Top 10 NBA Finals of All Time Ranked

Why NBA Finals Are Legendary

Guys, the real drama of the Top 10 NBA Finals of All Time Ranked NBA happens when the Finals come. The regular season and playoffs have their own importance, but the Finals provide a completely different level of excitement. Here not only is the title decided, but legacies are also made and broken. Some finals have given us underdog stories, others defined dynasties, and many created moments that fans still relive decades later.

Whether it’s Michael Jordan’s last shot, Magic Johnson’s “junior skyhook,” or LeBron’s epic comeback in 2016, these Finals shaped the way we remember basketball. Let’s take a journey through the Top 10 NBA Finals of All Time—the matchups that turned players into legends and left fans speechless.

#10 – 2011 Finals: Mavericks vs Heat | Top 10 NBA Finals of All Time Ranked

The 2011 Finals were a complete shock. The Miami Heat’s newly formed “Big 3”—LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh—were heavy favorites. Everyone expected a dominant win. But Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks turned the story upside down.

Despite being injured, Dirk played like a warrior, hitting clutch shots and carrying his team. Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Tyson Chandler all stepped up, defeating Miami’s superstar team. These Finals became the ultimate underdog story and gave Dirk his long-deserved ring.

#9 – 1970 Finals: Knicks vs Lakers

The New York Knicks’ first championship came in 1970, and it was unforgettable. The most iconic moment was Willis Reed’s surprise entry in Game 7. Reed was injured, and many believed he would not play, but when he limped onto the Madison Square Garden court, the crowd erupted.

Even though Reed scored only a few points, his presence inspired the Knicks to victory over the Lakers. That night symbolized courage, leadership, and heart—values that make basketball special.

#8 – 2000 Finals: Lakers vs Pacers

The 2000 Finals marked the beginning of the Shaq and Kobe dynasty. Shaquille O’Neal was unstoppable, dominating inside the paint, while a young Kobe Bryant showed flashes of greatness.

When Kobe took over in Game 4 after Shaq fouled out, it was a glimpse of the legend he would become. This Finals was not only about winning a championship but also about announcing the start of a Lakers dynasty that would define the 2000s.

#7 – 2013 Finals: Heat vs Spurs

The 2013 Finals are often called one of the most thrilling series in NBA history. The San Antonio Spurs were just seconds away from the title in Game 6, but then came Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer that saved the Miami Heat.

The series went to Game 7, where LeBron James delivered one of his greatest performances, leading Miami to back-to-back titles. These Finals had everything—drama, heartbreak, redemption, and basketball of the highest quality.

#6 – 1998 Finals: Bulls vs Jazz (Jordan’s Last Dance)

Michael Jordan’s legendary career reached its peak in 1998. Facing the Utah Jazz, Jordan played like a man who refused to lose. In Game 6, with the score tight, he stole the ball from Karl Malone and then hit the most iconic shot of his career over Bryon Russell.

That basket sealed Jordan’s sixth championship and gave us the “Last Dance” moment. Fans saw not just a victory but the perfect ending of a dynasty.

#5 – 2010 Finals: Lakers vs Celtics

For Kobe Bryant, the Celtics were always a personal challenge. After Boston humiliated the Lakers in 2008, Kobe returned in 2010 with revenge on his mind.

Game 7 was a defensive battle where every possession mattered. Kobe scored 23 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and finally got his redemption. This win gave him his fifth championship and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest competitors in NBA history.

#4 – 1984 Finals: Celtics vs Lakers (Bird vs Magic)

The 1984 Finals put the NBA on the world stage. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson faced off in a battle of skill, rivalry, and pride. The Celtics won the series, but more importantly, their rivalry elevated the NBA into mainstream global popularity.

Every game was physical, emotional, and unpredictable. Bird and Magic proved how much a rivalry could shape an entire sport.

#3 – 1993 Finals: Bulls vs Suns (Jordan vs Barkley)

The 1993 Finals brought together two MVPs—Charles Barkley, the season’s MVP, and Michael Jordan, the greatest of all time.

Jordan dominated the series, averaging a Finals record of 41 points per game. The decisive moment came in Game 6 when John Paxson hit a clutch three-pointer, sealing Chicago’s third straight title. For fans, these Finals proved that Jordan was in a league of his own.

#2 – 1987 Finals: Lakers vs Celtics (Magic’s Showtime)

Another Lakers vs Celtics classic. The 1987 Finals highlighted the Showtime Lakers at their very best. Magic Johnson’s famous “junior skyhook” in Game 4 became one of the most unforgettable shots in NBA history.

This series represented the peak of the Lakers’ dominance and further cemented the Bird vs. Magic rivalry as the golden storyline of the NBA.

#1 – 2016 Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors (LeBron’s Comeback)

At the very top stands the 2016 Finals. The Golden State Warriors had just set an NBA record with 73 wins, and almost everyone believed they were unbeatable.

The Cavaliers fell behind 3-1, but LeBron James and Kyrie Irving refused to give up. LeBron’s epic block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 and Kyrie’s clutch three-pointer sealed the greatest comeback in NBA history.

For Cleveland, it was the city’s first ever championship, and for LeBron, it was the fulfillment of his “Cleveland Promise.”

Why These Finals Define NBA Legacy

Each of these Finals tells a story beyond just basketball. Some gave us underdogs rising above expectations, others showed dynasties at their peak, and a few delivered legendary comebacks that fans still replay in their minds.

The Finals are not just about a trophy—they are about heart, courage, and defining moments that live forever in sports culture.

Conclusion

Guys, the NBA Finals are pure emotion. From Jordan’s last dance to Kobe’s revenge, from Bird vs. Magic to LeBron’s epic comeback—every generation has its unforgettable Finals.

These games are more than just championships. They are lifelong memories for fans and living proof that the NBA is not just a sport but a global drama where legends are written.