Greatest NBA Finals of All Time
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What makes a memorable championship series or even just a game? It's an equal mix of great competition and drama. And when it comes to mixing competition and drama, the NBA Finals does it as well as anyone.
The NBA Finals have plotlines that rival the best "Game of Thrones" ever had to offer (without all the beheadings) and feature basketball's most iconic players and teams in their greatest moments.
Just like the game itself, the NBA Finals have evolved over the years. But classic series get better with age. These are the greatest NBA Finals matchups of all time.
30. Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns (1993)
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Best-of-seven result: Bulls 4, Suns 2
NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan, shooting guard, Chicago Bulls
Hall of Famers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson (Bulls): Charles Barkley, Paul Westphal (Suns)
Chicago Bulls NBA titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Phoenix Suns NBA titles: None
Bottom Line: Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns (1993)
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The friendship between Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley took root during the 1992 Olympics when both of them were on the "Dream Team," and they became America's favorite basketball buddy duo.
Jordan, forever the competitor, took exception to Barkley being named NBA Most Valuable Player in 1993 and went at his throat in the NBA Finals.
How unstoppable was Jordan? He averaged 41.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals in six games. Then, he gave up the rock to John Paxson for the series-winning 3-point dagger.
29. Washington Bullets vs. Seattle SuperSonics (1978)
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Best-of-seven result: Bullets 4, SuperSonics 2
NBA Finals MVP: Wes Unseld, center, Washington Bullets
Hall of Famers: Dennis Johnson, Jack Sikma, Lenny Wilkens (SuperSonics); Bob Dandridge, Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld (Bullets)
Washington Bullets NBA titles: 1 (1978)
Seattle SuperSonics NBA titles: 1 (1979)
Bottom Line: Washington Bullets vs. Seattle SuperSonics (1978)
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We include this series just for the sheer resiliency it represented for the Washington Bullets. Before this win, the Bullets lost twice in the NBA Finals in the 1970s, including a crippling upset to the Golden State Warriors when they were swept in 1975.
This series included one of the all-time great Game 7 meltdowns in NBA history from Seattle guard Dennis Johnson. The Hall of Fame point guard averaged 16.6 points in the series but went 0-for-14 and scored just 4 points in Game 7.
Woof.
28. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (2001)
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Best-of-seven result: Lakers 4, 76ers 1
NBA Finals MVP: Shaquille O'Neal, center, Los Angeles Lakers
Hall of Famers: Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson (Lakers); Dikembe Mutombo, Allen Iverson, Larry Brown (76ers)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Philadelphia 76ers NBA titles: 3 (1955, 1967, 1983)
Bottom Line: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (2001)
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This was the second of three consecutive titles for the Lakers, so it's notable for being part of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. But if you ask a true basketball head what made it unforgettable, the answer is a little different.
Want to know how a series that only went five games is in the pantheon of NBA Finals greatness? Two words: Allen Iverson.
The shortest NBA Most Valuable Player in history stepped over Lakers guard (and future NBA championship-winning head coach) Tyronn Lue in a Game 1 win by the Philadelphia 76ers, creating one of the more iconic moments in NBA Finals history.
27. Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns (1976)
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Best-of-seven result: Celtics 4, Suns 2
NBA Finals MVP: Jo Jo White, point guard, Celtics
Hall of Famers: Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Don Nelson, Charlie Scott, Jo Jo White, Tom Heinsohn (Celtics); Pat Riley, Paul Westphal (Suns)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
Phoenix Suns NBA titles: None
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns (1976)
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The 1976 NBA Finals featured the only triple-overtime game in NBA Finals history — a 128-126 win by the Boston Celtics over the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 at the Boston Garden.
The NBA Finals MVP has had some confusing winners over the years, and this was another head-scratcher. Jo Jo White averaged 21.7 points and 5.8 assists and was named MVP, but teammate Dave Cowens averaged 20.5 points, 16.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals.
This is one of just two finals appearances by the Suns, who didn't return until losing to the Bulls in 1993.
26. Rochester Royals vs. New York Knicks (1951)
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Best-of-seven result: Royals 4, Knicks 3
Retroactive NBA Finals MVP: Arnie Risen, center, Rochester Royals (the first NBA Finals MVP was awarded in 1969)
Hall of Famers: Bob Davies, Red Holzman, Bobby Wanzer, Arnie Risen (Rochester Royals); Harry Gallatin, Dick McGuire, Nat Clifton (Knicks)
Rochester Royals NBA titles: 1 (1951)
New York Knicks NBA titles: 2 (1970, 1973)
Bottom Line: Rochester Royals vs. New York Knicks (1951)
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Hall of Fame center Arnie Risen led the Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) averaged 21.7 points and 14.3 rebounds against the New York Knicks in the 1951 NBA Finals.
