Stephen A. Smith recently ranked Jalen Brunson’s current playoff performance as the best ever by a small guard, placing him ahead of iconic runs by Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, and Allen Iverson. Smith shared this list during an episode of NBA Countdown, sparking considerable debate among basketball fans and analysts.
1. Jalen Brunson in 2024
2. Kyrie Irving in 2016
3. Damian Lillard in 2019
4. Stephen Curry in 2015
5. Allen Iverson in 2001
Jalen Brunson has had an exceptional playoff run in 2024, leading the New York Knicks in their series against the Indiana Pacers, which is currently tied at 3-3. Brunson has recorded five 40-point games, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership.
He is averaging 33.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 44.9% from the field and 30.9% from beyond the arc. Brunson's ability to consistently perform at a high level in crucial games has placed him at the top of Smith's list.
Kyrie Irving's 2016 playoff performance was instrumental in the Cleveland Cavaliers winning their first NBA championship. Irving averaged 25.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 47.5% from the field and 44.0% from three-point range.
His clutch performances, including the iconic game-winning shot in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, solidified his place in playoff history.
Damian Lillard's 2019 playoff run with the Portland Trail Blazers was marked by remarkable performances, including his memorable series-clinching buzzer-beater against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lillard averaged 26.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages of 41.8% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range. His leadership helped the Blazers reach the Western Conference Finals.
Stephen Curry's 2015 playoff run culminated in his first NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. Curry averaged 28.3 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, shooting 45.6% from the field and 42.2% from three-point range. His stellar playmaking and scoring were pivotal in the Warriors’ success, establishing him as one of the league's premier players.
Allen Iverson’s 2001 playoff run is legendary, as he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. Iverson averaged 32.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game, despite shooting 38.9% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. His incredible scoring and tenacity carried the 76ers through the playoffs, culminating in a memorable Finals performance against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Stephen A. Smith’s ranking of these playoff runs highlights the impact and brilliance of small guards in the postseason. While opinions may vary, the recognition of Jalen Brunson’s current performance underscores the excitement and unpredictability of the NBA playoffs.
Magic Johnson Calls Out Stephen A. Smith For Not Including Isiah Thomas
Magic Johnson took to Twitter to challenge Stephen A. Smith's exclusion of Isiah Thomas from his list of all-time best playoff runs by small guards. Johnson's tweet read:
"Stephen A., you forgot Isiah Thomas scored 25 points in one quarter on an injured leg against my Showtime Lakers during the 1988 NBA Finals! How could you leave him off your All-Time Playoff small guard list? @stephenasmith"
Isiah Thomas' performance in the 1988 NBA Finals is the stuff of legends. Despite playing with a severely injured ankle, Thomas managed to score 25 points in a single quarter during Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers. This incredible feat is often cited as one of the greatest individual performances in NBA Finals history.
Thomas finished the series averaging 21.9 points, 8.7 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 43.7% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range. His leadership and resilience were pivotal in leading the Detroit Pistons to the Finals, where they ultimately lost in a hard-fought seven-game series to the Lakers.
Thomas' overall playoff resume further underscores his greatness. He was a two-time NBA champion (1989 and 1990), winning Finals MVP in 1990. Throughout his playoff career, Thomas was known for his clutch performances, competitive spirit, and ability to elevate his game during critical moments. His omission from Smith's list has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.
Magic Johnson's call-out highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions and achievements of past players. Isiah Thomas' impact on the game, particularly during the playoffs, is undeniable.
His performances against the Lakers and his role in leading the Pistons to back-to-back championships solidify his place among the greatest playoff performers in NBA history. While Smith's list celebrates some of the most memorable playoff runs by small guards, Magic Johnson's reminder ensures that Isiah Thomas' legacy is not overlooked.
The Recency Bias On Stephen A. Smith's List Is Astounding
Stephen A. Smith's recent list of the best playoff runs by small guards has sparked significant debate, primarily due to the perceived recency bias in his rankings. Smith's list, which places Jalen Brunson's 2024 playoff run ahead of legendary performances by Stephen Curry and Allen Iverson, has raised eyebrows among basketball fans and analysts alike.
It's clear that Smith, a well-known Knicks fan, is captivated by Brunson's current performance. Brunson has indeed been spectacular, carrying the Knicks to the brink of their first conference finals appearance since 2000.
Averaging 33.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 44.9% from the field, Brunson has undoubtedly been a standout performer in this year's playoffs. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure has been remarkable, and his contributions have been pivotal to the Knicks' success.
However, placing Brunson above iconic figures like Allen Iverson and Stephen Curry is a contentious move. Iverson's 2001 playoff run is legendary, as he single-handedly led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. Iverson averaged 32.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds during that run, famously scoring 48 points in Game 1 of the Finals to hand the dominant Lakers their only loss of the postseason.
His performance was not only about scoring but also his sheer will and ability to carry an otherwise mediocre team to the brink of glory against one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
Similarly, Stephen Curry's 2015 playoff run, where he averaged 28.3 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds while leading the Golden State Warriors to their first championship in 40 years, was groundbreaking.
Curry's ability to revolutionize the game with his three-point shooting and his leadership on the court was instrumental in the Warriors' success. His performance set the foundation for a dynasty that would dominate the NBA for years.
Moreover, omitting Isiah Thomas from the list is arguably the most glaring oversight. Thomas' heroic performance in the 1988 NBA Finals, where he scored 25 points in a single quarter on an injured ankle against the Lakers, remains one of the most memorable moments in playoff history. His leadership and resilience helped define an era of gritty, determined basketball.
While Brunson's current playoff run is extraordinary, the decision to place him above Iverson, and Curry, and to omit Thomas entirely, smacks of recency bias. Smith's list seems to favor the present moment over the historical context, overlooking the monumental achievements of past legends who have shaped the game.
