Top 10 NBA Finals performances of All-Time

2. The "Flu" Game

Michael Jordan takes the Chicago Bulls over the lines while playing with a flu

Michael Jordan has six playoff games with 50 plus points under his belt, but ironically this performance finds its way on the top of our list. For a player like Jordan, who had amazing moments in the playoffs throughout his career, one of his greatest performances came in Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, famously known as the "Flu" Game.

With the series tied 2-2 and swing of momentum in Utah's favour, the Bulls found themselves in a spot of bother. To add to their troubles, MJ was suffering from food poisoning or an intestinal stomach virus and looked doubtful for Game 5. Even the Bulls' doctors and teammate Scottie Pippen thought there was no way that Jordan could play. Yet, knowing his competitive nature, Jordan decided to give it a shot.

Running on fumes, Jordan put on a show, the likes of which have never been seen by any individual. Even in his ill-health, Jodan managed to score 15 points in the 4th quarter to seal the game for the Bulls with a free throw and a clutch three-pointer.

"That was probably the most difficult thing I've ever done," Jordan said after the game. "I almost played myself into passing out just to win a basketball game. If we had lost, I would have been devastated."

Jordan finished the game with 38 points on 13 of 27 shooting in 44 minutes of action as the Bulls went onto win the game 90-88. The 38 points were not spectacular for him and neither was the mediocre 7 rebounds and 5 assists by his standards, but the actual heart and determination he displayed in that game made for one of the most iconic and inspiring moments in sports history.

The words of Phil Jackson perfectly described the kind of performance Jordan had, "Because of the circumstances, with this being a critical game in the Finals, I'd have to say this is the greatest game I've seen Michael play,” said Phil Jackson.

“He's the greatest, and everyone saw why tonight.", said Pippen after the game.