Risen, 6-foot-9 and just 200 pounds, could've made the only championship in franchise history easier by making some more free throws. He went 48-of-75 at the free-throw line in the seven-game series.
The Royals led the series 3-0 before the Knicks stormed back to force a Game 7 in Rochester, which the home team won, 79-75, in front of 4,200 fans at Edgerton Park Arena — the first crowd to ever witness an NBA Finals Game 7.
25. Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1989)
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Best-of-seven result: Pistons 4, Lakers 0
NBA Finals MVP: Joe Dumars, guard, Detroit Pistons
Hall of Famers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Pat Riley (Lakers); Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas, Chuck Daly (Pistons)
Detroit Pistons NBA titles: 3 (1989, 1990, 2004)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Bottom Line: Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1989)
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Say what you will about the Detroit Pistons — love them or hate them — you have to give it up for how they've performed in the NBA Finals and for how absolutely devastating their teams were in winning back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990.
In those two years, the Pistons went 8-1 in the Finals, and they're 12-1 all-time in the three years they've won titles.
OK, stop screaming at your screen. We're done praising the Pistons.
24. Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz (1997)
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Best-of-seven result: Bulls 4, Jazz 2
NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan, shooting guard, Chicago Bulls
Hall of Famers: Michael Jordan, Robert Parish, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Phil Jackson (Bulls); Karl Malone, John Stockton, Jerry Sloan (Jazz)
Chicago Bulls NBA titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Utah Jazz NBA titles: None
Bottom Line: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz (1997)
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There's one thing we can point to for why this series made it on the list — the infamous "Flu Game." Michael Jordan battled through a "flu-like" illness to score 38 points and win Game 5 in Salt Lake City.
Jordan's performance in Game 5 and the legend around it have only grown in the years since the game was played. It was burgeoned by the 2020 documentary series "The Last Dance."
For the first time, Jordan and his entourage disclosed that it wasn't the flu that slowed Jordan for Game 5 but instead was possible food poisoning from a pizza ordered at his hotel the night before the game.
23. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1977)
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Best-of-seven result: Trail Blazers 4, 76ers 2
NBA Finals MVP: Bill Walton, center, Portland Trail Blazers
Hall of Famers: Julius Erving, George McGinnis (76ers); Bill Walton, Jack Ramsay (Trail Blazers)
Portland Trail Blazers NBA titles: 1 (1977)
Philadelphia 76ers NBA titles: 3 (1955, 1967, 1983)
Bottom Line: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1977)
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The funkiest NBA championship of all time came via the Portland Trail Blazers, head coach Jack Ramsay and star center Bill Walton in 1977.
Portland's franchise was only seven years old when the Blazers won their first and only championship, and they did so in their first playoff appearance. This NBA Finals also showed the benefits of the ABA-NBA merger in its first season. Five of the 10 starters were ABA products, including star forward Maurice Lucas for the Blazers.
But it was Ramsay and his gregarious personality (and suit coats) that stole the show along with Walton, who averaged 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, 5.2 assist and a staggering 3.7 blocks.
22. San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons (2005)
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Best-of-seven result: Spurs 4, Pistons 3
NBA Finals MVP: Tim Duncan, power forward/center, San Antonio Spurs
Hall of Famers: Tim Duncan (Spurs); Ben Wallace, Larry Brown (Pistons)
San Antonio Spurs NBA titles: 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
Detroit Pistons NBA titles: 3 (1989, 1990, 2004)
Bottom Line: San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons (2005)
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It's a strange stat, but NBA champions from the previous two seasons rarely meet each other in the NBA Finals — 2005 was the first time it happened since 1987, when the 2003 champion San Antonio Spurs met the 2004 champion Detroit Pistons.
There's a forgotten stretch of NBA Finals from the end of the Lakers' dynasty in 2002 through when LeBron James began making regular championship appearances beginning in the late 2000s, but we shouldn't look less at them.
The fact the Pistons came this close to going back-to-back is pretty incredible, but they couldn't overcome a virtuoso performance by San Antonio's Tim Duncan, who averaged 20.6 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.
21. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2008)
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Best-of-seven result: Celtics 4, Lakers 2
NBA Finals MVP: Paul Pierce, SF, Boston Celtics
Hall of Famers: Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce (Celtics); Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson (Lakers)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2008)
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The 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics were arguably the team that changed the league for good. They were the first legit Big Three team featuring a trio of superstars with max or close-to-max contracts in Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.
Pierce brought home NBA Finals Most Valuable Player honors by taking down his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and some Game 1 histrionics.
This championship was memorable because none of these Celtics stars had ever won a title. That's something we put some value in way back in 2008.
20. Chicago Bulls vs. Seattle SuperSonics (1996)
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Best-of-seven result: Bulls 4, SuperSonics 2
NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan, shooting guard, Chicago Bulls
Hall of Famers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Phil Jackson, Tex Winter (Bulls); Gary Payton (SuperSonics)
Chicago Bulls NBA titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Seattle SuperSonics NBA titles: 1 (1979)
Bottom Line: Chicago Bulls vs. Seattle SuperSonics (1996)
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The greatest team in NBA history was the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. Don't listen to any other impostors.
With one full offseason under his belt after an abbreviated retirement and baseball career, Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson put together this team with the thought of winning an NBA championship. And they ended up obliterating all comers.
The role the Sonics and young stars Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp played in this can't be understated. Their brashness and bravado were just what the series needed.
19. Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors (2019)
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Best-of-seven result: Raptors 4, Warriors 2
NBA Finals MVP: Kawhi Leonard, forward, Toronto Raptors
Hall of Famers: None
Toronto Raptors NBA titles: 1 (2019)
Golden State Warriors NBA titles: 6 (1975, 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018)
Bottom Line: Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors (2019)
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The most ridiculous argument against the Raptors' only championship and only NBA Finals appearance not being one of the all-time greats is that the Warriors had two of their best players go down in the NBA Finals. Kevin Durant tore his Achilles tendon and Klay Thompson tore an ACL.
But they were both on the floor for the majority of the series, and the Raptors were given no shot to make this competitive, much less win. In their one season with Kawhi Leonard, Toronto brought home one of the more surprising NBA championships in history.
18. Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks (1974)
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Best-of-seven result: Celtics 4, Bucks 3
NBA Finals MVP: John Havlicek, small forward, Boston Celtics
Hall of Famers: Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Paul Westphal, Jo Jo White, Tom Heinsohn (Celtics); Bob Dandridge, Oscar Robertson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Bucks)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
Milwaukee Bucks NBA titles: 1 (1971)
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks (1974)
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Forward John Havlicek was the key to the Boston Celtics winning the championship against a Milwaukee Bucks team led by a young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — no small feat in a series that saw two games go to overtime.
While Havlicek brought home NBA Finals MVP honors by averaging 26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals, you can make a good argument that Abdul-Jabbar should have been the MVP despite playing on the losing team.
With the Bucks riddled by injuries, Abdul-Jabbar essentially played point-center in the series and averaged 32.6 points, 15.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.1 blocks in 49.3 minutes per game.
The Bucks haven't been to the NBA Finals since losing this series.
17. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (2010)
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Best-of-seven result: Lakers 4, Celtics 3
NBA Finals MVP: Kobe Bryant, shooting guard, Los Angeles Lakers
Hall of Famers: Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce (Celtics); Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson (Lakers)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
Bottom Line: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (2010)
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If you weren't a Kobe Bryant fan, that's fine. Even the most dyed-in-the-wool Kobe haters in the world had to begrudgingly give him the respect he deserved after winning his fifth NBA championship and the second of back-to-back NBA titles in 2010.
Bryant won his fifth title in dramatic fashion, getting revenge for his 2008 NBA Finals loss to the Celtics by taking them (and their Big Three) down.
His Game 7 performance should be taught to young superstars on how to impact a game when you're not scoring the ball the way you want.
16. Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat (2011)
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Best-of-seven result: Mavericks 4, Heat 2
NBA Finals MVP: Dirk Nowitzki, forward, Dallas Mavericks
Hall of Famers: Jason Kidd (Mavericks); Chris Bosh (Heat)
Dallas Mavericks NBA titles: 1 (2011)
Miami Heat NBA titles: 3 (2006, 2012, 2013)
Bottom Line: Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat (2011)
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One year before the 2011 NBA Finals, you couldn't have sold someone on LeBron James being the biggest villain in league history, but one year (and one "Decision") later, there we were.
