ESPN incorrectly added LeBron James in a graphic showing the only players to record 40 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games in the NBA Finals. Although he’s done something similar, he should not be part of this graphic.
Reporter Justin Russo pointed out the mistake during Game 3 of the Phoenix Suns-Milwaukee Bucks series. Giannis once again went off on the Suns, posting 41 points and 13 rebounds. In Game 2, he recorded 42 points and 12 rebounds.
This list should only be O'Neal and Giannis, but it's still insane to see. LeBron didn't do it in back-to-back games in 2016. pic.twitter.com/QE4YA4GWQt
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) July 12, 2021
That said, only Shaq deserved to accompany the Greek Freak since LeBron had two consecutive 40 and 10 games but with different stats. He had 41-16-7 in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals and 41-8-11 in Game 6, per StatMuse.
Via Redditor “onebadshark“:
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 2nd player in NBA history to record back-to-back games of 40+ points and 10+ rebounds in the Finals, joining:
Shaquille O’Neal (2000 NBA Finals): Game 1 (43 points, 19 rebounds) and Game 2 (40 points, 24 rebounds)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 4th player in NBA history to record multiple games of 40+ points and 10+ rebounds in the same Finals series, joining:
Shaquille O’Neal (2000 NBA Finals): 3 Games ▪LeBron James (2015 NBA Finals): 2 Games
Elgin Baylor (1962 NBA Finals): 2 Games
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 1st player to record back-to-back 40+ point games in the Finals since:
LeBron James (2016 NBA Finals): Game 5 (41 points) and Game 6 (41 points)
Still, what Bron did is very impressive. He was on another level during those Finals, even recording a triple-double in Game 7. Moreover, Giannis keep demonstrating he is that man, collecting records and putting incredible stats every time he steps on the court.
He’ll try to continue his excellent moment in Game 4 and tie the series after the Suns won the first two matches.
