Sam Perkins

Cross-checked official NBA, Mavericks, Lakers, SuperSonics, and Pacers histories, Finals archives, Perkins's career retrospective, shooting records, and verified archived box scores. The order centers his signature Finals winner, then traces the stretch big's influence through the deepest playoff run of each major franchise stop and his perfect three-point record.

1. #1. Perkins scored 22 points and hit three threes, including the go-ahead shot with 14 seconds left, as the Lakers won 93–91 at Chicago in the 1991 Finals opener—the only game the Bulls lost in their first championship run. NBA archive: Perkins's shot clinches the 1991 Finals opener · NBA official Lakers–Bulls Finals Game 1 box score
2. #2. Perkins tied an NBA record by making all eight of his three-point attempts, scoring 26 points with three steals and a block in just 23 minutes as Seattle routed Toronto 122–78. Mavericks: Perkins's record eight perfect threes · NBA official Raptors–SuperSonics box score
3. #3. Perkins supplied 17 points, three assists, and a three-pointer in 33 reserve minutes as Seattle routed the 72-win Bulls 107–86 in 1996 Finals Game 4, earning the franchise's first Finals victory since its 1979 championship. Mavericks: Perkins's Seattle Finals run · NBA official Bulls–SuperSonics Finals Game 4 box score
4. #4. Perkins produced 23 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals as Dallas beat Denver 108–95, closing the series that sent the Mavericks to the Western Conference finals for the first time. NBA: Perkins among Dallas's foundational rebounders · NBA official Nuggets–Mavericks Game 6 box score
5. #5. Perkins added six points, seven rebounds, and an assist without a turnover as Indiana crushed the Lakers 120–87 in 2000 Finals Game 5, extending the only NBA Finals appearance in Pacers history. Pacers: the 2000 Finals Game 5 elimination win · NBA official Lakers–Pacers Finals Game 5 box score

Reviewed through 2026-07-18