As Luka Doncic prepares to make his NBA Finals debut in his sixth season, his journey evokes memories of how other legendary players first reached the pinnacle of basketball. Here’s a look at how some of the greatest in NBA history fared in their first Finals appearances.
Michael Jordan’s long-awaited Finals
Jordan didn’t make it to the NBA Finals until his seventh season aged 27. The Chicago Bulls faced the Los Angeles Lakers, a team no longer in their prime but still formidable with Magic Johnson and James Worthy. Jordan’s Bulls lost their first home game but then won four straight to claim the title. Jordan averaged 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists, earning the Finals MVP.
Kobe Bryant’s early triumph
Bryant, often compared to Jordan for his playing style, reached his first Finals in 2000 at just 22 years old. The Lakers, with Shaquille O’Neal dominating the paint, faced the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers won the series 4-2, with Kobe contributing 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Shaq was the Finals MVP with an average of 38 points per game.
Larry Bird’s quick impact
Bird led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in his second season (1980/81) at the age of 24. The Celtics faced the Houston Rockets, winning the series 4-2. Bird averaged 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Finals MVP went to Cedric Maxwell, but Bird’s leadership solidified his status as a franchise cornerstone.
Magic Johnson’s unforgettable debut
Johnson’s debut season (1979/80) saw him lead the Lakers to the Finals at the age of 20. Facing Julius Erving‘s Philadelphia 76ers, Magic famously played center in Game 6, scoring 42 points with 15 rebounds, clinching the series 4-2 and earning the Finals MVP.
Shaquille O’Neal’s tough lesson
O’Neal reached his first Finals in 1995 with the Orlando Magic at the age of 23. The Magic were swept 4-0 by Hakeem Olajuwon‘s Houston Rockets. Despite Shaq’s impressive averages of 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, Olajuwon was the Finals MVP. Shaq would later win four championships with the Lakers and Miami Heat.
Tim Duncan’s rapid ascent
Duncan reached the NBA Finals in his second season (1998/99) aged 23. The San Antonio Spurs faced the New York Knicks, winning the series 4-1. Duncan dominated with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, earning the Finals MVP. He would go on to win five championships with the Spurs.
Stephen Curry’s rise to fame
Curry led the Golden State Warriors to the Finals in 2015, six years into his career. Facing the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors won the series 4-2, aided by an injury to Kyrie Irving. Curry averaged 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Finals MVP went to Andre Iguodala for his all-around performance and defensive efforts against LeBron James.
Julius Erving’s ABA success and NBA challenge
Julius Erving, known as Dr. J, won his first championship in the ABA with the New York Nets in 1974. His NBA Finals debut came in 1977 with the Philadelphia 76ers, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers. Erving’s spectacular play and averages of 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists couldn’t secure the win, but he remained a pivotal figure in basketball history.
Isiah Thomas’ heroic effort
Thomas reached his first Finals in 1988 with the Detroit Pistons, facing Magic Johnson’s Lakers. The series went to seven games, with Thomas famously scoring 25 points in a single quarter on an injured ankle in Game 6. Despite his heroics, the Lakers won the series. Thomas averaged 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists, with James Worthy earning the Finals MVP.
LeBron James’ early setback
LeBron reached his first Finals in 2007 with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the age of 22. The Cavs were swept by the San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan. LeBron averaged 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, but the experience paved the way for his future success, winning four championships with three different teams.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance
Abdul-Jabbar led the Milwaukee Bucks to the Finals in his second season (1970/71) at age 23, alongside Oscar Robertson. The Bucks swept the Baltimore Bullets 4-0, with Abdul-Jabbar averaging 27 points, 18 rebounds, and 2 assists, earning the Finals MVP. He would later win five more titles with the Lakers.
Pau Gasol’s painful start
Gasol reached his first NBA Finals in 2008 with the Lakers after being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers faced the Boston Celtics and lost the series 4-2. Gasol averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. The defeat was a learning experience, and Gasol would win two championships with the Lakers in the following years.