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In 1947 fans were treated to their first taste of postseason basketball. More than 60 years later, the NBA playoffs—despite the lengthy eight-week span—are still one of the most intriguing postseasons in all of sports. Whether it's a No. 8 seed upsetting a No. 1 seed like the Warriors beating the Mavs in 2007, or the league's powerhouses meeting in the Finals like the epic Lakers vs. Celtics battles of the '80s, the NBA playoffs are must-watch TV. In anticipation of more classic moments and upsets to come this postseason (scared yet, Lakers fans?!), check out the 50 Best Series in NBA Playoff History.
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50. Knicks vs Pacers (1999)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: May 30-June 11
Winner: Knicks, 4-2
With Michael Jordan's departure (again), the Knicks and Pacers were once again the NBA's definitive rivalry. Meeting for the fifth time in six years after splitting their first four battles and with a trip to the Finals on the line, we were primed for a particularly grueling matchup.
The series' opening two games were both decided by a single basket and knotted at a game apiece, Larry Johnson saved the day and New York's season with the help of one of the more dubious calls in playoff history in Game 3. Unfortunately, this would be the series apex, as no other game was closer than eight points and the Knicks improbable run continued.
49. Suns vs Spurs (2007)
Round: Western Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 6-May 18
Winner: Spurs, 4-2
The Phoenix Suns were undoubtedly the league's most exciting team, but after two MVPs for Steve Nash and a pair of relatively early exits, the pressure to win was at an all time high. So what was already a contentious matchup with that model of monotonous excellence, the San Antonio Spurs, was sure to get feistier after Steve Nash took a shot to the eye in Game 1. But that was just a preview.
In the latter stages of a pivotal Game 5, Robert Horry leveled Nash into the scorer's table, prompting his teammates (Amare Stoudemire & Boris Diaw) to rush to his aid-and a suspension. The shorthanded Suns lost the next game and haven't been the same since.
48. Knicks vs Rockets (1994)
Round: NBA Finals
Dates: June 8-June 22
Winner: Rockets, 4 games to 3
Just one of the games was close and thanks to O.J. & A.C.'s fast break, much of Game 5 wasn't even televised. But the Knicks and Rockets slugfest was still one to remember. Leading 3-2 with a chance to join the NHL champion Rangers at the center of the sports world, the Knicks failed to capitalize in Houston.
Hakeem Olajuwon blocked John Starks' last second attempt to tie Game 6 and in that fateful Game 7, Starks imploded, shooting a ghastly 2 for 18 from the field. Neither team scored 100 points in the entire series, but with Ewing setting a Finals record with 30 blocks, it was as beautiful as ugly can be.
47. Pistons vs Spurs (2005)
Round: NBA Finals
Dates: June 9-June 23
Winner: Spurs, 4-3
In another defensive standoff remembered more for its ending, the Pistons and Spurs saved an otherwise underwhelming series with a drama packed final three games. The teams traded blowouts in the first four, with a combined margin of victory of 74 points. But with the series tied at two, Robert Horry refused to let Detroit run away in Game 5. Ol' Bob hadn't scored a basket until the final play of the 3rd quarter, however once he did, there was no stopping him.
Horry went 5-6 from three, including the game winner in overtime, to cap off a 21-point performance. Detroit fought valiantly and came close to becoming the first team to overcome a 3-2 deficit on the road, yet their halftime lead in Game 7 was erased by another Spurs run.
46. Knicks vs Heat (2000)
Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 7-May 21
Winner: Knicks, 4-3
One year prior, the Miami Heat became just the second top seed to lose in the opening round, somehow adding to what presumably couldn't be a more contentious rivalry. But with a 3-2 advantage and a chance for revenge, Miami went and blew it again, surrendering double-digit leads in both Games 6 and 7. It would be the storied Knicks' last playoff series win until...maybe forever?
45. Bulls vs Blazers (1992)
Round: NBA Finals
Dates: June 3-June 14
Winner: Bulls, 4-2
Everyone knew that Michael Jordan was the world's greatest basketball player, but some folks decided to question it anyway. Billing the series as a matchup of superstars between MJ and Clyde Drexler, Jordan immediately set things straight, "shrugging off" 35 first half points in Game 1. The teams traded wins and were seemingly on course for a seventh game until Jordan's teammates led a 15-point fourth quarter comeback in Game 6 to seal back to back championships for the Bulls.
44. Pistons vs Cavs (2006)
Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 7-May 21
Winner: Pistons, 4-3
The Detroit Pistons were coming off of back-to-back Finals appearances and looking for a third. So their 2-0 series lead over the Cavs in LeBron James' first playoff appearance was expected. But then the Cavs surprisingly took three straight victories, each by a single basket and the Pistons were on the brink of collapse. However Detroit provided a rally of their own, stifling Bron & Co in the final minute of Game 6 and rubbing them out with an 18-point Game 7 win. Just like they Guaransheed.
