LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have had incredible careers in critical elimination games.
In the high-stakes realm of NBA elimination games, the brightest stars shine their brightest. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are synonymous with clutch performances when the pressure is at its peak. As three of the greatest players ever currently playing in the NBA, which one has been the better player in elimination games?
Elite players have a knack for elevating their game in win-or-go-home situations, making them synonymous with postseason drama and unforgettable moments. In this article, we delve into the unparalleled impact of LeBron James, the dazzling shooting prowess of Stephen Curry, and the scoring artistry of Kevin Durant when it matters most – in the crucible of elimination games. Here is the breakdown of each superstar’s performances in elimination games over their careers.
Points
1. LeBron James – 33.7 PPG (3 Points)
2. Kevin Durant – 29.7 PPG (2 Points)
3. Stephen Curry – 29.4 PPG (1 Point)
In the realm of points scored in elimination games, LeBron James leads the way with a remarkable 33.7 points per game, showcasing his ability to carry his team when it matters most even if he would not be considered on the same level as Kevin Durant when it comes to pure offensive arsenal. Rather, it comes down to the fact that James knew how to get buckets when it truly mattered.
Kevin Durant isn’t far behind, averaging 29.7 points per game, underlining his scoring prowess and clutch performances. As the player with the largest offensive bag, it isn’t surprising to see him rank second, although he is still behind The King. Whether with the Thunder or Warriors, Durant had to be the primary offensive option.
Finally, Stephen Curry, known for his extraordinary shooting, contributes with 29.4 points per game, adding to the electric atmosphere of elimination games although he did benefit from playing alongside Kevin Durant for four playoff runs. These statistics highlight the scoring prowess of these basketball giants, with LeBron leading the pack in this crucial category.
Rebounds
1. LeBron James – 10.7 PPG (3 Points)
2. Kevin Durant – 7.8 PPG (2 Points)
3. Stephen Curry – 5.9 PPG (1 Point)
In the context of rebounds in elimination games, LeBron James once again stands out, not only as a scorer but also as a dominant force on the boards. He averages an impressive 10.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility and the ability to impact the game beyond just scoring. This statistic highlights his knack for contributing in various facets when facing elimination because he could do everything on the court.
Kevin Durant, while an elite scorer, secures 7.8 rebounds per game, indicating his proficiency on the glass but trailing slightly in this aspect compared to LeBron. On the other hand, Stephen Curry, primarily a guard and known for his exceptional shooting, registers 5.9 rebounds per game. Although not his primary role, he still contributes, albeit to a lesser extent, in the rebounding department.
These statistics underscore the fact that LeBron James not only leads in scoring but also excels in rebounding during elimination games, demonstrating his versatility and the crucial impact he has on his team’s performance in do-or-die situations.
1. LeBron James – 7.5 APG (3 Points)
2. Stephen Curry – 7.0 APG (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant – 3.6 APG (1 Point)
When it comes to playmaking during elimination games, LeBron James once again showcases his exceptional all-around game. He averages 7.5 assists per game, emphasizing his role as both a scorer and a playmaker in clutch situations. This statistic underscores his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, elevating his impact beyond just putting points on the board. Very few players could be a triple threat better than James in critical playoff games.
Stephen Curry, known for his remarkable shooting, contributes with an average of 7.0 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking ability, which complements his scoring prowess. Kevin Durant, while a scoring powerhouse, records 3.6 assists per game, indicating a more limited playmaking role during elimination contests.
These statistics highlight LeBron James as the leader in assists, reaffirming his status as a versatile force in elimination games, effectively orchestrating the offense and contributing to his team’s success in high-pressure situations. Stephen Curry follows closely, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities, while Kevin Durant, an offensive juggernaut, plays a more scoring-oriented role.
Blocks
1. Kevin Durant – 1.4 BPG (3 Points)
2. LeBron James – 1.0 BPG (2 Points)
3. Stephen Curry – 0.6 BPG (1 Point)
In terms of shot-blocking during elimination games, Kevin Durant leads the way with an impressive 1.4 blocks per game as a 6’10” forward with a wingspan over 7 feet. This statistic highlights his defensive impact, especially when the stakes are at their highest. LeBron James follows with 1.0 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to protect the rim in crucial moments, despite playing primarily as a forward.
Stephen Curry, not typically recognized for shot-blocking, contributes with 0.6 blocks per game, showing that even guards can make defensive plays when it matters most. However, it’s evident that Durant and James excel in this category, further underscoring their versatility and defensive presence during elimination games.
Steals
1. LeBron James – 1.7 SPG (3 Points)
2. Stephen Curry – 1.4 SPG (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant – 0.7 SPG (1 Point)
LeBron James is historically the best defender out of the three players and the number of steals he has managed in elimination games might prove that. In the realm of steals during elimination games, LeBron James once again stands out with his all-around contributions.
He averages an impressive 1.7 steals per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt opponents’ plays and create transition opportunities. Stephen Curry, known for his quick hands and basketball IQ, records 1.4 steals per game, underlining his defensive prowess in high-pressure situations.
