Jokic (14.0)
– Assists: Jamal Murray (10.0)
– Blocks: Nikola Jokic (1.4)
– Steals: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1.4)
# 2022 Finals
– Points: Stephen Curry (31.2)
– Rebounds: Andrew Wiggins (8.8)
– Assists: Jayson Tatum (7.0)
– Blocks: Robert Williams (2.8)
– Steals: Stephen Curry (2.0)
# 2021 Finals
– Points: Giannis Antetokounmpo (35.2)
– Rebounds: Giannis Antetokounmpo (13.2)
– Assists: Jrue Holiday (9.3)
– Blocks: Giannis Antetokounmpo (1.8)
– Steals: Jrue Holiday (2.2)
# 2020 Finals
– Points: LeBron James (29.8)
– Rebounds: LeBron James (11.8)
– Assists: Jimmy Butler (9.8)
– Blocks: Anthony Davis (2.0)
– Steals: Jimmy Butler (2.2)
# 2019 Finals
– Points: Stephen Curry (30.5)
– Rebounds: Draymond Green (10.8)
– Assists: Draymond Green (9.3)
– Blocks: Serge Ibaka (1.7)
– Steals: Kawhi Leonard (2.0)
# 2018 Finals
– Points: LeBron James (34.0)
– Rebounds: Kevin Love (11.2)
– Assists: LeBron James (10.0)
– Blocks: Kevin Durant (2.2)
– Steals: Draymond Green (2.0)
# 2017 Finals
– Points: Kevin Durant (35.2)
– Rebounds: LeBron James (12.0)
– Assists: LeBron James (10.0)
– Blocks: Kevin Durant (1.6)
– Steals: Kevin Love (2.2)
# 2016 Finals
– Points: LeBron James (29.7)
– Rebounds: LeBron James (11.3)
– Assists: LeBron James (8.9)
– Blocks: LeBron James (2.3)
– Steals: LeBron James (2.6)
# 2015 Finals
– Points: LeBron James (35.8)
– Rebounds: LeBron James (13.3)
– Assists: LeBron James (8.8)
– Blocks: Timofey Mozgov (1.5)
– Steals: Draymond Green (2.2)
# 2014 Finals
– Points: LeBron James (28.2)
– Rebounds: Tim Duncan (10.0)
– Assists: Boris Diaw (5.8)
– Blocks: Kawhi Leonard (1.2)
– Steals: Danny Green (2.0)
The list continues back to the early years of the Finals, showcasing legends like Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and Jerry West, who have left their mark on the game.
Final Thoughts
The NBA Finals is not just about winning championships; it’s a stage where players etch their names into history through exceptional performances. As we look forward to the next Finals, the statistics remind us of the greatness that has come before and the potential for new legends to emerge. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just a casual observer, the numbers tell a story of competition, skill, and unforgettable moments that define the essence of basketball.