NBA Finals MVP: Ranking the 10 Greatest Finals MVP's EVER

#3 Shaquille O'Neal in the 1999-2000 NBA Finals vs Indiana Pacers

Shaq - the 2000 Finals MVP (Image courtesy:

nba

.com)

Finals Averages: 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.7 blocks

Shaq Diesel's performance in the Lakers' first Finals appearance in 9 years ranks as probably the most dominant single-series display by a center. At the height of his powers, Shaquille bulldozed his way to the rim with reckless abandon - whether it be in transition or in the half-court set from the low post.

No one could do anything against a 7'1", 325-pound center moving at that speed, as Shaquille blew out the Pacers frontcourt in that series. The Lakers did lose 2 games, but that was primarily because of injury to Kobe Bryant in game 2.

O'Neal never netted less than 33 points or 12 rebounds in a single game, and had at least 2 blocks in every single game. Despite conceding a blowout loss in game 5, Shaquille and the Lakers closed out game 6 at home with a 116-111 win.

O'Neal's best game of the series was game 2, when he tallied a humongous 40 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Lakers to a 111-104.