When it comes to legacy-defining moments, few games carry the weight of a Game 6 in the NBA Playoffs. It’s often a team’s last chance to force a Game 7 or an opportunity to close out a series under the brightest lights. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, aka @espngreeny, recently took to social media and his show to reveal his Top Five Game 6 Performances in NBA History—a list that sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Here’s a breakdown of Greeny’s top five, along with what made each performance so iconic.
5. LeBron James – 2012 Eastern Conference Finals vs. Celtics
Facing elimination and widespread criticism, LeBron James delivered what many still call the most important game of his career. On the road in Boston, with the Miami Heat down 3-2 in the series, LeBron silenced the TD Garden with a cold-blooded 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. Shooting 73% from the field, he barely cracked a smile, locked in from start to finish. The Heat won convincingly, and the performance not only saved their season—it propelled them to an NBA title weeks later.
Greeny’s take: “That game was LeBron announcing to the world, ‘I’m not going down like this.’ It was pure greatness under pressure.”
4. Michael Jordan – 1998 NBA Finals vs. Jazz
Though it wasn’t his flashiest stat line, Jordan’s Game 6 against the Utah Jazz in the 1998 Finals was peak clutch MJ. With the Bulls trailing late in the fourth quarter, Jordan scored the final 4 points—including the iconic crossover and jumper over Bryon Russell—to seal his sixth NBA title. He finished with 45 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, in what became his final game as a Chicago Bull.
Greeny’s take: “There’s no way to tell the story of basketball without this game. Jordan closed the book on a dynasty with pure will.”
3. Klay Thompson – 2016 Western Conference Finals vs. Thunder
Klay Thompson turned into a human flamethrower in this legendary Game 6. With the Warriors facing elimination on the road in Oklahoma City, Thompson erupted for 41 points and hit a playoff-record 11 three-pointers. His second-half shooting spree erased a Thunder lead and stunned a rowdy OKC crowd. The Warriors would go on to win Game 7 and complete the 3-1 comeback.
Greeny’s take: “That wasn’t just a hot shooting night—it was one of the most fearless displays of shot-making I’ve ever seen.”
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 2021 NBA Finals vs. Suns
In one of the most dominant closeout performances ever, Giannis dropped 50 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks in Game 6 of the 2021 Finals to clinch Milwaukee’s first championship in 50 years. He was relentless, efficient (17-19 from the free-throw line!), and an unstoppable force in the paint. It was a performance that transformed Giannis from a two-time MVP to an all-time great.
Greeny’s take: “He put the team—and the whole city—on his back. That Game 6 is what legends are made of.”
1. Allen Iverson – 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. Raptors
This may surprise some, but Greeny ranks Iverson’s Game 6 explosion as the most iconic of them all. With the Sixers trailing 3-2 in the series, Iverson delivered 46 gritty, electrifying points in Toronto to keep the season alive. Battling double teams, fatigue, and pressure, Iverson’s shot-making and relentless energy were a masterclass in willpower.
Greeny’s take: “Iverson gave us heart, soul, and buckets. It wasn’t just the points—it was the fight in every possession that made it unforgettable.”
From icy efficiency to emotional heroics, Greeny’s top five Game 6 performances span eras and styles, reminding us why the NBA Playoffs are such a special time. Whether you agree with his list or not, one thing’s for sure—Game 6 is where legends are born.
