Breakout Performances in The NBA Finals
Kawhi Leonard stole the spotlight in Miami.
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Kawhi Leonard Scores Career-High in Game 3 of NBA Finals - Be clear — Kawhi Leonard showed flashes of brilliance in the NBA Finals last year. But he never put a more complete game together like he did Tuesday night during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. After scoring just nine points in Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs small forward shot a sizzling 10-of-13 from the field for a career-high 29 points to lead his team to victory over the Miami Heat. He also did a solid job defending LeBron James late in the game. Like Leonard, there always seems to be a young player who stamps his presence with a breakout performance in the NBA Finals. Here, BET.com takes a look at some notable moments when little known players came up big in the NBA Finals. (Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Robert Horry – 1994 NBA Finals - The 1994 NBA Finals memorably pitted Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets up against the Patrick Ewing-led New York Knicks. But with everyone's eyes focused on the epic battle at center, it was crucial for each team's supporting cast to step up. Robert Horry, then just 24 and in his second year as a pro, got the memo...especially in Game 3 of the series. There, Horry had 16 points and eight rebounds, while also providing solid defense. And to think the Rockets were going to trade Horry in February of that same year. Not only was Game 3 his Finals breakout performance, but it was also the first of seven championships that Horry would win. Big Shot Bob, ya dig! (Photo: Getty Images)
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Sam Cassell – 1994 NBA Finals - Unfortunately for the New York Knicks, Robert Horry wasn't the only Houston Rockets breakout performer in the 1994 NBA Finals. There was also a rookie named Sam Cassell. Just 24 at the time, the first-year Rockets reserve guard never seemed to be fazed by the bright lights of the Finals, finding ways to knock down big shots for H-Town in pressure-cooker moments. Cassell scored seven straight points in the final 32.6 seconds of Game 3 to lead the Rockets to victory, and then came through with 13 more in the decisive Game 7. Immediately, a star was born. Sorry for the reminder Knicks fans. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Scottie Pippen – 1991 NBA Finals - Scottie Pippen was on the verge of stardom before the 1991 NBA Finals even began. Then, once the series between the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers tipped off, Pippen broke out and solidified his status. After a Bulls loss in Game 1, Pip changed the climate of the series when he started guarding Magic Johnson in Game 2. Chicago would win that game and the next two before Pippen turned in a 32-point, 13-rebound performance in Game 5, which not only outshined Michael Jordan, but also served as the official start of the Bulls dynasty that won six championships in eight years. (Photo: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport/Getty Images)
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Mario Chalmers – 2012 NBA Finals - Even the Miami Heat's Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh needed a lift in Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They got just that from Heat guard Mario Chalmers, who scored 25 points, including a driving layup and two clutch free throws late in the fourth quarter, to break out and help deliver Miami a 3-1 series lead. If only the Heat can get a similar output from Chalmers in these current NBA Finals. (Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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