The basketball-loving world hated James and his new team, the Miami Heat, and they kept giving them reasons throughout the series against the underdog Dallas Mavericks, including when James and teammate Dwyane Wade mocked Mavs' star Dirk Nowitzki for having a 101-degree fever.
Nowitzki called their antics "childish," then hit 'em up for NBA Finals MVP honors.
15. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat (2020)
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Best-of-seven result: Lakers 4, Heat 2
NBA Finals MVP: LeBron James, guard/forward, Los Angeles Lakers
Hall of Famers: None
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Miami Heat NBA titles: 3 (2006, 2012, 2013)
Bottom Line: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat (2020)
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This wasn't the most difficult NBA Finals in NBA history, as the Lakers seemed to have little trouble with the Miami Heat. But it may go down as the most memorable.
The NBA became a beacon for professional sports by pulling off what many thought was impossible — playing out their season in the middle of a pandemic. Living inside the NBA "bubble" made some of the most elite athletes in the world crack under the pressure.
Somehow, it brought the Lakers closer together and made superstar LeBron James even harder to defend.
14. Boston Celtics vs. St. Louis Hawks (1957)
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Best-of-seven result: Celtics 4, Hawks 3
Retroactive NBA Finals MVP: Bob Cousy, point guard, Boston Celtics
Hall of Famers: Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, Andy Phillip, Frank Ramsey, Arnie Risen, Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, Red Auerbach (Celtics); Bob Pettit, Slater Martin, Ed Macauley, Alex Hannum (Hawks)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
St. Louis Hawks NBA titles: 1 (1958)
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics vs. St. Louis Hawks (1957)
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This epic series featured a showdown between two of the best big men in NBA history — St. Louis Hawks center Bob Pettit and Boston Celtics center Bill Russell.
The difference ended up being scrappy Celtics point guard Bob Cousy, who averaged 20.7 points, 9.1 assists and 6.7 rebounds on the way to winning our retroactive NBA Finals MVP honors.
Was this the greatest Game 7 in NBA history? It's the only one to go double overtime, with the Celtics winning 125-123 in Boston.
13. 1962 Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1962)
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Best-of-seven result: Celtics 4, Lakers 3
Retroactive NBA Finals MVP: Bill Russell, center, Boston Celtics
Hall of Famers: Carl Braun, Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Red Auerbach (Celtics); Elgin Baylor, Jerry West (Lakers)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Bottom Line: 1962 Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1962)
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The 1962 NBA Finals featured arguably the greatest individual performance by a player in the championship series. Boston center Bill Russell averaged 22.9 points, 27.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists.
The Celtics, playing in the Finals for the sixth consecutive year, needed every single bit of what Russell had to offer and won the series in seven games over the Lakers.
The NBA Finals have only seen Game 7 go to overtime twice, and both featured the Celtics winning — in 1957 and again in 1962.
12. Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1991)
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Best-of-seven result: Bulls 4, Lakers 1
NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan, shooting guard, Chicago Bulls
Hall of Famers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, Tex Winter (Bulls); Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Vlade Divac (Lakers)
Chicago Bulls NBA titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Bottom Line: Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1991)
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One of the few NBA Finals on this list to not go six or seven games, the 1991 edition was notable because it was the first championship won by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan's pursuit of an NBA title became a national obsession in the years leading up to him finally lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
It also produced one of the most iconic NBA images of all time — Jordan clutching the trophy, crying, with his father, James Jordan, holding him.
11. Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Bullets (1975)
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Best-of-seven result: Warriors 4, Bullets 0
NBA Finals MVP: Rick Barry, small forward, Golden State Warriors
Hall of Famers: Rick Barry, Jamaal Wilkes, Al Attles (Warriors); Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld, K.C. Jones (Bullets)
Golden State Warriors NBA titles: 6 (1975, 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018)
Washington Bullets NBA titles: 1 (1978)
Bottom Line: Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Bullets (1975)
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The greatest upset in NBA Finals history came in 1975, when the Golden State Warriors swept the heavily favored Washington Bullets.
If you want to make an argument for Rick Barry being one of the greatest NBA players of all time (because he is), you can just point to this series. At 6-foot-7, Barry averaged 29.5 points, 5.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals while averaging 43.0 minutes per game.
While the Warriors didn't return to the NBA Finals for 40 years, the Bullets played in the finals two more times in the 1970s, winning in 1978 and losing in 1979.
10. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1966)
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Best-of-seven result: Celtics 4, Lakers 3
Retroactive NBA Finals MVP: Bill Russell, C, Boston Celtics
Hall of Famers: John Havlicek, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Bill Russell (Celtics); Elgin Baylor, Gail Goodrich, Jerry West (Lakers)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1966)
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The Celtics once again went to seven games against the Los Angeles Lakers and once again came away victorious. This was Boston's eighth consecutive NBA championship. It's a mark that's never been matched again in professional sports.
If you wanted to know what kind of NBA gangster Celtics head coach/czar Red Auerbach was, he announced ahead of the 1965-66 season that it would be his last year, telling his foes they had "one last shot" at beating him.
Bill Russell won his second Retroactive NBA Finals MVP honor this year by averaging 23.6 points and 24.3 rebounds and became the Celtics' head coach the next year — the first Black coach in NBA history.
9. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons (1988)
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Best-of-seven result: Lakers 4, Pistons 3
NBA Finals MVP: James Worthy, power forward, Los Angeles Lakers
Hall of Famers: Adrian Dantley, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Isaiah Thomas, Chuck Daly (Pistons); Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Pat Riley (Lakers)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Detroit Pistons NBA titles: 3 (1989, 1990, 2004)
Bottom Line: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons (1988)
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As much as NBA fans loved the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls dynasties, they hated the Detroit Pistons.
The 1988 NBA Finals were remarkable because it was a called shot. Pat Riley said the Lakers were going back-to-back after they won in 1987, and they delivered. It was also remarkable because you could tell how good the Pistons were getting every year, and them winning the championship seemed inevitable.
It also included one of the more head-scratching NBA Finals MVP picks in history — James Worthy, who averaged 22.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Magic Johnson averaged 21.1 points, 13.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals. That's your MVP.
8. Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz (1998)
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Best-of-seven result: Bulls 4, Jazz 2
NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan, shooting guard, Chicago Bulls
Hall of Famers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Phil Jackson (Bulls); John Stockton, Karl Malone, Jerry Sloan (Jazz)
Chicago Bulls NBA titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Utah Jazz NBA titles: None
Bottom Line: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz (1998)
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The 1998 NBA Finals were memorable for a lot of different reasons. Michael Jordan's last game with the Bulls. "The Shot" over Byron Russell to win the series. The third consecutive title for the Bulls. The sixth overall title for the Bulls.
Also, the second and last (so far) NBA Finals appearance for the Utah Jazz.
Whatever we may have thought of this series over the years, those memories were reshaped by the 10-part documentary series "The Last Dance" in 2020.
What's that thing they say about history books? It's written by the victors.
7. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1969)
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Best-of-seven result: Celtics 4, Lakers 3
NBA Finals MVP: Jerry West, guard, Los Angeles Lakers
Hall of Famers: John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, Sam Jones, Bill Russell (Celtics); Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West (Lakers)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1969)
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There were a lot of firsts in the 1969 NBA Finals. It was the first time a road team won Game 7 and the first (and only) time an NBA Finals MVP was given out to a player on the losing team as Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West took home the honor.
More than that, this series has been made notable because of what happened in Game 7. with the Lakers trailing 103-102, head coach Butch van Breda Kolff refused to put Wilt Chamberlain back in with two minutes left. Or did Chamberlain refuse to go in?
And the Lakers lost.
6. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1980)
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Best-of-seven result: Lakers 4, 76ers 2
NBA Finals MVP: Magic Johnson, guard, Los Angeles Lakers
Hall of Famers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, Magic Johnson, Jamaal Wilkes (Lakers); Maurice Cheeks, Julius Erving, Bobby Jones (76ers)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Philadelphia 76ers NBA titles: 3 (1955, 1967, 1983)
Bottom Line: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1980)
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Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird won NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1980, edging out Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson ... but the 20-year-old Magic got the last laugh, leading the Lakers to an NBA title and winning NBA Finals MVP honors in what might be the best single-game performance in NBA history.
With superstar center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with an injury for Game 6, Magic started at center and played all five positions and finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists.
