When talking about playoff series excitement, the 2016 NBA Finals always comes to mind. The Golden State Warriors, having set the record for the best regular-season record at 73-9, faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving spearheaded an unforgettable comeback after trailing 3-1 in the series. The Cavaliers’ victory marked Cleveland’s first major sports championship in 52 years. This epic comeback showcased LeBron’s sheer willpower and determination, reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Another unforgettable series happened in 1998, when Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz in the Finals. Jordan’s game-winner in Game 6, often referred to as “The Shot,” secured the Bulls their sixth championship in eight years. Jordan scored 45 points in that game, proving his unparalleled scoring ability under pressure. The series averaged a viewership rating of 18.7, highlighting its massive popularity and the global appeal of Jordan and the Bulls dynasty.
The Lakers and the Celtics’ matchup in the 1984 Finals deserves a mention too. This series reignited one of the greatest rivalries in basketball history. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, each at the peak of their careers, delivered a thrilling seven-game series. Game 7 drew over 29 million viewers, showcasing the intensity and nationwide interest. The Celtics came out on top, but the series helped popularize the NBA and paved the way for its rise in the ensuing decades.
In more recent memory, the 2013 Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs stood out. Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer in Game 6 is often considered one of the most clutch shots in NBA history. His shot helped LeBron James and the Heat to force a Game 7, which they eventually won. LeBron’s triple-double performance in Game 6, with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcased his all-around brilliance. The series was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure and solidified his place among the all-time greats.
One cannot forget the 2000 Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers. In Game 7, the Lakers overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Their alley-oop play still stands as one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Shaq and Kobe’s dominance in that series set the tone for the Lakers’ three-peat from 2000 to 2002.
The 2006 Finals between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks saw Dwyane Wade’s emergence as a superstar. The Heat came back from a 2-0 deficit to win the series in six games. Wade averaged 34.7 points over the final four games, earning the Finals MVP award. His performance is still regarded as one of the greatest in Finals history, propelling Miami to its first NBA championship.
Another series worth mentioning is the 1970 Finals between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Willis Reed’s unexpected appearance in Game 7, despite his severe leg injury, inspired the Knicks to a championship-clinching victory. Reed scored the first two baskets and then let his presence and leadership guide his team. This series embodied the physical and emotional struggle inherent in playoff basketball, with the Knicks’ perseverance exemplifying true grit and determination.
A prime example of sheer dominance came from the 1987 Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers, with Magic Johnson leading the way, beat the Boston Celtics in six games. Magic’s “junior sky hook” in Game 4 secured a narrow 107-106 victory, turning the tide of the series in the Lakers’ favor. Magic’s complete control of the game, averaging 26.2 points and 13 assists, earned him the Finals MVP. This series further solidified the Lakers as a powerhouse during the 1980s.
The 1993 Finals featured Michael Jordan at his very best. The Chicago Bulls faced the Phoenix Suns, and Jordan delivered an incredible performance, averaging 41 points per game in the series. In Game 6, John Paxson’s three-pointer with 3.9 seconds left sealed the Bulls’ third consecutive championship. This series is a testament to Jordan’s ability to dominate and close out series under the brightest lights.
Finally, we have the 2010 Finals, which revived the historic rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol led the Lakers, while Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett anchored the Celtics. The series went to a gripping Game 7, where the Lakers came back from a 13-point deficit to win. Kobe’s 23 points and 15 rebounds, along with Gasol’s 19 points and 18 rebounds, demonstrated their determination and resilience. The Lakers’ victory gave them their second consecutive championship and added another chapter to the storied Lakers-Celtics rivalry.
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