10 Famous Memorable NBA Finals Endings of All Time

Table of Contents

Introduction

Over the years that the NBA Finals have been going on, many exciting and memorable things have happened that basketball fans will never forget. The sport will always remember how these championship series ended on the edge of their seats. From last-second shots to overtime wins, these endings will keep you on the edge of your seat. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 most famous NBA Finals games and how they ended. These games have wowed fans all over the world.

Each of these events shows what basketball is all about at its best and has left an indelible mark on the careers of the players and teams involved. Let’s remember and relive these amazing things that happened during the game to honor how much fun they were.

List of Memorable NBA Finals

10. The Shot: Kyrie Irving’s Game-Winning Three-Pointer (2016)

In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, there was another moment that will be remembered for a long time. When the game was tied with one minute left, Kyrie Irving showed off his great skills and came through with a clutch play. Irving, who was being guarded by Stephen Curry, made a number of smart moves with the ball before taking a step back and making a long three-pointer that went over Curry’s outstretched arm.

The ball was able to go into the back of the net, giving the Cavaliers a very important three-point lead. Irving’s game-winning shot, known as “The Shot,” helped the Cavaliers win their first NBA championship. This ended a 52-year title drought for the city of Cleveland. Irving’s reputation as a player who does well under pressure was cemented by this amazing moment, which also added to the legend of exciting NBA Finals endings.

9. The Shot Heard Round the World: Michael Jordan’s Game-Winner (1998)

Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals was a tough battle between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. The lead belonged to the Chicago Bulls. The game was tied, and there were only a few seconds left to play. Michael Jordan dribbled the ball down the court. As time was running out, Jordan made a smart move and made a jump shot from the top of the key.

The Bulls won their sixth championship in the last eight years when the ball went through the net and ended their victory. This famous shot, which is also called “The Shot Heard Around the World,” solidified Jordan’s place as one of the best players in NBA history.

8. Magic vs. Bird: The Duel (1984)

Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers played against Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics in the 1984 NBA Finals. Magic Johnson was the team’s leader. Throughout the series, both players showed amazing skills and a high level of competitiveness. The series was marked by a high level of competition. In Game 7, when there was less than a minute left and the score was tied, Bird stole an inbound pass and gave it to Dennis Johnson for a layup.

This made it possible for the Celtics to win. In the end, it was the Celtics who won both the game and the championship. This was the end of a fierce competition between the two teams, and it made Magic vs. Bird one of the most famous matchups between two players in NBA history.

7. The Block: LeBron James Denies Andre Iguodala (2016)

During Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors put on a show that no one will ever forget. When the score was tied and there were only a few minutes left in the game, Warriors player Andre Iguodala drove to the basket for what looked like an easy layup. But LeBron James showed off his amazing defensive skills by chasing down Iguodala and making a jaw-dropping block. This kept the game tied and helped the Cavaliers win in the end.

Iguodala had a chance for the Warriors to win the game by making a layup at the end of the game. This game-changing play by James will always be known as “The Block,” and it was a key part of the Cavaliers’ historic comeback from being down 3-1 in the series. The Cavaliers came back in a dramatic way to win the series.

6. Miracle in Miami: Ray Allen’s Clutch Three-Pointer (2013)

When Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals was played between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs, the Heat were on the verge of being kicked out of the competition. LeBron James tried to make a three-point shot with just seconds left on the clock and the Heat down by three points, but he missed. But Chris Bosh got the offensive rebound and quickly passed the ball to Ray Allen, who calmly made a three-pointer from the corner to tie the game. This made the score a draw.

After winning the game in overtime and then going on to win the championship, the Heat won their second championship in a row. Allen’s last-second shot, which is often called the “Miracle in Miami,” is one of the most famous moments in NBA Finals history.

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5. Shaq and Kobe’s Three-Peat (2002)

When Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant played together, they helped put the Los Angeles Lakers at the top of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the early 2000s. In 2002, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Jersey Nets in game seven of the NBA Finals. This was the last game of their three-peat.

With this win, the Lakers won their third title in a row. Both O’Neal, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Finals, and Bryant showed great skills and teamwork throughout the series, which cemented their place in basketball history. The three-peat win by the Lakers shows that Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were the best players in the NBA when they were at their best.

4. The Flu Game: Michael Jordan’s Heroics (1997)

In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, which was between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan showed a lot of strength and determination. Even though Jordan was very sick with the flu, he put on a great show. He led the Bulls to a big win even though he was sick with the flu and scored 38 points. Jordan’s brave play in this game, which is often called the “Flu Game,” showed how competitive and determined he was to win. This legendary performance cemented Jordan’s reputation as one of the best players in NBA history when the game was on the line.

3. Showtime Lakers: Magic Johnson’s Junior Skyhook (1987)

In the 1987 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers showed off their exciting “Showtime” style of play, which was also called “Showtime.” Magic Johnson, who is known for his creativity and style, made a shot that is thought to be one of the most famous shots in NBA Finals history.

In Game 4 of the series against the Boston Celtics, this shot was made. With just a few seconds left on the clock, Johnson did a running skyhook that went over the outstretched arms of several Celtics defenders. This gave the Lakers the win. This unforgettable play, which became known as Magic Johnson’s “Junior Skyhook,” showed that he could perform well when it really mattered.

2. The Steal: Isiah Thomas Snatches Victory (1988)

Game 5 of the 1988 NBA Finals was a close game between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers. At the Palace of Auburn Hills, where the game was being played. Isiah Thomas made a very important defensive play when the Lakers had the ball and the Pistons were ahead by one point.

After stealing the ball from Magic Johnson and running down the court for a layup, Thomas made sure the Pistons would win the game by extending their lead and giving them the win. This steal by Thomas, called “The Steal,” showed how determined he was and how he could make game-changing plays when it mattered most.

1. Dirk Nowitzki’s Redemption: Mavericks’ First Title (2011)

In the 2011 NBA Finals, when Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks played against the Miami Heat, fans were treated to an emotional and inspiring story about second chances. The Heat had knocked the Mavericks out of the Finals the year before, which was a scary time for everyone involved. Still, Nowitzki was determined to make up for it, so he gave a series of great performances in the 2011 Finals. The Toronto Maple Leafs won the championship because of this.

Nowitzki had a fever during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, but he still scored 21 points to help his team win and give the franchise its first-ever NBA title. Before the game, the Mavericks were up 3-2 in the series. Nowitzki’s determination and ability to lead were key to the Mavericks’ win, which solidified his place as one of the best athletes of all time.

Conclusion

There have been many unforgettable moments at the end of NBA Finals games that have wowed fans and left an indelible mark on the careers of players and teams. These moments, which include game-winning shots and amazing defensive plays, will always be remembered in the history of basketball.

The ten famous and memorable endings to NBA Finals games that are talked about in this article are seen as the pinnacle of the sport and show how competitive people can be. As fans, we think it’s a great honor to have seen such amazing things happen, and we’ll keep celebrating the excitement and tension that these moments brought to the game.

Few More Queries

Which NBA Finals ending is considered the most iconic?

The shot heard round the world, Michael Jordan’s game-winner in the 1998 NBA Finals, is widely regarded as the most iconic ending in NBA Finals history. Jordan’s ability to deliver under immense pressure solidified his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

Who has the most NBA Finals victories?

The Boston Celtics hold the record for the most NBA Finals victories, with a total of 17 championships. Their success spans several decades, with legendary players such as Bill Russell and Larry Bird contributing to their rich history.

Which NBA Finals ending involved a historic comeback?

The 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors featured a historic comeback by the Cavaliers. They became the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit in the Finals, culminating in their victory in Game 7.