Mathew Ganton
NBA Finals games are legendary for a reason. The championship hangs in the balance, fans are on the edge of their seats, pressure explodes, and stars get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carve their names in basketball history. After decades of NBA Finals games, we’ve seen countless intense games with iconic moments. In no particular order, here are 15 of the most intense NBA Finals games that delivered legendary performances and unforgettable drama.
Game 4, 1987 — Los Angeles Lakers 107 vs. Boston Celtics 106
At first, this year’s Finals looked like it had gone to the Celtics after the Lakers lost Game 3. Boston desperately needed a win so they tried to grind out a result. Unfortunately, MVP Magic Johnson delivered, scoring 29 points and hitting the iconic “junior sky hook” in the final seconds to steal a 107-106 victory over the Celtics. This win tied the series and sparked a Lakers run to their 12th championship.
Game 7, 1957 — Boston 125 vs. St. Louis 123 (2OT)
Game 7 was an intense encounter as the Celtics edged the Hawks 125-123 after double-overtime. There were numerous lead changes in this thrilling match. Rookie Tom Heinsohn erupted for 37 points, and Celtics legends Bill Russell and Bob Cousy contributed significantly. Bob Pettit had an outstanding game for the Hawks with 39 points and 19 rebounds. This win secured Boston’s first of 11 NBA titles in 13 years.
Game 7, 2016 — Cleveland 93 vs. Golden State 89
Down 3-1, the Cavs defied history! Facing a 73-win Warriors team, they staged an epic comeback, capped by a thrilling Game 7. LeBron’s block on Iguodala and Kyrie’s clutch 3-pointer secured a 93-89 win, Cleveland’s first NBA championship, and arguably the city’s most memorable sports moment. He also bagged the Finals MVP with a unanimous 11–0 vote while being the first player in the league to lead the playoffs in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks.
Game 5, 1997 — Chicago 90 vs. Utah 88
Flu-ridden Jordan stole the show in 1997’s Game 5 match-up, also known as the “The Flu Game.” Despite visible weakness, he willed himself to 38 points, including a clutch fadeaway over Malone that sealed a 90-88 win. Though Scottie Pippen’s support (17 pts and 10 reb) helped secure the win, Jordan’s performance cemented his legend as one of basketball’s most clutch players.
Game 7, 1962 — Boston 110 vs. Los Angeles Lakers 107 (OT)
The only respite the Celtics had in this game was when Lakers player Frank Selvy missed the shot at the buzzer to force OT. His potential championship-winning shot bounced off the rim with 5 seconds left to play! The Celtics faced their toughest test yet, with Lakers Forward Elgin Baylor pulling a 41-point performance for the Lakers after 61 in game 5. However, Bill Russell’s 30 points and record-breaking 40 rebounds propelled Boston to a Game 7 overtime win.
Game 6, 1998 — Chicago 87 vs. Utah 86
This 1998’s Finals pitted the great Bulls teams against the Utah Jazz. Although this encounter was years ago, this game still holds the record for NBA games with the highest TV ratings. Many would remember this match’s sublime ending after Bulls superstar Michael Jordan steals the ball from Karl Malone. He dribbles to the other end, stuns Jazz forward Bryon Russell with a crossover, and hits a jump shot from the free-throw line. His two-pointer delivered the franchise its sixth championship in eight seasons with 5.2 seconds left on the clock.
Game 6, 1988 — Los Angeles Lakers 103 vs. Detroit 102
1988’s Finals clash between Lakers and Pistons intensified in Game 6. Despite injury, Isiah Thomas delivered 25 points, fueling a Pistons comeback. However, James Worthy’s clutch free throws sealed a 103-102 Lakers win and their repeat championship. While Thomas’ valiant effort became a series legend, Worthy’s title-clinching heroics overshadowed his incredible performance.
Game 7, 1988 — Los Angeles Lakers 108 vs. Detroit 105
Again, James Worthy was a nightmare for the Detroit team, pulling the Lakers from a 47-52 deficit at halftime. With Isiah Thomas injured and playing below par, the Lakers roared back. Worthy scored 36 points with 16 rebounds and dished out 10 assists to secure a Lakers victory. The Pistons fought valiantly, with Dumars scoring 25 and the bench adding 43, but Worthy’s brilliance and Michael Cooper’s three-pointers proved too much.
Game 7, 1984 — Boston Celtics 111 vs. Los Angeles Lakers 102
1984’s Celtics-Lakers rematch lived up to the hype as it was the first NBA Finals match between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. After trailing during the series, Boston won a thrilling Game 7 thanks to Cedric Maxwell’s 24 points and Bird’s double-double, which earned him Finals MVP. The Lakers fought back from 14 down, but the Celtics defense sealed their fate. This 15th title for Boston was a sweet home victory and revenge for their 1983 Finals loss.
Game 7, 1994 — Houston Rockets 90 vs. New York Knicks 84
Despite the intense pressure, Hakeem Olajuwon led the Rockets to a dramatic 1994 championship. After a grueling series against the Knicks, he sealed the deal in a high-scoring Game 7. Olajuwon’s dominance (46 minutes, stellar defense) outshone Ewing’s efforts, making him the first player ever to bag the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP awards in one season. Also, this victory brought Houston its first NBA title.