What people forget is that his teammate, Jamaal Wilkes, scored 37 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
5. Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks (1994)
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Best-of-seven result: Rockets 4, Knicks 3
NBA Finals MVP: Hakeem Olajuwon, center, Houston Rockets
Hall of Famers: Hakeem Olajuwon, Rudy Tomjanovich (Rockets); Patrick Ewing, Pat Riley (Knicks)
Houston Rockets NBA titles: 2 (1994, 1995)
New York Knicks NBA titles: 2 (1970, 1973)
Bottom Line: Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks (1994)
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If you have a basketball-loving friend that tries to disparage the Houston Rockets' two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, please make them sit down and watch the 1994 NBA Finals.
It's one of the most epic series of all time and unfortunately overshadowed by two things that history can't find a way to forget.
The first was what happened during Game 5, when the game was interrupted by the infamous O.J. Simpson Bronco chase. NBC made the unprecedented decision to cut away from the game to follow the chase.
The second is it was the first of two NBA seasons without Michael Jordan, who was temporarily retired and playing minor league baseball.
4. Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs (2013)
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Best-of-seven result: Heat 4, Spurs 3
NBA Finals MVP: LeBron James, guard/forward, Miami Heat
Hall of Famers: Ray Allen, Chris Bosh (Heat); Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady (Spurs)
Miami Heat NBA titles: 3 (2006, 2012, 2013)
San Antonio Spurs NBA titles: 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
Bottom Line: Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs (2013)
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Modern basketball fans look at Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals as probably the best game they've ever seen — and Miami Heat star LeBron James still regards it as the best game he's ever played in.
The Spurs came within 5.2 seconds of winning their sixth NBA title. That's when Miami's Ray Allen hit a t3ree-pointer to tie the game and send it to overtime, where the Heat won 103-100.
The second consecutive title won by the Heat with the Big Three of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh was by far the most memorable.
3. New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1970)
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Best-of-seven result: Knicks 4, Lakers 3
NBA Finals MVP: Willis Reed, center, New York Knicks
Hall of Famers: Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, Dave Debusschere, Walt Frazier, Red Holzman (Knicks); Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West (Lakers)
New York Knicks NBA titles: 2 (1970, 1973)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Bottom Line: New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1970)
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ESPN named Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals the greatest Game 7 in finals history in 2010, and it's impossible to argue with that.
New York Knicks center Willis Reed tore his thigh muscle in Game 6 and missed Game 6 as the Los Angeles Lakers came back to tie the series at 3-3.
There's no moment in NBA history that competes with Reed limping out of the tunnel at Madison Square Garden in Game 7 to warm up. Then, he scored the first two baskets for the Knicks — his only points of the game — and played lockdown defense on Wilt Chamberlain for the first half.
Legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell said it best when he interviewed Reed in the winning locker room after the game and told him, "You exemplify the very best that the human spirit can offer."
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors (2016)
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Best-of-seven result: Cavaliers 4, Warriors 3
NBA Finals MVP: LeBron James, guard/forward, Cleveland Cavaliers
Hall of Famers: None
Cleveland Cavaliers NBA titles: 1 (2016)
Golden State Warriors NBA titles: 6 (1975, 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018)
Bottom Line: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors (2016)
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You can't put the 2016 NBA Finals in the top spot because of the player who made the biggest difference — Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward LeBron James.
The Cavs became the only team in NBA history to rally from a 3-0 deficit to come back and win the Finals, but the fact James decided to self-label this and his 2020 NBA title with the Lakers as the two greatest NBA championships of all time is cringe-inducing.
That being said, James was only the third player to record a Game 7 triple-double in NBA history with 27 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds.
1. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1984)
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Best-of-seven result: Celtics 4, Lakers 3
NBA Finals MVP: Larry Bird, forward, Boston Celtics
Hall of Famers: Larry Bird, Dennis Johnson, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, K.C. Jones (Celtics); Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Bob McAdoo, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, Pat Riley (Lakers)
Boston Celtics NBA titles: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
Los Angeles Lakers NBA titles: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
Bottom Line: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1984)
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NBA fans around the world wanted one thing in 1984 — the Boston Celtics vs. the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. It was Magic vs. Bird, and the rivalry had been building since the two met in the 1979 NCAA championship game, then both entered the league in 1979 but kept missing each other in the finals.
This series should warm the heart of any basketball fan. Game 2 and Game 4 both went into overtime and tied the series at 1-1 and 2-2. Then, the Celtics, won Game 5, the Lakers won Game 6, and the Celtics closed it out. Bird swept both the NBA Finals MVP and NBA MVP honors.
Want to see absolute pandemonium inside a basketball arena? Watch the final seconds of Game 7 in the Boston Garden.