The 15 Greatest NBA Finals Moments of All Time

By YPB Team

The NBA Finals have produced some of basketball's most iconic and heart-stopping moments. From Willis Reed's legendary entrance to LeBron's chase-down block, which moment stands above all others?

Jordan's Last Shot

Michael Jordan's series-winning jumper over Bryon Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals — the final moment of the Bulls' dynasty — became the most iconic image in basketball history.

1000pts

Dr. J's Baseline Reverse Layup

Julius Erving's behind-the-backboard scooping layup in Game 4 of the 1980 Finals left Magic Johnson calling it 'the greatest move I've ever seen in a basketball game.'

910pts

Cavaliers' 3-1 Comeback

In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers became the only team in NBA history to win a championship after trailing 3-1, completing a miracle comeback against the 73-win Golden State Warriors.

871pts

Jordan's Flu Game

Despite suffering severe illness — widely attributed to food poisoning — Michael Jordan poured in 38 points in Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, collapsing into Scottie Pippen's arms after the final buzzer.

762pts

LeBron's Chase-Down Block

LeBron James sprinted down the court in the final minute of Game 7 in 2016 to swat Andre Iguodala's layup off the backboard, preserving a tie that Cleveland eventually won in overtime.

762pts

Magic's Sky Hook

Magic Johnson's baby sky hook with two seconds left in Game 4 of the 1987 Finals sealed an improbable Lakers win over the Celtics in what Magic called the greatest play of his life.

708pts

Ray Allen's Corner Three

With 5.2 seconds left in a do-or-die Game 6 in 2013, Ray Allen back-stepped to the corner and swished a three-pointer that saved the Heat's season and became one of the most clutch shots ever made.

643pts

Willis Reed's Entrance

In Game 7 of the 1970 Finals, an injured Willis Reed limped onto Madison Square Garden's court, instantly energizing the Knicks to their first championship over the Lakers.

643pts

Shaq's Three-Peat Dominance

Shaquille O'Neal's historic run of three consecutive Finals MVPs from 2000 to 2002 produced some of the most physically dominant individual performances in championship history.

643pts

Dirk's Signature Fadeaway

Dirk Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway became the signature image of the Mavericks' 2011 championship run, where he outdueled LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in an iconic underdog triumph.

643pts

Steph Curry's 2022 Finals MVP

After seven years of championships, injuries, and criticism about his Finals record, Stephen Curry delivered an unmatched 34-point Game 6 performance to finally claim the MVP trophy.

566pts

Allen Iverson's Crossover on Byron Scott

Iverson's explosive 48-point explosion in Game 1 of the 2001 Finals against the heavily-favored Lakers — including stepping over Tyronn Lue — was the greatest individual Finals performance of the era.

566pts

OG Anunoby's Game-Winner

OG Anunoby's buzzer-beating mid-range jumper for the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals delivered Madison Square Garden its most electric moment in decades.

566pts

Kyrie's Three Over Curry

Kyrie Irving's step-back three over Stephen Curry with 53 seconds left in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals put Cleveland ahead for good, completing the greatest comeback in championship history.

471pts

Magic Plays Center

In Game 6 of the 1980 Finals, a 20-year-old Magic Johnson started at center in place of an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and dropped 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to clinch the championship.