The NBA Finals symbolize the peak of professional basketball. The history of the NBA Finals is filled with legendary performances, dynasties, and unforgettable championship moments. While thousands of games have been played, only a select few moments have transcended basketball and entered popular culture.
The NBA Finals have produced countless memorable moments, from game-winning shots to dramatic comebacks. Each championship has helped define the legacies of basketball’s greatest players.
Here are some of the most memorable NBA Finals moments in history.
Magic Johnson’s Historic Game 6 Performance (1980)
There are few more spectacular finals performances than Magic Johnson’s performance during game six of the 1980 NBA Finals.
With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sidelined for Game 6, rookie Magic Johnson started at center and played multiple positions throughout the game. Johnson put together one of the most impressive championship performances ever seen.
Johnson finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers secured the NBA title. His versatility, confidence, and leadership impressed basketball fans and quickly made him one of the brightest young stars in the league.
More than four decades later, Johnson’s Game 6 performance remains a top all-time Finals game and a major highlight of his Hall of Fame career.
Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” (1997)
Few NBA Finals performances are remembered more vividly than Michael Jordan’s ‘Flu Game’ in 1997. Jordan played in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz while looking and feeling sick. Yet he played an amazing game for his team, helping the Bulls win when they needed it most.
With 38 points and a key three-pointer in the last few minutes of the game, Jordan’s contributions led to a very important win for the Bulls. Pictures showing a spent Jordan standing over Scottie Pippen after the game have become some of the most lasting images in the history of the NBA.
Jordan’s efforts on the court solidified his legacy as a player with incredible competitive will, while also routinely being cited as one of the finest examples of perseverance in all of sports.
Michael Jordan’s Final Shot with the Bulls (1998)
One year later, Jordan created another unforgettable Finals moment.
Entering Game 6 with a 3-2 series lead, the Bulls had an opportunity to clinch their sixth championship in eight years. Therefore, there was intense pressure on Michael Jordan to perform at a high level when he entered the final moments of the game.
With less than 20 seconds remaining on the game clock, Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone and then dribbled down the court to score a jump shot over Bryon Russell. With that shot, Jordan gave the Bulls the lead and secured their sixth championship in eight years.
Many fans and analysts regard this as one of the most memorable moments in NBA Finals history.
Willis Reed’s Inspiring Return (1970)
Before the era of modern superstars, Willis Reed produced one of the most inspirational moments the Finals have ever seen.
The New York Knicks captain suffered a significant thigh injury during the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. His status for Game 7 remained uncertain until moments before tipoff.
When Reed emerged from the tunnel and walked onto the court, Madison Square Garden erupted. Though he scored only four points, his presence inspired the Knicks and energized the crowd.
The Knicks went on to win the championship, and Reed’s dramatic entrance became one of the defining images in basketball history. It demonstrated the emotional impact a leader can have even when physically limited.
Magic Johnson’s Junior Sky Hook (1987)
The LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics created many legendary moments during their fabulous rivalry in the playoffs, but one instance stands head and shoulders above the others.
In Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals at the Boston Garden in a tight game, the Lakers found themselves down late when Magic Johnson made a frantic drive into the lane for an acrobatic skyhook over three defenders with time running down on the clock.
The shot later became known as the ‘Junior Sky Hook.’ Johnson not only put the Lakers ahead, but also helped secure a crucial road victory that propelled them toward another championship.
The play showcased Johnson’s creativity, poise, and composure under pressure while helping propel the Lakers toward another championship.
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Ray Allen Saves the Miami Heat (2013)
The 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs produced one of the greatest clutch shots ever witnessed.
The Spurs were seconds away from winning the championship in Game 6. Fans had already begun preparing for a celebration, and arena staff were setting up championship ropes.
Then came Ray Allen.
After a frantic scramble for a rebound, Allen retreated to the three-point line, caught a pass from Chris Bosh, and drilled a game-tying three-pointer with just 5.2 seconds remaining.
The shot forced overtime, where Miami completed the comeback. The Heat would go on to win Game 7 and secure their second consecutive championship.
