NBA finals are the real deal – and anything is possible. It is a time when you get to see the best players against the best players. There is no room for averages, and everyone is at the peak of excitement.
The stakes are at the highest, and platforms such as NBA on FlashPicks are always on ground to provide tips and unrivaled betting analysis to fans across the globe.
In line with all the expectations, the legends and high performers never disappoint. From Michael Jordan’s shrug to Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue. From Magic Johnson’s five-position game to Ray Allen’s last-second three, NBA finals never disappoint.
In this article, we take a look at our top 10 NBA Finals of all time. There were so many to choose from, and we apologize if your personal favourite did not make the list. There is not so much we can include in a Top 10 list, you know?
1. Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns [1976]
In a game where the Boston Celtics won the day against a spirited Phoenix Suns team, 128 – 126, this was some game. Some games just can’t be contained in regular time. The sequence to end the second overtime defies belief. There’s an incredible steal, two of the most clutch shots you’ll ever see, and a clock controversy. At one point, fans rush the court. One attacks the referee. It would take a third overtime for the Celtics to come out on top; they won the series one game later.
2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers [1980]
The Los Angeles Lakers took this one 123 – 107. It was one of the remarkable games which gave Magic Johnson his nickname—and then some—in the finest game of his storied career. With league MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sidelined, Johnson—just 20 years old—started at center in Abdul-Jabbar’s place instead of his usual role at point guard. Johnson went on to play all five positions and put up 42 points in the Game 6 series-clinching victory.
3. Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz [1997]
In what would go down in record as “The Flu Game.” In the gutsiest performance of his other-worldly career, Michael Jordan put up 38 points while battling both the Jazz and the stomach flu. The 90-88 win gave Chicago a 3-2 series lead after losing the previous two games.
4. Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs [2013]
This is one game that FlashPicks pundits still make reference to till date. It was as close as close could be, and Miami Heat took the day 103 – 100. The officials had already begun to put yellow rope courtside in preparation for a Spurs trophy presentation, but Ray Allen and the Heat had other plans. Down three points late, Allen drained a three from the right corner with 5.2 seconds left to send it to overtime. The Heat prevailed in OT and won their second consecutive title following Game 7.
5. Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz [1998]
Yes, it was all about Michael Jordan again, and indeed his career with the Bulls appropriately ended in a spectacular fashion. With 5.2 seconds remaining, Jordan drove to his right before abruptly stepping back. (Did he push Byron Russell? Probably) Either way, he nailed the jumper, and the one-point victory gave Chicago its sixth championship in eight seasons. The Bulls won the game 87 – 56.
6. New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers [1970]
Willis Reed gave the Knicks the emotional boost they needed to win their first championship. Against all odds, Reed returned into the starting lineup for Game 7 after missing the previous game with a torn thigh muscle. Even though he wasn’t playing at 100 percent, he drained the first two shots of the game—and the Knicks never looked back. New York Knicks won the game 113 – 99.
7. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers [1962]
The Lakers came within inches of ending Boston’s championship reign when Frank Selvy’s shot in the final seconds trickled off the rim. Instead, the game went to overtime, where Boston prevailed with its fourth straight title. Bill Russell tied his own record with 40 rebounds to go along with 30 points. The Boston Celtics won the day 110 – 107. The intense rivalry between the Celtics and the Lakers is relived on every NBA on FlashPicks season.
8. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons [1988]
This game marked the second consecutive title capped for the Lakers, and it capped a frenetic finish to this seven-game series. Los Angeles nearly let a 15-point lead slip away before winning 108-105. James Worthy led the way with his only career triple-double in Game 7 (36 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists). The Lakers won the game 108 – 106.
9. Boston Celtics vs. St. Louis Hawks [1957]
This game is on record to be the only Game 7 to ever go to double overtime. Tom Heinsohn had 37 points and 23 rebounds to lead Boston to its first of 17 championships. The Celtics won the game 125 – 123.
10. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers [1969]
Yes, it was the Celtics and the Lakers again. It is a game that would give the Celtics their 11th championship in 13 years by defeating the Lakers yet again, but it was not for lack of effort from Jerry West. The Lakers standout notched a triple-double in Game 7 (42 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists) and became the first Finals MVP from a losing team. Celtics won the game 108 – 106.