Unforgettable NBA Playoff Moments: Top 25 Games of All Time
The NBA playoffs are a showcase of intense competition, incredible athleticism, and dramatic moments that have left fans with unforgettable memories. As we prepare for another thrilling postseason, let’s take a look back at the top 25 NBA playoff games of all time.
Game 6, 1998 NBA Finals: Michael Jordan’s Last Shot
With the Chicago Bulls trailing the Utah Jazz by one point in the closing seconds, Michael Jordan stole the ball and sank a 17-foot jumper, securing his sixth championship and capping off his legendary career with a VICTORIOUS exit.
Game 5, 1987 Eastern Conference Finals: Larry Bird’s Steal
Larry Bird’s iconic steal and pass to Dennis Johnson for the game-winning layup helped the Boston Celtics defeat the Detroit Pistons in a thrilling Game 5, eventually leading to the Celtics’ NBA Finals appearance.
Game 6, 2013 NBA Finals: Ray Allen’s Clutch Three-Pointer
Ray Allen’s last-second three-pointer saved the Miami Heat from elimination and forced a Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs. The Heat went on to win their second consecutive championship.
Game 6, 1980 NBA Finals: Magic Johnson’s Rookie Performance
In the absence of an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, rookie Magic Johnson delivered a masterful performance with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship.
Game 7, 2016 NBA Finals: LeBron James’ Block
LeBron James’ chasedown block on Andre Iguodala in the final minutes of Game 7 helped secure the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first NBA championship, ending the city’s 52-year title drought.
Game 5, 1976 NBA Finals: The “Greatest Game Ever Played”
The Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns battled through three overtimes in a game often referred to as the “Greatest Game Ever Played.” The Celtics ultimately emerged victorious, setting the stage for their 13th championship.
Game 6, 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Reggie Miller’s Eight Points in Nine Seconds
Reggie Miller’s scoring burst helped the Indiana Pacers erase a six-point deficit in the final seconds, stunning the New York Knicks and sending the series to a decisive Game 7.
Game 4, 2006 NBA Finals: Dwyane Wade’s Comeback Performance
Dwyane Wade scored 42 points and led the Miami Heat to a massive comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat would go on to win their first NBA championship.
Game 5, 1984 NBA Finals: Kevin McHale’s Clothesline
The physicality of the 1984 NBA Finals was exemplified by Kevin McHale’s infamous clothesline foul on Kurt Rambis, setting the tone for the remainder of the series. The Celtics would go on to win in seven games.
Game 1, 2001 NBA Finals: Allen Iverson’s Step Over
Allen Iverson’s 48-point performance and iconic step-over of Tyronn Lue helped the Philadelphia 76ers secure a Game 1 victory over the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers.
11-25. The Remaining Memorable Games
From buzzer-beaters to historic comebacks, the NBA playoffs have provided countless unforgettable moments. Here are the remaining 15 games on our list:
Game 6, 1988 NBA Finals: Isiah Thomas’ Ankle Injury Performance
Despite a severe ankle injury, Isiah Thomas scored 25 points in the third quarter, ultimately finishing with 43 points. However, the Detroit Pistons fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Game 7, 2000 Western Conference Finals: Kobe and Shaq’s Alley-Oop
Kobe Bryant’s alley-oop to Shaquille O’Neal sealed the Lakers’ victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, paving the way for the first of their three consecutive championships.
Game 4, 2008 NBA Finals: Celtics’ Largest Finals Comeback
The Boston Celtics rallied from a 24-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
Game 6, 1977 NBA Finals: Bill Walton’s Triple-Double
Bill Walton’s triple-double led the Portland Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA championship, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers.
Game 7, 1965 Eastern Division Finals: John Havlicek’s Steal
John Havlicek’s legendary steal in the final seconds helped the Boston Celtics secure a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, continuing their championship dynasty.
Game 3, 1994 NBA Finals: John Starks’ Dunk on Michael Jordan and Horace Grant
John Starks’ iconic left-handed dunk over Michael Jordan and Horace Grant is remembered as one of the greatest plays in NBA playoff history.
Game 4, 1997 NBA Finals: Michael Jordan’s Flu Game
Despite suffering from flu-like symptoms, Michael Jordan scored 38 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a crucial victory over the Utah Jazz.
Game 7, 2010 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Celtics Rivalry Renewed
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers defeated the Celtics in a hard-fought Game 7, securing their second consecutive championship and 16th overall.
Game 1, 1989 Eastern Conference First Round: Michael Jordan’s “The Shot”
Michael Jordan’s iconic buzzer-beater over Craig Ehlo lifted the Chicago Bulls over the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking the beginning of his playoff legend.
Game 5, 2007 Eastern Conference Finals: LeBron James’ 48 Points
LeBron James scored the Cavaliers’ final 25 points, leading them to a double-overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Game 3, 1999 NBA Finals: Avery Johnson’s Game-Winner
Avery Johnson hit the game-winning shot for the San Antonio Spurs, securing their first NBA championship.
Game 7, 1981 Eastern Conference Finals: Larry Bird vs. Julius Erving
Larry Bird and Julius Erving’s epic duel resulted in a Celtics victory over the 76ers, paving the way for Boston’s 14th championship.
Game 6, 2003 NBA Finals: Tim Duncan’s Near Quadruple-Double
Tim Duncan fell just two blocks short of a quadruple-double, leading the San Antonio Spurs to their second NBA championship.
Game 5, 1989 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Scottie Pippen’s Dunk on Patrick Ewing
Scottie Pippen’s powerful dunk over Patrick Ewing is remembered as one of the most emphatic playoff moments in NBA history.
Game 7, 1995 Western Conference Semifinals: Hakeem Olajuwon’s Clutch Block
Hakeem Olajuwon’s game-saving block against David Robinson sealed the Houston Rockets’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs and propelled them towards their second consecutive NBA championship.
These unforgettable NBA playoff moments have shaped the history of the league, leaving fans with incredible memories and a deep appreciation for the sport. From iconic game-winners to heart-stopping comebacks, the playoffs truly showcase the best of the NBA.
As we look forward to future postseasons, there is no doubt that more memorable moments will be added to this list. So, whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just starting to appreciate the game, make sure to tune in during the NBA playoffs, because you never know when the next unforgettable moment will occur.