Allen’s basket remains one of the most famous shots in basketball history and serves as a reminder that no championship is won until the final buzzer sounds.
Dirk Nowitzki Leads the Mavericks to Glory (2011)
Not every memorable Finals moment is a single play. Sometimes an entire series becomes unforgettable.
In 2011, the Miami Heat were heavy favorites to win the NBA Finals, but their opponent in the championship series was the underdog Dallas Mavericks. The Miami Heat had a superstar core of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Mavericks were led by long-time star veteran Dirk Nowitzki.
He led the Mavericks through the playoffs, delivering clutch performances despite battling illness and injuries during the Finals. Nowitzki’s leadership helped guide the Mavericks to overcome huge odds and beat a heavily favored Miami Heat team.
The championship transformed Nowitzki’s legacy from elite scorer to all-time great and gave the Mavericks their first NBA title.
Many basketball observers still regard the 2011 Finals as one of the most satisfying underdog stories in league history.
LeBron James’ Chase-Down Block (2016)
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ comeback from a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors remains one of the greatest achievements in sports.
The defining moment came late in Game 7.
With the score tied and less than two minutes remaining, Andre Iguodala appeared headed for a go-ahead layup. Suddenly, LeBron James sprinted across the court and pinned the shot against the backboard.
The play instantly became known as “The Block.”
Cleveland’s first NBA championship came thanks in part to a great defensive play by James and a last-minute three-point shot from Kyrie Irving. The victory ended Cleveland’s 52-year major professional sports championship drought and further cemented James’ legacy as one of basketball’s greatest players.
For many fans, no defensive play in Finals history has carried greater significance.
Kobe Bryant’s Redemption Championship (2010)
The 2010 NBA Finals offered Kobe Bryant an opportunity to settle unfinished business.
Two years earlier, Bryant and the Lakers had lost to the Boston Celtics in the Finals. In 2010, the historic rivals met again in a highly anticipated rematch.
The series went the full seven games and featured a physical, hard-fought battle between two historic rivals.
The Lakers won the championship, giving Bryant his fifth NBA title and helping the franchise avenge its 2008 Finals loss to Boston.
The championship further strengthened Bryant’s legacy and remains one of the defining achievements of his career.
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Stephen Curry’s Finals Masterpiece (2022)
For years, critics questioned whether Stephen Curry could carry a team to a championship while serving as the unquestioned focal point.
He answered those doubts during the 2022 NBA Finals.
Throughout the Finals against Boston, Curry demonstrated his leadership, ability and shooting skills; his Game 4 performance on the road (43 points) served as a turning point for Golden State’s quest for a championship.
Curry went on to lead the franchise to their next championship and win his first Finals MVP award.
The title further strengthened Curry’s case as the greatest shooter in basketball history.
Conclusion
The NBA Finals have produced some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Whether it was Magic Johnson’s remarkable Game 6 performance, Michael Jordan’s Flu Game, Ray Allen’s dramatic three-pointer, or LeBron James’ chase-down block, each moment captured the pressure and drama that define championship basketball. As new stars emerge and future Finals are played, the league will continue to create moments that inspire fans and shape basketball history.
Sources:
NBA.com — “Top Moments: Magic Johnson becomes center of attention in 1980 Finals”
Basketball Reference — NBA & ABA Champions / Playoffs Index
NBA.com — “Top NBA Finals moments: Michael Jordan’s flu game in 1997 Finals”
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame — Willis Reed Hall of Fame Profile
Encyclopaedia Britannica — Willis Reed Biography
NBA.com — “Top NBA Finals moments: Ray Allen’s late 3 turns tide for Heat”
Sports Illustrated — NBA Headlines
NBA.com — GREAT NBA FINALS PLAYS & MOMENTS
Editor’s Disclaimer: The NBA Finals moments featured in this article were selected based on their historical significance, cultural impact, and lasting influence on the game of basketball. Rankings and inclusions are inherently subjective and may vary among fans, analysts, and historians. All historical information, statistics, and game details were compiled from reputable sources, including official NBA records, Basketball Reference, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
