Top 5 NBA Finals of All Time

The NBA Finals is the pinnacle of basketball, where two teams battle it out to claim the championship title. Over the years, there have been numerous memorable and historic NBA Finals series that have captivated fans all over the world.

The NBA Finals is the pinnacle of basketball, where two teams battle it out to claim the championship title. Over the years, there have been numerous memorable and historic NBA Finals series that have captivated fans all over the world.

Let's take a look at the top 5 NBA Finals of all time, in no particular order.

1984: Celtics vs. Lakers 4:3

The 1984 NBA Finals between the Celtics and Lakers was a classic showdown epitomized by rivalry, intensity, and a dramatic turnaround. MVP Larry Bird led the charge for the Celtics with determination and unmatched skill.

The series took a pivotal turn during Game 4 when Kevin McHale's infamous takedown of Kurt Rambis signified a shift in momentum, with the Celtics overcoming a 2-1 deficit to ultimately clinch the title in a grueling seven-game series. Bird's exceptional 34-point, 17-rebound performance in Game 5 was a highlight, showcasing his leadership and tenacity.

Despite Magic Johnson's struggles, it was a critical error by James Worthy—his careless pass intercepted by Gerald Henderson in Game 2—that haunted the Lakers, preventing a possible 2-0 series lead.

In the end, Boston's triumph was sealed in Game 7 on their legendary parquet floor, with Robert Parish and Bird leading the rebounding effort, culminating in a 111-102 victory to capture the championship.

2016: Cavaliers vs. Warriors 4:3

The 2016 NBA Finals marked an end to Cleveland's 52-year championship drought in a historic comeback. Down 3-1, the Cavaliers, led by MVP LeBron James, mounted an unforgettable rally. Both James and Kyrie Irving scored over 40 points in Game 5, setting the stage for a dramatic series turnaround. James continued his dominance in Game 6 with a 41-point, 8-rebound, and 11-assist performance.

The decider in Game 7 was a nail-biter, culminating in Irving's go-ahead 3-pointer with just 53 seconds remaining. Perhaps the most memorable moment was James' iconic block on Andre Iguodala, sealing the victory for the Cavaliers. This series denied the 73-9 Warriors a spot among the NBA's greatest teams, highlighted by controversy over Draymond Green's suspension in Game 5, which remains a point of contention for Golden State fans.

1969: Celtics vs. Lakers 4:3

The 1969 NBA Finals was a saga of endurance, strategy, and sheer will, climaxing with the Celtics clinching their 11th title in 13 years by once again besting the Lakers. This series was a bittersweet farewell to Bill Russell's legendary career, proving that the Celtics dynasty still had one final act of greatness. In a dramatic series, Boston, trailing 3-2, rallied back, with Game 6 witnessing Russell's pivotal 19 rebounds.

The series culminated in Game 7, where a lucky bounce off Don Nelson's shot late in the game sealed the fate of the Lakers, despite their premature celebration plans with hundreds of balloons ready for a victory that never came. Jerry West's phenomenal performance, averaging nearly 38 points, earned him the Finals MVP, a unique accolade for a player on the losing team, further adding to the heartbreak for Los Angeles and the legend for Boston.

2013: Heat vs. Spurs 4:3

The 2013 NBA Finals was a dramatic showcase of resilience and skill, particularly highlighted in Game 6, as the Miami Heat, led by MVP LeBron James, faced a dire situation against the San Antonio Spurs.

Down 3-2 in the series and trailing by 13 points late in the third quarter, the Heat's championship aspirations hung by a thread. Yet, they mounted a remarkable comeback, with the game's defining moment coming from Ray Allen. With 22.9 seconds left and the Heat down by three, Allen hit one of the most iconic shots in the NBA league—a game-tying 3-pointer that sent the game into overtime, where Miami ultimately prevailed.

This pivotal victory forced a Game 7, where James' 37-point performance clinched the championship for the Heat, marking one of the most unforgettable Finals in NBA history.

1962: Celtics vs. Lakers 4:3

The 1962 NBA Finals pitted the Boston Celtics against the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the first Finals clash since the Lakers' relocation from Minneapolis. This closely contested series reached a climax in Game 7, where the outcome hung in the balance until the final seconds.

With an opportunity to clinch the championship, Lakers' Frank Selvy missed a crucial 12-foot jumper at the end of regulation, leading to overtime, where the Celtics surged ahead to secure their fifth title in six seasons with a 110-107 victory. Despite the loss, Elgin Baylor's extraordinary performance stood out as he amassed 284 points throughout the series, including a record-breaking 61 points in Game 5, setting an NBA Finals single-game scoring record.

Bill Russell's dominance was equally historic; he captured 189 rebounds over the series and grabbed 40 in Game 7 alone, tying his own Finals single-game record and cementing the legacy of this epic showdown.

The Bottom Line

The NBA Finals have always offered basketball fans a thrilling spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination. The series mentioned above stands out not just for its historical significance but also for the unforgettable moments they've provided, from last-minute shots to dramatic comebacks. Each of these Finals showcases the essence of basketball at its highest level—where legends are made, rivalries are born, and the spirit of competition shines brightest.

Whether it was the Celtics and Lakers forming one of the greatest rivalries in sports history, the Cavaliers ending a city's long championship drought, or the Heat's incredible resilience, these Finals have contributed immeasurably to the legacy of the NBA. As we prepare for the next NBA Finals, we can only hope for more unforgettable moments that will be etched in basketball lore. And with the NBA Finals Bets available online, fans can also make their own memorable experiences by betting on their favorite teams and players throughout the series.

Top 5 NBA Finals of All Time to SEC Sports Fan Blog

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