The Boston Celtics are one game from winning their 18th NBA championship. They’re up 3-0 in their series with the Dallas Mavericks. How often do sweeps happen at this pivotal point of the season? Let’s take a look at similar situations throughout NBA Finals history.
2017-18: Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Champion: Golden State Warriors
Finals MVP: Kevin Durant (35.2 / 8.2 / 5.4)
Playoff leaders:
PTS: LeBron James (591)
REB: Kevin Love (191)
AST: LeBron James (141)
2006-07: San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Champion: San Antonio Spurs
Finals MVP: Tony Parker (24.5 / 5.0 / 3.3)
Playoff leaders:
PTS: LeBron James (501)
REB: Tim Duncan (229)
AST: LeBron James (159)
2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Jersey Nets
Champion: Los Angeles Lakers
Finals MVP: Shaquille O’Neal (36.3 / 12.3 / 3.8)
Playoff leaders:
PTS: Shaquille O’Neal (541)
REB: Shaquille O’Neal (239)
AST: Jason Kidd (182)
1994-95 Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic
Champion: Houston Rockets
Finals MVP: Hakeem Olajuwon (32.8 / 11.5 / 5.5)
Playoff leaders:
PTS: Hakeem Olajuwon (725)
REB: Shaquille O’Neal (250)
AST: Anfernee Hardaway (162)
1988-89 Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Champion: Detroit Pistons
Finals MVP: Joe Dumars (27.3 / 1.8 / 6.0)
Playoff leaders:
PTS: Michael Jordan (591)
TRB: Dennis Rodman (170)
AST: Magic Johnson (165)
1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Champion: Philadelphia 76ers
Finals MVP: Moses Malone (25.8 / 18.0 / 2.0)
Playoff leaders:
PTS: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (406)
REB: Moses Malone (206)
AST: Magic Johnson (192)
1974-75 Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Bullets
Champion: Golden State Warriors
Finals MVP: Rick Barry (29.5 / 4.0 / 5.0)
Playoff leaders:
PTS: Rick Barry (479)
REB: Wes Unseld (276)
AST: Kevin Porter (124)
1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Baltimore Bullets
Champion: Milwaukee Bucks
Finals MVP: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (27.0 / 18.5 / 2.8)
Playoff leaders:
PTS: Earl Monroe (397)
TRB: Wes Unseld (339)
AST: Oscar Robertson (124)
1958-59 Boston Celtics vs. Minneapolis Lakers
Champion: Boston Celtics
Playoff leaders:
PTS: Elgin Baylor (331)
REB: Bill Russell (305)
AST: Bob Cousy (119)
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