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8 terrible playoff performances by NBA superstars

It’s not often when NBA superstars come up short of expectations, and it’s even more eye-opening when it occurs on the biggest stage – the playoffs. But every now and then a perennial All-Star comes up short when his team needs him the most in the postseason, the latest example occurring Sunday night in the Cavaliers’ stunning loss to the shorthanded Celtics.

But LeBron James is far from the only superstar to fall short in the postseason. Here are eight of the worst playoff performances by some of the best players in the game.

Michael Jordan, 1989 Eastern Conference finals, Game 5
Michael Jordan, 1989 Eastern Conference finals, Game 5

Stats: 18 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 4-8 fgs, 10-11 fts, 4 TOs

Yes, even the great Michael Jordan came up with a dud from time to time in the playoffs.