Kevin Durant, while a scoring and shot-blocking force, registers 0.7 steals per game, indicating a more limited role in terms of defensive playmaking during elimination contests.
These statistics further emphasize LeBron James’ versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Stephen Curry also excels defensively by reading passing lanes, while Durant’s contributions are more focused on other aspects of the game instead of gambling for steals.
Field Goal Percentage
1. LeBron James – 49.2% (3 Points)
2. Kevin Durant – 45.0% (2 Points)
3. Stephen Curry – 44.2% (1 Point)
LeBron James’ field goal percentage of 49.2% in elimination games is truly remarkable and earns him the full three points in this category. His efficiency is a testament to his ability to score from various spots on the floor, whether it’s finishing at the rim or hitting mid-range jumpers. LeBron’s well-rounded game makes him one of the most efficient players in NBA history.
Kevin Durant, with a field goal percentage of 45.0%, is no slouch either. His proficiency as an elite mid-range scorer contributes to his effectiveness in elimination games. However, he falls just short of LeBron’s remarkable efficiency.
Surprisingly, Stephen Curry often considered the best shooter ever, has a field goal percentage of 44.2% in elimination games, earning him just one point in this category. This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s a testament to the challenging shots he takes and the intense defensive attention he faces. While his three-point shooting is elite, his overall field goal percentage doesn’t always reflect his shooting prowess due to the degree of difficulty of his attempts.
1. Kevin Durant – 39.6% (3 Points)
2. Stephen Curry – 36.3% (2 Points)
3. LeBron James- 36.3% (2 Points)
Kevin Durant’s 3-point shooting percentage of 39.6% is indeed impressive, earning him the full three points in this category. His combination of length and a silky-smooth shooting stroke allows him to shoot over defenders, making him a significant threat from beyond the arc.
While it may come as a surprise to some, Stephen Curry and LeBron James both have a 3-point shooting percentage of 36.3%, earning them two points each in this category. Despite being widely regarded as the greatest shooter ever, Curry’s high degree of difficulty in his shot selection in elimination games can slightly lower his 3-point percentage.
LeBron’s position at the bottom is less shocking, as he’s known for being an inconsistent 3-point shooter compared to Durant and Curry, but his versatility compensates in other areas of the game, as we’ve seen in earlier categories.
Win-Loss Record
1. Stephen Curry – 9-5 (3 Points)
2. LeBron James – 14-12 (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant – 6-9 (1 Point)
Stephen Curry’s impressive win-loss record of 9-5 in elimination games, earning him the full three points in this category, is indeed noteworthy. It’s essential to acknowledge that he played on a dominant Golden State Warriors team with several All-Stars during his championship runs, contributing to his success in these high-pressure situations.
LeBron James, with a 14-12 win-loss record, earns two points, underscoring his ability to carry his teams in elimination games. While he has an excellent overall record, his lower win percentage compared to Curry can be attributed to the higher burden he often bears in his teams’ playoff runs.
Kevin Durant’s 6-9 win-loss record, earning him one point, might be surprising to some. Durant’s struggles in elimination games, especially during his time with the Thunder alongside Russell Westbrook, highlight the importance of team dynamics and the unpredictability of postseason outcomes, even for elite players.
Total Games
1. LeBron James – 26 Games (3 Points)
2. Kevin Durant – 15 Games (2 Points)
3. Stephen Curry – 14 Games (1 Point)
The total number of games played in elimination situations provides further insight into these players’ postseason experiences. LeBron James, with 26 elimination games under his belt, earns the full three points in this category. His longevity and multiple NBA Finals appearances during his 20-year career highlight his consistent presence in high-pressure situations.
Kevin Durant’s 15 elimination games, earning him two points, emphasize his significant role as the best player on the Thunder and Warriors during their playoff runs. Despite the losing record, he has appeared in numerous elimination games, showcasing his ability to reach deep into the postseason.
Stephen Curry, with 14 elimination games, earns one point, highlighting his efficient performance and high win percentage in these critical matchups. His fewer games played combined with a strong win percentage reaffirm his impact during playoff runs.
Who Is The Best Player In Elimination Games?
1. LeBron James (24 Points)
2. Kevin Durant (17 Points)
3. Stephen Curry (14 Points)
In the realm of elimination games, LeBron James emerges as the standout player, accumulating a total of 24 points across various statistical categories. His remarkable scoring, rebounding, playmaking, efficiency, and experience in these high-pressure scenarios solidify his status as one of the greatest performers in win-or-go-home situations.
While Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry certainly excel in their own right, with Durant displaying elite scoring and Curry showcasing incredible shooting prowess, their performances, while impressive, fall slightly short of LeBron’s comprehensive contributions in elimination games.
In conclusion, when the stakes are at their highest and the pressure is unrelenting, LeBron James has consistently risen to the occasion, making him the most impactful player in elimination games. His ability to excel in scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and overall efficiency sets him apart in the clutch moments of the NBA postseason.
