Top 5 Greatest NBA Finals MVP performances of all time

#4 Shaquille O'Neal, 2001

Shaquille O'Neal (Image Courtesy: NBA.com)

Series Averages: 33 Points, 15.8 Rebounds, 4.8 Assists, 3.4 Blocks

For a stretch from 1999-2002 Shaquille O'Neal was the most unstoppable force the league had seen, this side of Wilt Chamberlain. At the peak of his physical prowess, Shaq led the Lakers to the Finals in a dominant fashion, as the Lakers swept the Blazers, Kings, and Spurs to set up a matchup against the Sixers and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Dikembe Mutombo.

O'Neal would dominate Mount Mutombo who had no answer for the physical onslaught. While crushing the Sixers by averaging 33 Points, he also shot 57.7% from the field despite being guarded by the NBA's premier defensive big.

After a shocking Game 1 loss, O'Neal would have a statement Game 2 with 28 Points, 20 Rebounds, 9 Assists, and 8 Blocks as the Lakers won Game 2. They would carry on the momentum and win the next three games to win the series and wrap up the postseason with a then-record of 15-1.