Los Angeles Lakers: Greatest NBA Finals performances in team history
By Jamaal Artis
Number 7
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Shaquille O’Neal 2000 NBA Finals Game 1 vs. Indiana Pacers
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PTS: 43 REB: 19 BLK: 3 Game Score: 37.9
In 2000, still seeking an NBA title to add to his massive resume, Shaquille O’Neal sent a message to the Indiana Pacers that this was the year he would fulfill his championship dreams.
In game one, O’Neal scored 43 points to lead the Lakers to 104-87 win, it was the most points scored by a Laker in a Finals game since Wilt Chamberlain scored 45 points in 1970. O’Neal’s game score of 37.9 remains the second highest ever for a Laker in Finals game.
O’Neal would go on to lead the Lakers to a six game series win and usher in a new Lakers dynasty, winning three straight titles at the start of the new millennium that has hosted five NBA Championship-winning teams.