Game 7s put athletes to the ultimate test by crowning champions and setting legacies in stone. These do-or-die battles have given us some of the most heart-stopping moments in sports. From last-second shots to incredible comebacks, here’s a look at some of the greatest Game 7s ever played.
2013 NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Bruins vs. Maple Leafs
Toronto almost tasted victory but came up short. Losing 3-1 in the series, the Maple Leafs clawed back to grab a 4-1 lead in Game 7 with 15 minutes to go. But Boston netted three goals in 11 minutes to even the score and clinched it in overtime, prolonging the Leafs’ Cup drought since 1967.
1992 NLCS: Braves vs. Pirates
Pirates fans might want to skip this tough memory. In 1991, the Pirates blew a 3-2 series lead to the Braves failing to score in Games 6 and 7. The following year, even though they were up 2-0 in Game 7, a bunch of slip-ups let the Braves grab the pennant.
2016 World Series: Cubs vs. Indians
With 103 wins, the Cubs aimed to end their 108-year championship drought against the Indians. Trailing 3-1 in the series, Chicago battled back to force Game 7. Despite Cleveland’s late-game heroics, including Rajai Davis’s tying homer, the Cubs clinched the win in extra innings, ending their long curse.
2016 NBA Finals: Cavaliers vs. Warriors
The 73-win Warriors seemed set to secure back-to-back titles after a 3-1 Finals lead, but LeBron James and the Cavaliers had other ideas. They forced a dramatic Game 7, where LeBron’s iconic chase-down block and Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer led Cleveland to its first championship in 52 years.
2001 World Series: Diamondbacks vs. Yankees
The 2001 World Series, played just a couple of weeks after 9/11, was one of the most emotional moments in sports history. Fans rallied around the Yankees, who seemed poised to win after Alfonso Soriano’s home run in Game 7. But Tony Womack and the Diamondbacks had other plans, ultimately claiming a dramatic victory.
2019 NHL Western Conference first round: Sharks vs. Golden Knights
Even now, five years on, people still argue about this game. The Golden Knights were up 3-0 with 10 minutes to go when Cody Eakin’s cross-check on Joe Pavelski turned the tide. Eakin’s major penalty gave the Sharks a chance to score four times during the power play. They ended up winning 5-4 after Barclay Goodrow found the net in overtime.
1988 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons
Despite Isiah Thomas battling an injured ankle, Game 7 was anything but easy. Joe Dumars led with 25 points, and seven Pistons scored in double figures to overcome a 10-point deficit. A controversial foul on Bill Laimbeer and James Worthy’s historic triple-double (36/16/10) gave the Lakers the win, but Detroit swept them in the Finals the following year.
2000 NBA Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Blazers
The Shaq-Kobe Lakers’ pursuit of a three-peat nearly faltered against the Trail Blazers, who forced a Game 7 after trailing 3-1. Despite Portland’s 15-point lead late in the fourth, Brian Shaw’s threes, Shaquille O’Neal’s clutch hook, and Kobe Bryant’s key plays clinched the win and preserved the Lakers’ championship quest.
2017 NHL Eastern Conference Finals: Penguins vs. Senators
In the 2017 playoffs, Ottawa stunned as the ultimate underdog, thanks to Erik Karlsson’s standout play. The Senators reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Penguins, where Ryan Dzingel’s late goal forced overtime. Chris Kunitz’s decisive shot secured Pittsburgh’s second consecutive Cup, a first in the salary cap era.
2018 NBA Western Conference Finals: Rockets vs. Warriors
In Game 6, Houston led 39-22 after the first quarter but saw Golden State rally for a seven-point lead by the fourth. Fast-forward to Game 7, despite an 11-point halftime lead for Houston, Stephen Curry’s explosive third quarter, with 14 of his 27 points, turned a deficit into a 72-63 lead, sealing Golden State’s 101-92 win.
1993 NHL Patrick Division Finals: Islanders vs. Penguins
The 1992-93 Penguins were a powerhouse, winning 17 straight games and clinching the President’s Trophy. Favored to repeat as champions, they swept New Jersey but faced a tough challenge from the Islanders. Despite a heroic comeback, an overtime goal ended their three-peat dream. Many believe that team was the greatest in franchise history.
1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls vs. Pacers
Only two teams pushed Michael Jordan to a Game 7 in his six championship runs. While the 1992 Knicks fell quickly, the 1998 Pacers gave Jordan a tough battle. Indiana’s defense limited Jordan and Pippen to 45 points, but Toni Kukoc’s 21 points, including key three-pointers, secured an 88-83 win for Chicago.
2015 NBA Western Conference first-round: Clippers vs. Spurs
Game 7s are always exciting, but when a defending champion is on the brink, the drama intensifies. In 2015, the Spurs, then the reigning champions, faced the Clippers. With the game tied at 109 and nine seconds left, Tim Duncan’s clutch free throws seemed decisive, but Chris Paul’s last-second bank shot sealed the Spurs’ fate.
1962 World Series: Yankees vs. Giants
This game featured a classic pitcher’s duel, with Ralph Terry’s four-hit shutout leading the Yankees to victory. Remarkably, it’s the only Game 7 in which the winning team had no RBIs. The Yankees’ sole run came from a double-play ball by Tony Kubek. Terry skillfully managed the ninth inning, securing the win despite singles from Matty Alou and Willie Mays.
1994 Stanley Cup Final: Rangers vs. Canucks
This game didn’t need overtime to be unforgettable. Mark Messier and the Rangers jumped to a 2-0 lead, but Trevor Linden’s shorthanded goal sparked Vancouver’s rally. Messier extended the lead to 3-1, only for Linden to score again. Despite Vancouver’s pressure, Messier and his team secured the win, making him the only player to captain two teams to Stanley Cup victories.
