We have witnessed some iconic moments in the NBA finals over the years. The greatest championships contain drama, glory, defeat, controversy, match-winning performances. It is the stage for the players to produce a great performance and become the hero. In this article, we take a look at the top 3 greatest NBA finals ever.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors (2016)
Series result: Cavaliers win 4-3
Finals MVP: LeBron James
This match is often remembered as one of the best comebacks in NBA history. The Golden State Warriors were the best regular-season team of all time and were the team to beat in the season. On the other hand, Cleveland finished first in the East with a 57-25 record. The warriors were favorites coming into the NBA Finals.
Warriors won the first two games of the series and continued their good form. But in Game 3, the Cavaliers bounced back and beat the Warriors 120-90 in Quicken Loans Arena. It was Warrior’s dominance again in Game 4 and they lead the series with 3-1. Then in game 5, James and Irving produced some extraordinary performance and keeps the Cavaliers alive. James again showed his magic in the last two games and took the Cavaliers to a victory. LeBron James was chosen as the Finals MVP after he led both teams in all the departments.
2. Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs (2013)
Series result: Heat win 4-3
Finals MVP: LeBron James
This was one of the extraordinary NBA finals. Ray Allen pulled off one of the greatest victories. Miami Heat finished first in the regular season with a 66-win season. On the other hand, Spurs finished the regular season with 58 wins and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2007.
After the first two games of the series, the series was level. In-game 3, the Spurs made a comeback and made an NBA finals record scoring 16 three-pointers. The scoreline reads 3-2 after the five games with Spurs leading it.
Game 6, also knows as “The Headband Game”, and widely recognized as one of the best games in NBA history. The Heat goes on to win the game with the help of extraordinary defensive plays Bosh and Allen. And the Heat clinched the NBA title in game 7. LeBron James again produced a masterclass, giving a four-point advantage to the team and he was awarded Finals MVP.
3. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1969)
Series result: Celtics win 4-3
Finals MVP: Jerry West
Boston Celtics were one of the greatest teams in the 1960s. This series also remember for one of the rare occasions in NBA history – a player from the losing team won the Finals MVP. Celtics finished the regular season with 48-34, their worst season since 1957. On the other hand, the Lakers were the favorites to win the Championship. They finished first in the West with 55 wins.
Lakers took the 3-0 lead in the series with the extraordinary performance from West. They were on the verge of winning the championship with four straight wins but the Celtics had some other plans. Boston Celtics made a comeback of the ages and won the championship after being down badly at one stage. West was awarded as Finals MVP for his fabulous performance. He averaged 37.9 points, 4.7, rebounds, and 7.4 assists.