The NBA Finals represent the pinnacle of professional basketball. Only the best teams make it through the grueling regular season and playoffs to have a chance at hoisting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Over the 75-year history of the NBA Finals, fans have been treated to epic clashes between all-time great teams and players.
Narrowing down the 10 greatest NBA Finals series is no easy task, but these matchups stand out for their drama, iconic moments, star power, historical significance, and more.
10. 1988: Lakers defeat Pistons 4-3
This heavyweight bout pitted Magic Johnson‘s “Showtime” Lakers against Isiah Thomas‘ rough and tumble “Bad Boy” Pistons.
After splitting the first six games, Thomas severely sprained his ankle in Game 6 but bravely scored 25 third quarter points while hobbling on one leg.
The Lakers held on to force Game 7, where James Worthy sealed the win and Finals MVP with a triple-double performance.
Between Magic and Zeke‘s brilliant playmaking, the contrast of styles, and LA prevailing in enemy territory in Game 7, this series had everything.
9. 2010: Lakers defeat Celtics 4-3
The league’s two most storied franchises faced off again in this gritty, defensive-oriented Finals.
Boston‘s Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen clashed with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and an emerging Andrew Bynum as LA narrowly survived another seven-game war.
Arguably Kobe‘s crowning Finals moment, he answered his critics by taking over down the stretch, including a masterful 15 rebound effort in the decisive game to earn his fifth title and second straight Finals MVP.
8. 1998: Bulls defeat Jazz 4-2
In Michael Jordan‘s Last Dance with the Bulls dynasty, he faced a formidable foe in John Stockton and Karl Malone‘s Utah Jazz.
After dropping Game 1, MJ responded with pure dominance.
It all built up to a dramatic Game 6 where Jordan hit the championship-winning jumpshot over Bryon Russell, striking one final iconic pose.
With his 6th Finals MVP and 6th championship in 8 years, Jordan cemented himself as the undisputed greatest ever.
7. 1984: Celtics defeat Lakers 4-3
The heated Celtics–Lakers rivalry reached its peak in the 80’s, beginning with this closely fought seven-game series.
Second-year pro Magic Johnson and rookie James Worthy battled all-time greats Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale in a back-and-forth bout featuring multiple lead changes and nail-biting finishes.
Game 4 included the pivotal “Memorial Day Massacre.”
Bird edged Magic for the first of their three Finals showdowns, earning MVP honors in classic Celtic green.
6. 1997: Bulls defeat Jazz 4-2
MJ‘s Bulls faced their biggest test yet against Karl Malone and John Stockton‘s Jazz.
After splitting games in Utah, the Jazz were poised to go ahead 3-2 before a weakened MJ put forth a superhuman 45 point effort while battling a severe flu.
Steve Kerr‘s title-clinching jumper in Game 6 added to the lore as the Bulls narrowly completed their second three-peat.
5. 2013: Heat defeat Spurs 4-3
The Spurs came agonizingly close to knocking off LeBron James‘ Miami Heat dynasty behind Tim Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich‘s brilliant game planning.
Up 3-2 and 28 seconds from a title in Game 6, Manu Ginobili‘s missed free throw opened the door for Ray Allen‘s season-saving corner three to force overtime.
LeBron took over Game 7 with 37 points and 12 rebounds, leading to iconic images of the Big Three celebrating back-to-back championships.
4. 1969: Celtics defeat Lakers 4-3
In Bill Russell‘s farewell tour, the aging Celtics somehow survived against Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain‘s loaded Lakers team.
After LA took Game 5 behind Wilt’s 21 point, 21 rebound effort, historic performances from aging stars Russell, Sam Jones and John Havlicek willed Boston to hard fought victories in Games 6 and 7 to keep the Lakers from hanging balloons.
West averaged 38-4-7 for the series and is still the only Finals MVP from the losing side.
3. 1980: Lakers defeat 76ers 4-2
This series featured an iconic championship changing performance when rookie Earvin “Magic” Johnson started at center in place of an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6, leading LA to the title.
Julius “Dr. J” Erving also dazzled for Philadelphia with his legendary baseline scoop layup.
Beyond just the historic plays, this clash featured star power with five players now enshrined in the Hall of Fame battling for a championship.
2. 2008 Celtics defeat Lakers 4-2
The league’s greatest rivals delivered again when new Big 3 Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen revived the Celtics.
Their NBA record 42-point blowout in Game 6 punctuated Boston‘s first title since 1986 after returning from a 24 point deficit in Game 4.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were left thirsting for revenge, setting up a rivalry rematch two years later. With high stakes, bad blood, iconic moments and star power, Celtics–Lakers defined a generation just as it did in the 60’s and 80’s.
1. 2016: Cavaliers defeat Warriors 4-3
Down 3-1 to the 73-win Warriors, LeBron delivered on his promise to end Cleveland‘s championship drought with an epic comeback.
Kyrie Irving‘s step-back three over Steph Curry to seal Game 7 crushed Golden State after Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green faltered on the big stage.
With strong performances from role players like Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith and Richard Jefferson, LeBron earned Finals MVP and cemented his Cleveland legacy.
Sources:
www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/10-best-nba-finals-series-of-all-time-ss-tl
www.cbssports.com/nba/news/top-20-nba-finals-ranked-michael-jordan-lebron-james-magic-johnson-leave-lasting-marks-in-epic-matchups/
www.hotnewhiphop.com/688297-best-nba-finals-ranked
