NBA Power Rankings: Top 5 Most Memorable Games and Performances of 2010-11
The 2010-2011 season was one to remember, as it shows us the future of the NBA. The Heat and Bulls will dominate the East, and their playoff meetings in the future decade will become one of the top three or four rivalries in NBA history.
Out West, the Lakers will remain the top dog but slowly decline as the Thunder become the face of the conference. The Grizzlies and Rockets could become serious title contenders, and it's only going to get worse for the Suns.
But we're not here to talk about the future—we're here to talk about the recent past. If you were hiding under a rock for the last six months, here are the five games you're going to want to look at the most.
Honorable Mentions
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Heat at Lakers: LeBron James managed a triple-double on Christmas Day as he led the Heat to a win in what was then considered to be the most likely Finals matchup.
Heat at Spurs, Spurs at Heat: This regular-season series was strange but interesting. The Spurs destroyed the Heat by 30 points at home before being burned by 30 points in Miami. The road loss for the Heat had an interesting sequel, as Heat coach Erik Spoelstra admitted that the Heat players were crying in the locker room. That would be talked about until the Heat's 15-3 run to finish the season.
Lakers at Spurs: Between both Heat games the Spurs had to face the Lakers at home, where they had the best record in the league. The Lakers crushed San Antonio, as they once led by 32 points, on their way to a 18-1 post-All-Star break start.
Knicks at Heat: The first showdown of the new Heat and new Knicks post-Carmelo Anthony trade. This game was close until the end, and 'Melo played great D on LeBron on the last possession, forcing him to put up a horrible shot that was swatted away by Amar'e Stoudemire.
5. The Lakers Beat the Suns 139-137 in Triple OT
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On March 22nd, 2011, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 139-137 in triple overtime. Laker guard Kobe Bryant scored a season-high 42 points. The Suns' Channing Frye set his personal record for points in a game (32) and three-point shots made in a game (five), which he would beat later in the season. The Lakers hosted their first triple-OT game since 1969.
4. NBA All-Star Game 2011
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For the 60th edition of the NBA All-Star Game, the West beat the East 148-143.
LeBron James recorded only the second All-Star triple-double with a team-high 29 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds. He therefore beat or equaled Michael Jordan in all three statistical categories involved.
Kobe Bryant scored a top-five all-time scoring and game-high 37 points along with a game-high 14 rebounds (10 offensive) and three steals.
The Celtics were only the seventh team to have four players selected to play in the All-Star Game (Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo).
3. Paul Millsap Burns the Heat
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Something tells me the Spurs were laughing their heads off watching this. Paul Millsap went off for a career- and game-high 46 points on 19-of-28 shooting, including three three-pointers and a tip shot in the last 35 seconds of the fourth quarter to send the game into OT.
The Jazz would ultimately win the game after trailing by 19 at halftime, which was the second greatest halftime deficit overcome in NBA history.
Eleven points in 35 seconds. Once again, I know the Spurs were laughing in a "not as fun when it happens to you, huh?" way.
2. Mr. 2561
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Ray Allen came to the TD Garden on February 10th trailing Reggie Miller's all-time record for three-point field goals by one.
KG caught the ball in the high post. Derek Fisher, who was covering Señor Jesus Shuttlesworth, came over to double-team. Ray-Ray silently slid over towards the top of the key. KG was patient, waiting for Fisher to make his way to him before throwing the pass.
D-Fish realized it was too late and tried a desperate attempt at altering the shot by waving his hands. As if he didn't know the outcome. Swish. Ray had equaled Reggie.
On the next couple of Celtic fast breaks, you could see Rondo looking for Allen until he finally saw him trailing. He caught the perfect pass and rose up for his picture-perfect jump shot. As the ball sailed through the air, the heart of each fan stopped. When it went through the hoop, the arena exploded, and Reggie and Allen shared a moment of appreciation.
It was at home. The closest defender was the record-holder of threes in a game. It was during a Lakers-Celtics game. It was against the team he set the record for threes against in a Finals game. All those who say the NBA isn't epic anymore are invited to go die.
1. Moses Malone Jr.
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30-30. No, I'm not officiating a tennis game—I'm reading a stat sheet aloud. Kevin Love became the first man to pull down 30 rebounds and score 30 points since Moses Malone 28 years ago. That means the 1982-1983 season.
This performance will remembered for years to come for two reasons: Kevin Love managed a 30-30, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat a playoff team.
