🏀Best NBA Games of All Time

1998 NBA Finals Game 6▲ Rising

Michael Jordan's final shot sealed the Bulls' sixth title against the Jazz in Utah. The game capped a dynasty with one of basketball's most iconic moments. It remains the gold standard for clutch performance under pressure.

Year: 1998Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs Utah JazzFinal Score: 87-86Viewership: 35 MWent to OT: —

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1997 NBA Finals Game 5▲ Rising

Jordan scored 38 points while battling the flu to give Chicago a 3-2 series lead. The performance became known as the Flu Game and helped close out the Jazz in Game 6. It cemented Jordan’s reputation for playing through extreme adversity.

Year: 1997Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs Utah JazzFinal Score: 90-88Viewership: 29 MWent to OT: —

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2013 NBA Finals Game 6▲ Rising

Ray Allen's corner three forced overtime and saved the Heat's title run against the Spurs. Miami went on to win Game 7 after trailing by five late. The moment shifted momentum in a back-and-forth series.

Year: 2013Matchup: Miami Heat vs San Antonio SpursFinal Score: 103-100Viewership: 18 MWent to OT: ✓

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2016 NBA Finals Game 7▲ Rising

The Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the 73-win Warriors in Cleveland. LeBron's block and Kyrie's three sealed the first title for the city in decades. It marked the greatest comeback in Finals history.

Year: 2016Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State WarriorsFinal Score: 93-89Viewership: 31 MWent to OT: —

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1980 NBA Finals Game 6▲ Rising

Magic Johnson played center and scored 42 points to clinch the title for the Lakers over the Sixers. The performance announced the start of the Showtime era. It remains one of the greatest individual Finals games ever.

Year: 1980Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ersFinal Score: 123-107Viewership: 20 MWent to OT: —

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2019 NBA Finals Game 6▲ Rising

Kawhi Leonard’s iconic bounce on the rim sealed a Toronto win and the first title for a Canadian franchise. The Raptors outlasted the Warriors in a hard-fought series. It capped an improbable playoff run after the DeRozan trade.

Year: 2019Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs Golden State WarriorsFinal Score: 114-110Viewership: 18 MWent to OT: —

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1993 NBA Finals Game 3▲ Rising

John Paxson’s three-pointer with seconds left gave the Bulls a 99-98 win and a 2-1 series lead over Phoenix. The shot kept Chicago’s three-peat alive after a tough road loss. It became another signature Jordan-era moment.

Year: 1993Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs Phoenix SunsFinal Score: 99-98Viewership: 25 MWent to OT: —

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2004 Western Conference Finals Game 5▲ Rising

The Wolves edged the Kings in double overtime behind Garnett’s 32 points and 21 rebounds. The win pushed Minnesota to its only Finals appearance. It highlighted the intense mid-2000s Western Conference battles.

Year: 2004Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Sacramento KingsFinal Score: 104-102Viewership: 9 MWent to OT: ✓

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1995 Eastern Conference First Round Game 1

Reggie Miller scored eight points in the final 8.9 seconds to stun the Knicks in the Garden. The Pacers stole home-court advantage and shifted the series momentum. It launched Miller into New York villain status for years.

Year: 1995Matchup: Indiana Pacers vs New York KnicksFinal Score: 107-105Viewership: 12 MWent to OT: —

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2005 NBA Finals Game 5▲ Rising

Tim Duncan’s bank shot with seconds remaining gave the Spurs a 96-95 win and a 3-2 series lead over Detroit. The game featured elite defense and multiple lead changes. It exemplified the gritty Spurs championship style.

Year: 2005Matchup: San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit PistonsFinal Score: 96-95Viewership: 13 MWent to OT: —

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1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7

Patrick Ewing’s missed finger-roll allowed the Pacers to advance and reach the conference finals. The Knicks’ heartbreaking loss ended a strong playoff run. The game highlighted the physical, physical 90s Eastern Conference style.

Year: 1994Matchup: New York Knicks vs Indiana PacersFinal Score: 94-90Viewership: 11 MWent to OT: —

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2018 Western Conference Finals Game 7▲ Rising

LeBron’s 51-point triple-double carried the Cavs past the Celtics in Boston. The performance forced a Finals rematch with Golden State. It stood out as one of the greatest individual playoff games of the decade.

Year: 2018Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston CelticsFinal Score: 83-79Viewership: 10 MWent to OT: —

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2006 NBA Finals Game 3▲ Rising

Dwyane Wade’s 42-point explosion helped Miami steal home-court advantage from Dallas. The performance ignited the Heat’s first title run after trailing 0-2. It showcased Wade’s emergence as a superstar.

