What is the greatest NBA Finals series of all time?

From triple-overtime thrillers to iconic individual performances, the Finals have produced some of the most electric moments in sports history. Which series is the greatest?

1

1984 Lakers vs Celtics

The ultimate rivalry showdown — Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird, Lakers vs. Celtics — in a classic seven-game war that defined an era of NBA basketball.

2

2016 Warriors vs Cavaliers

Cleveland's stunning 3-1 comeback against the record-setting 73-win Warriors, as LeBron James delivered the most improbable championship in NBA history.

3

1997 Bulls vs Jazz

Michael Jordan's legendary 'Flu Game' highlighted a gripping six-game series cementing Jordan's status as the ultimate competitor.

4

2013 Heat vs Spurs

Ray Allen's miraculous corner three in Game 6 to force overtime — then the Heat winning in seven — produced the single greatest moment in Finals history.

5

1976 Celtics vs Suns

Game 5's triple-overtime thriller is still called the greatest Finals game ever played, featuring Jo Jo White's heroics and a wild court-storming incident.

6

1980 Lakers vs 76ers

Magic Johnson's jaw-dropping 42-point, 15-rebound Game 6 performance at center — as a rookie — remains one of the most stunning individual Finals feats ever.

7

2011 Heat vs Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki's hobbled, one-handed fadeaway run through the Heat — including a finger-roll to force OT — delivered Dallas its only championship.

8

1988 Lakers vs Pistons

James Worthy's triple-double in Game 7 secured the Lakers' back-to-back titles in a fierce physical battle against the rising Bad Boys.

9

2006 Heat vs Mavericks

Dwyane Wade's explosive 40-point games sparked Miami's comeback from 0-2 down, as Wade averaged 34.7 PPG to claim Finals MVP in dominant fashion.

10

1993 Bulls vs Suns

Michael Jordan averaged 41.0 PPG over six games — still the highest Finals PPG average ever — to win his third consecutive title against the Suns.

11

1969 Celtics vs Lakers

Bill Russell's final championship as player-coach in a storied series featuring the legendary Jerry West, who won Finals MVP despite being on the losing team.

12

2019 Warriors vs Raptors

Toronto's historic first championship came amid Warriors injuries and the stunning loss of Kevin Durant mid-series, creating one of the most dramatic Finals ever.

13

1994 Rockets vs Knicks

A grinding, physical seven-game battle in the post-Jordan era, featuring Hakeem Olajuwon's masterclass against Patrick Ewing in classic big-man chess.