With the 2025 NBA Finals set to start on Thursday June 5th, here are some of the best NBA Finals games of all time, chosen for their drama, stakes, iconic moments, and impact on basketball history.
1. Game 7 – 2016: Cavaliers vs. Warriors
- Result: Cavaliers 93, Warriors 89
- Why it’s iconic: LeBron James’ chasedown block on Iguodala, Kyrie Irving’s clutch 3-pointer, and Cleveland’s first title in 52 years.
- Legacy: Greatest comeback in Finals history (down 3–1), changed LeBron’s legacy.
2. Game 6 – 1998: Bulls vs. Jazz
- Result: Bulls 87, Jazz 86
- Why it’s iconic: Michael Jordan’s final shot as a Bull – a game-winner after a steal and crossover on Byron Russell.
- Legacy: Sealed Jordan’s 6th title and a perfect 6–0 Finals record.
3. Game 5 – 1976: Celtics vs. Suns (Triple Overtime)
- Result: Celtics 128, Suns 126 (3OT)
- Why it’s iconic: Widely regarded as the greatest game ever played, filled with wild shots and momentum swings.
- Legacy: Cemented the 1970s Celtics legacy and made Paul Westphal a household name.
4. Game 7 – 2010: Lakers vs. Celtics
- Result: Lakers 83, Celtics 79
- Why it’s iconic: A gritty, defensive battle with legacy on the line for Kobe Bryant.
- Legacy: Kobe’s 5th ring, revenge for 2008, and Phil Jackson’s final title.
5. Game 6 – 2013: Heat vs. Spurs
- Result: Heat 103, Spurs 100 (OT)
- Why it’s iconic: Ray Allen’s miracle 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left to save Miami’s season.
- Legacy: Swung a title, defined LeBron’s Miami run, and broke the Spurs’ hearts.
6. Game 4 – 1987: Lakers vs. Celtics
- Result: Lakers 107, Celtics 106
- Why it’s iconic: Magic Johnson’s “junior sky hook” in the final seconds.
- Legacy: Lakers seized control of the rivalry in the ’80s.
7. Game 5 – 2006: Heat vs. Mavericks
- Result: Heat 101, Mavericks 100 (OT)
- Why it’s iconic: Dwyane Wade’s legendary 43-point performance in crunch time.
- Legacy: Shifted the series and began the legend of Flash.
8. Game 1 – 2001: Lakers vs. 76ers
- Result: 76ers 107, Lakers 101 (OT)
- Why it’s iconic: Allen Iverson’s 48-point masterpiece and the famous step-over Tyronn Lue.
- Legacy: Only game LA lost that postseason; Iverson’s grit made it unforgettable.
9. Game 7 – 1984: Celtics vs. Lakers
- Result: Celtics 111, Lakers 102
- Why it’s iconic: The peak of the Bird-Magic rivalry.
- Legacy: Elevated the NBA’s popularity globally.
10. Game 6 – 1993: Bulls vs. Suns
- Result: Bulls 99, Suns 98
- Why it’s iconic: John Paxson’s game-winning 3-pointer and Horace Grant’s block sealed a 3-peat.
- Legacy: Proved the Bulls dynasty was more than just Jordan.
Gameday cannoli 
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