Countless memorable moments have taken place on the NBA’s grandest stage and after much discussion, we present some of the top moments in Finals history.
Top NBA Finals moments
(listed in chronological order)
The 1969 Finals — Don Nelson’s jumper helps Celtics beats Lakers in Game 7
The 1970 Finals — Jerry West’s shot from 60 feet away sends Game 3 to overtime
The 1970 Finals — Hobbled Willis Reed inspires Knicks in Game 7 title-clincher vs. Lakers
The 1975 Finals — Warriors sweep away 60-win Bullets to claim title
The 1976 Finals — Garfield Heard’s turnaround shot sends Game 5 to triple-OT vs. Celtics
The 1980 Finals — Julius Erving dazzles with amazing reverse layup in Game 4 vs. Lakers
The 1980 Finals — Magic Johnson fills in at center in Game 6 to clinch championship vs. Sixers
The 1984 Finals — Gerald Henderson’s steal of inbounds pass turns tide in Game 2 vs. Lakers
The 1987 Finals — Magic Johnson’s “junior” sky hook in Game 4 sinks Celtics in Boston
The 1988 Finals — Isiah Thomas scores 25 points in 3rd quarter of Game 6 on injured ankle
The 1991 Finals — Michael Jordan hits amazing layup in Game 2 vs. Lakers
The 1992 Finals — Michael Jordan’s “shrug”, shooting display leads Bulls to Game 1 win vs. Blazers
The 1993 Finals — John Paxson’s 3-pointer clinches Game 6 win vs. Suns, Bulls’ first three-peat
The 1995 Finals — Kenny Smith and Hakeem Olajuwon save day for Rockets in Game 1 vs. Magic
The 1997 Finals — Michael Jordan’s “flu” game sinks Jazz in Game 5
The 1997 Finals — Steve Kerr’s jumper in Game 6 clinches championship vs. Jazz
The 1998 Finals — Michael Jordan’s late steal, clutch jumper seals title in Game 6 vs. Jazz
The 2000 Finals — Kobe Bryant (on a bad ankle) wills Lakers to OT victory in Game 4 vs. Pacers
The 2001 Finals — Allen Iverson nails clinching jumper and steps over Tyronn Lue in Game 1 vs. Lakers
The 2005 Finals — Robert Horry nails five 3-pointers as Spurs take pivotal Game 5 from Pistons
The 2008 Finals — Celtics rally from 24-point hole to win Game 4, take 3-1 lead on Lakers
The 2010 Finals — Ron Artest’s clutch 3-pointer tops Celtics in Game 7 to seal title for Lakers
The 2011 Finals — Mavericks use 22-5 run to stun Heat on road in Game 2
The 2013 Finals — Ray Allen’s baseline 3-pointer ties up Game 6 vs. Spurs
The 2014 Finals — LeBron James cramps up, has to leave Game 1 vs. Spurs
The 2016 Finals — LeBron James’ chasedown block in Game 7
The 2016 Finals — Kyrie Irving seals championship with clutch 3-pointer in Game 7
