Greatest Finals MVP Performances in NBA History

This list is Specifically for Players that have won Finals MVP:

1. Michael Jordan (1993)
Opponent: Phoenix Suns
Result: Bulls over Suns, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 41.0
RPG: 8.5
APG: 6.3
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 0.7
FG%: 51%
FT%: 69.4%
3PT%: 40%

2. Shaquille O'Neal (2000)
Opponent: Indiana Pacers
Result: Lakers over Pacers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 38.0
RPG: 16.7
APG: 2.3
BPG: 2.7
SPG: 1.0
FG%: 61.1%
FT%: 38.7%

3. Shaquille O'Neal (2002)
Opponent: New Jersey Nets
Result: Lakers over Nets, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 36.3
RPG: 12.3
APG: 3.8
SPG: 0.5
BPG: 2.8
FG%: 59.5%%
FT%: 66.2%

4. Magic Johnson (1987)
Opponent: Boston Celtics
Result: Lakers over Celtics, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 26.2
RPG: 8.0
APG: 13.0
SPG: 2.3
BPG: 0.3
FG%: 54.1%
FT%: 96%
3PT%: 50%

5. Shaquille O'Neal (2001)
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers
Result: Lakers over Sixers, 4-1
Finals Stats:
PPG: 33.0
RPG: 15.8
APG: 4.8
SPG: 0.4
BPG: 3.4
FG%: 57%
FT%: 51%

6. Michael Jordan (1991)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Bulls over Lakers 4-1
Finals Stats:
PPG: 31.2
RPG: 6.6
APG: 11.4
SPG: 2.8
BPG: 1.4
FG%: 55%
FT%: 85%
3PT%: 50%

7. LeBron James (2016)
Opponent: Golden State Warriors
Result: Cavaliers over Warriors, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 29.7
RPG: 11.3
APG: 8.9
BPG: 2.3
SPG: 2.6
FG%: 49.4%
FT%: 72.1%
3PT% 37.1%

8. Jerry West (1969)
Opponent: Boston Celtics
Result: Celtics over Lakers, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 37.9
RPG: 4.7
APG: 7.4
FG%: 49%
FT%: 84%

9. Magic Johnson (1980)
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers
Result: Lakers over Sixers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 21.5
RPG: 11.2
APG: 8.7
BPG: 0.3
SPG: 2.7
FG%: 57.3%
FT%: 87.5%

10. Michael Jordan (1992)
Opponent: Portland Trailblazers
Result: Bulls over Blazers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 35.8
RPG: 4.8
APG: 6.5
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 0.3
FG%: 52.6%
FT%: 89.1%
3PT%: 43%

11. Dwyane Wade (2006)
Opponent: Dallas Mavericks
Result: Heat over Mavericks, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 34.7
RPG: 7.8
APG: 3.8
SPG: 2.7
BPG: 1.0
FG%: 46.8%
FT%: 77.3%
3PT%: 27.3%

12. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971)
Opponent: Baltimore Bullets
Result: Bucks over Bullets, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 27.0
RPG: 18.5
APG: 2.8
FG%: 60.5%
FT%: 76.2%

13. Larry Bird (1984)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Celtics over Lakers, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 27.4
RPG: 14.0
APG: 3.6
SPG: 2.1
BPG: 1.1
FG%: 48.4%
FT%: 84.2%
3PT%: 66.7%

14. Hakeem Olajuwon (1995)
Opponent: Orlando Magic
Result: Rockets over Magic, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 32.8
RPG: 11.5
APG: 5.5
BPG: 2.0
SPG: 2.0
FG%: 48.3%
FT%: 69.2%
3PT%: 1.000%

15. Moses Malone (1983)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Sixers over Lakers, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 25.8
RPG: 18.0
APG: 2.0
BPG: 1.5
SPG: 1.5
FG%: 50.7%
FT%: 66.0%

Honorable Mention: Tim Duncan (2003), Kobe Bryant (2009), LeBron James (2012), Larry Bird (1986), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985)

