The NBA Finals have delivered some of the most dramatic moments in basketball history, with teams pulling off stunning comebacks and last-minute heroics to claim the championship. Here are five of the most thrilling, last-minute victories that left fans breathless.
1. 2016: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors – Game 7
LeBron James and the Cavaliers completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the 73-win Warriors. The final minutes of Game 7 were pure tension—LeBron’s iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala, followed by Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer with under a minute left, sealed Cleveland’s first-ever championship. This victory was monumental, as it ended the city’s 52-year title drought.
2. 2013: Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs – Game 6
With the Spurs leading by five points in the final seconds, Miami’s championship hopes seemed lost. Then, Ray Allen hit one of the most clutch three-pointers in NBA history, tying the game and forcing overtime. The Heat went on to win Game 6 and then Game 7, securing their second consecutive title. Allen’s shot remains one of the most iconic moments in Finals history.
3. 2010: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics – Game 7
The Lakers trailed by 13 points in the third quarter, but Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol led a gritty comeback. The game was a defensive battle, with every possession carrying immense weight. Ron Artest’s clutch three-pointer in the final minutes helped secure the Lakers’ 16th championship, cementing Kobe’s legacy and avenging their 2008 Finals loss to Boston.
4. 1998: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz – Game 6
Michael Jordan’s final shot as a Bull remains one of the most legendary moments in NBA history. Down by three points with under a minute left, Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone, dribbled to the top of the key, and hit a picture-perfect jumper over Bryon Russell to win the game. This secured Chicago’s sixth championship and capped off Jordan’s second three-peat.
5. 1970: New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Game 7
This game is famous for Willis Reed’s heroic return. Despite suffering a severe thigh injury, Reed limped onto the court, inspiring his teammates and scoring the Knicks’ first two baskets. His presence lifted New York, and Walt Frazier delivered a legendary performance with 36 points and 19 assists, leading the Knicks to their first-ever championship.
These games weren’t just about basketball—they were about resilience, pressure, and the ability to perform under the brightest lights. Whether it was a historic comeback, a last-second three-pointer, or a legendary farewell shot, these moments will forever be etched in NBA Finals lore.
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- Credit: nba.com