Year: 2006Matchup: Miami Heat vs Dallas MavericksFinal Score: 98-96Viewership: 12 MWent to OT: —

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2012 Eastern Conference Finals Game 6

LeBron’s 45-point, 15-rebound, 5-assist line powered Miami past Boston and into the Finals. The performance silenced critics and launched the Heat’s second title run. It marked LeBron’s arrival as the league’s dominant force.

Year: 2012Matchup: Miami Heat vs Boston CelticsFinal Score: 101-88Viewership: 12 MWent to OT: —

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2017 Western Conference Finals Game 6

Kevin Durant’s 39 points helped Golden State eliminate the Spurs and reach the Finals. The win marked the beginning of the superteam era in Oakland. It ended San Antonio’s last realistic title window.

Year: 2017Matchup: Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio SpursFinal Score: 129-120Viewership: 9 MWent to OT: —

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1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7

Michael Jordan’s 42 points and clutch jumper advanced the Bulls past the Knicks and into the conference finals. The win kept Chicago’s repeat bid alive during a physical series. It showcased Jordan’s dominance in the 90s.

Year: 1992Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs New York KnicksFinal Score: 96-94Viewership: 15 MWent to OT: —

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2009 Western Conference Finals Game 6▼ Falling

Kobe Bryant’s 39 points propelled the Lakers past the Nuggets and into the Finals. The win ended Denver’s Cinderella run and began Los Angeles’ repeat. It highlighted Kobe’s clutch playoff reputation.

Year: 2009Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver NuggetsFinal Score: 119-92Viewership: 8 MWent to OT: —

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2014 NBA Finals Game 5

The Spurs dismantled the Heat 104-87 to clinch their fifth title with beautiful ball movement. The series finale highlighted San Antonio’s team-first style after the 2013 heartbreak. It capped a redemption arc for the franchise.

Year: 2014Matchup: San Antonio Spurs vs Miami HeatFinal Score: 104-87Viewership: 15 MWent to OT: —

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1987 Western Conference Finals Game 4

Magic Johnson’s junior skyhook in the final seconds gave the Lakers a 3-1 series lead over the Celtics. The shot helped Los Angeles reach the Finals and begin their repeat run. It remains one of the most replayed playoff moments.

Year: 1987Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston CelticsFinal Score: 107-106Viewership: 15 MWent to OT: —

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2000 Western Conference Finals Game 7

Shaquille O’Neal’s 41 points and 11 rebounds carried the Lakers past the Trail Blazers and into the Finals. The win ended Portland’s late collapse and launched the three-peat. It remains a signature Shaq playoff performance.

Year: 2000Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail BlazersFinal Score: 89-84Viewership: 11 MWent to OT: —

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1991 NBA Finals Game 2

Michael Jordan’s six first-half three-pointers stunned the Lakers and gave Chicago a 2-0 series lead. The performance announced the Bulls as a new dynasty. It shifted the balance of power in the league.

Year: 1991Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles LakersFinal Score: 107-86Viewership: 18 MWent to OT: —

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1990 Eastern Conference Finals Game 7▼ Falling

Isiah Thomas scored 25 fourth-quarter points despite a severely sprained ankle to lift Detroit over Chicago. The Pistons advanced to repeat as champions. The performance epitomized the Bad Boys’ toughness.

Year: 1990Matchup: Detroit Pistons vs Chicago BullsFinal Score: 93-74Viewership: 12 MWent to OT: —

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2001 Western Conference Semifinals Game 5

Allen Iverson’s step-over after a crossover three helped the Sixers stun the Lakers in Los Angeles. The win kept Philadelphia’s Finals hopes alive during their improbable run. It became one of the most replayed playoff highlights ever.

Year: 2001Matchup: Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles LakersFinal Score: 104-101Viewership: 10 MWent to OT: —

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1984 NBA Finals Game 4

Larry Bird’s 34 points and Kevin McHale’s clothesline on Kurt Rambis fueled a Celtics win that shifted the series. Boston went on to claim the title in seven games. The game epitomized the rugged 80s Celtics-Lakers rivalry.

Year: 1984Matchup: Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles LakersFinal Score: 129-125Viewership: 14 MWent to OT: —

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2015 Eastern Conference Finals Game 4▼ Falling

LeBron’s 82-point, 14-rebound, 9-assist effort in double overtime kept Cleveland alive against Atlanta. The marathon win forced a Game 5 and propelled the Cavs toward their eventual title. It highlighted LeBron’s unmatched endurance.

Year: 2015Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta HawksFinal Score: 118-88Viewership: 8 MWent to OT: ✓

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1996 Eastern Conference Finals Game 7▼ Falling

Michael Jordan’s 28 points helped the Bulls eliminate the Magic and reach the Finals for a potential repeat. The win capped a dominant playoff run and set up the 72-win season’s championship. It confirmed Chicago’s dynasty status.

Year: 1996Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs Orlando MagicFinal Score: 95-88Viewership: 16 MWent to OT: —

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