Seth Rollins: Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim

Out of the many returns post WrestleMania, the return of Seth Rollins is the one that I have been the most excited about. Recently, WWE did their 24 Special on Seth's road to recover as it was appropriately named "Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim". It was a behind the scenes look into Seth's journey to recovery. His peers from AJ Styles, Kevin Owens to Sami Zayn were all amazed at how exceptional Seth is as a performer. Styles mentioned the story of when he wrestled Rollins 10 years ago. At that time, he knew that Seth would be a big deal. Even though he is a heel, I felt bad not seeing him around for so long. Seth's injury was so severe that he obviously missed out on WrestleMania 32 in Dallas, TX (a record breaking crowd of 101,763). In the special, you can tell that it was eating away as Rollins himself let everyone know. It is sad for anyone who is a top star to lose their momentum with one bad injury. John Cena gave encouragement by saying that Seth will not have to worry about missing WrestleMania like that anymore. He said that Rollins  has many more WrestleManias ahead of him. Cena is right. The footage was tough to watch. Seth's motto is "Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim". In a way, Seth also said it was needed so that he could regroup and appreciate what he already had. Rollins is on a mission to Redesign who he is as a performer. It is time for him to Rebuild that which was broken as he is out to Reclaim the WWE Championship that he did not lose by pinfall or submission. He was the Undisputed MVP last year. Not only was Seth "Superstar of the Year" but he was also the PWI "Wrestler of the Year" as well as "Most Hated Wrestler of the Year". This past week also marked two years since the Shield disbanded. In the aftermath, no one expected Seth to break out the way that he did.

As we quickly approach "Money In the Bank", let's look forward to finally having the chance to see Seth and Roman start the war we have been waiting for. I'm looking forward to big things from Rollins as I expect to see The Architect build something even greater than what he built over the past two years.

Reigns Retains; Rollins Returns

After defeating AJ Styles in yet another phenomenal match (no pun intended), Roman Reigns retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. In these two recent battles with Styles, Roman has proven that he has what it takes to dance in a high quality match by bringing his very best as AJ brought his best. Roman proved that he is no slouch despite what the IWC critics say, and that he has improved gradually as an in-ring performer. The match at Payback was very thrilling, even though they had to restart thanks to Shane and Stephanie. However, I would say that this match tops it just because it did not have those interruptions. Roman is truly an athletic stud in the ring, and he let it be known with what he pulled out of his arsenal. He even turned a Razor's Edge into a Sit-Out Powerbomb. This match was a straight-out war. The veteran AJ Styles did the Styles Clash not once but twice and Roman kicked out. I'm not surprised because that is how WWE likes to book someone that they have chosen to be the franchise star. That is why fans are tired of John Cena. Then again, if Roman gets criticized, look how many times Styles kicked out of Roman's signature moves. It's all about adding suspense to the match and telling a story and both of these men did that. The USO's and "The Club" would get involved, but "Super" Roman survived the onslaughts and won with a Spear. This was easily a candidate for "Match of the Year".

I am not the number 1 Roman Reigns fan, but I am willing to give him a chance. I see plenty of upside in him to make it as the Marquee Star that WWE desires him to be. After Roman emerges victorious, Seth Rollins surprises everyone by attacking Reigns from behind. Seth ends the night by giving him the Pedigree. Rollins would stand over his former Shield partner while holding the WWE Championship. The sight of Seth holding the title in the air was reminiscent of when he held the gold high at the end of WrestleMania 31. The fans cheered Seth for attacking Roman, even though Rollins is naturally a heel. Seth colored most of his hair black as he has gotten rid of the "Rogue" hairstyle with the streak in his head. Seth's injury was so severe that he was expected to be out for 9 months going into Summerslam. Instead, he returned in 6 months.

The next night on RAW, Shane McMahon set up the match between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Seth missed out on WrestleMania, which was a huge void for the overall match card in spite of the 101,763 fans in attendance that night. I believe that Mania STILL would have reached that number with Rollins healthy.

Either way, I believe WWE still had big plans for Seth going into the Summer. It seems as though Roman has moved on from this chapter with AJ Styles. The feud with Styles was beneficial in the sense that it challenged Roman to improve as an in-ring worker.

Now that this chapter with AJ Styles has come to an end, Roman can now transition to his primary rival, his former brother in The Shield. The match with Seth at Money In the Bank could be the launching pad for bigger matches down the line. This chapter with Rollins is what is "Best for Business" for both Roman and Seth.