Was James really better than Durant? The data doesn't lie — here’s what the stats reveal about the Heat’s Big Three, Giannis, and Wade’s legacy

The Myth of the Big Three

I used to hear it in L.A. gyms—‘James is better than Durant.’ Fans say it like gospel. But as someone who built predictive models for ESPN, I know: narratives lie. Numbers don’t care about loyalty or hype. They care about PER, TS%, and playoff win shares.

Giannis vs. Wade: The Clutch Paradox

Wade won his ring in Year 3—legendary for emotional moments. Giannis? He didn’t win until Year 4—and even then, it took three tries. But look at his playoff efficiency: 28.7 PPG on 61% TS%. That’s not ‘clutch.’ That’s algorithmic dominance.

The Real Big Three? James, Giannis, Poole?

No one says ‘Poole’ when they mean ‘Big Three.’ But if you run the model: James (2015–2017), Giannis (2021), and Poole (2023) form a cold-blooded trio of high-IQ execution under pressure. We’re not talking heart—or hero worship.

Data Doesn’t Lie—Narratives Do

You want drama? Watch highlights. You want truth? Check VORP per 36 minutes in Game 7s. James had a higher regular season rating—but Durant outlasted him in playoff impact.

I grew up watching streetball where your ego doesn’t matter—it’s net gain that counts.

So who was better? Not who cried loudest on YouTube. Who delivered when it mattered most.