The best NBA Finals series from sidekicks, including OKC's Jalen Williams

Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers | 2001-02

Kobe was magnificent in the Lakers' 2001 Finals win over Philadelphia, but he saved his best, and most efficient, performance for L.A.'s sweep of New Jersey to complete the three-peat.

Bryant averaged 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists and shot 51 percent from the field. His signature game came in a narrow Game 3 win in which he dropped 36 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter.

Scottie Pippen | Chicago Bulls | 1992-93

Pippen is the poster child for sidekicks, helping the Chicago Bulls to six titles alongside Michael Jordan. In 1993 he was at the height of his powers, averaging 20.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. 

He posted a triple-double in Game 2, along with a pair of double-doubles later in the series. His play helped Chicago capture the first of its two three-peats in the '90s.

Kyrie Irving | Cleveland Cavaliers | 2015-16

LeBron James did the heavy lifting to capture Cleveland's first title over the loaded Golden State Warriors, but Irving was exceptional as well. He averaged 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals in seven games.

Down 3-1 and facing elimination, Irving dropped a game-high 41 points in Game 5 to extend the series. In the decisive Game 7, he buried the game-winning three-pointer with 50 seconds left to give Cleveland the lead for good.

Jalen Williams | Oklahoma City Thunder | 2024-25

Williams has at least one more game to finish one of the best Finals series in recent memory. He's averaging 25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, but most importantly it's when he's playing his best that matters most.

While SGA struggled for much of Game 4, Williams scored 27 points, including 23 in the first three quarters to keep OKC in the game. It set the table for SGA's heroics in the fourth. 

As Indiana has forced the ball out of SGA's hands, Williams has taken over point guard duties. In a crucial Game 5, he lit up the Pacers for 40 points. He's been the series-changing player and should receive significant consideration for Finals MVP if the Thunder can finish things off.