43. Bulls vs Cavs (1989)
Round: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Dates: April 28-May 7
Winner: Bulls, 3-2
There was a time when Michael Jordan wasn't thought of as a winner. Heading into their first round matchup with Cleveland, Jordan's Bulls weren't even favored to win in the Windy City. Ever the competitor, Michael took note.
Strolling past Chicago beat writers before the series deciding game, Jordan pointed at each of them, who'd picked the Bulls to lose in 3, 4, and 5 games, respectively. “We took care of you (3 games) and we took care of you (4 games). Today, we take care of you.” And that he did, in one of the most lasting images of not only his career, but playoff history.
42. Lakers vs Suns (2006)
Round: Western Conference Quarterfinals
Dates: April 23-May 6
Winner: Suns, 4-3
2006 belonged to Kobe Bryant. So did this series. Until he didn't want it anymore. Bryant averaged an astounding 35 points per game that year, shredding any defense put before him, single handedly dragging Los Angeles into the playoffs. But he knew as well as anyone that the seventh seeded Lakers would only prevail as a team.
Kobe acted as a facilitator early in the series, enabling surprising performances from Lamar Odom and Kwame Brown. Then he sunk two clutch baskets in Game 4 to give the Lakers a commanding 3-1 series lead. With a chance to wrap things up at home in game 6, Bryant racked up 50 points, but the Suns still emerged victorious. The opportunity was lost and apparently even Kobe knew it. In the most curious performance of his career, Bryant all but refused to shoot the ball as Phoenix buried L.A. by 31 in Game 7.
41. Kings vs Wolves (2004)
Round: Western Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 4-May 19
Winner: Wolves, 4-3
Kevin Garnett was one of the league's greatest talents, but hadn't been out of the first round his entire career and was saddled with a somewhat unfair reputation. Though he'd carried the 'Wolves for years without help, his maturity and willingness to step up in the clutch were questioned.
However, once Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell arrived in the Twin Cities, Garnett's full potential was unleashed and the 'Wolves secured the West's top seed. The Sacramento Kings, in their last hurrah, looked to spoil the MVP's coronation by storming back from a 3-2 series deficit to force a seventh game, but Garnett wasn't having it and played the game of his life, with 32 points and 21 rebounds.
40. Cavs vs Celtics (2008)
Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 6-May 18
Winner: Celtics, 4-3
The Big Three took the league by storm in their first season together, winning 66 games and looking primed for Boston's first title run in ages. But in yet another display of defiance, LeBron James gave them all they could handle, leading Cleveland to consecutive victories to match the Celtics at 2-2.
After trading wins again, everything came down to a Game 7 in Boston, where James and Paul Pierce did their best impression of 'Nique and Bird, with 45 and 41 points respectively. The Celtics would advance to the Conference Finals and eventually a championship, but the legend of LeBron James continued to grow.
39. Bulls vs Pistons (1990)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: May 20-June 3
Winner: Pistons, 4-3
Conventional wisdom says that a team must learn to deal with defeat before becoming a champion. The Chicago Bulls had learned plenty, losing to their nemeses in Detroit two years in a row. Armed with experience, a new coach in Phil Jackson, and a new offense, Chicago looked to finally break the Jordan Rules in that year's Conference Finals.
Detroit held home court through the series' first two games, but Jordan wouldn't be denied, scoring 47 and 42 in Games 3 and 4, both Bulls victories. The squads held serve again and Game 7 was sure to be an epic conclusion. Then Scottie Pippen got a headache and Chicago lost by 19. Jordan scored 31, but his teammates were nowhere to be found, shooting 15-63. Chicago would eventually get past Detroit and never look back, however this was the peak of a rivalry between two teams that combined for five consecutive championships.
38. Raptors vs 76ers (2001)
Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 6-May 20
Winner: 76ers, 4-3
This is what happens when two one-man gangs collide. Allen Iverson and Vince Carter were at the height of their powers and spent the entire series trying to top each other. Toronto stole the opener in Philly; Iverson answered with 54 in a Game 2 Philly win. Carter led the Raptors with 50 of his own in a Game 3 blowout, then the Sixers strung together victories in Games 4 and 5, with Iverson outscoring Carter 82-41.
Toronto would force a seventh game in Philly, where in one of the more questionable moves in playoff history, Carter decided to attend his graduation ceremony in North Carolina that same morning. As fate would have it, Vince missed a potential buzzer beater and Iverson won both the battle (232 points to 216) and the war.
37. Hawks vs Celtics (1988)
Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 11-May 22
Winner: Celtics, 4-3
This series between the Hawks and Celtics was relatively uneventful until its thrilling conclusion. The two teams both successfully defended home court through the first four games before trading road wins to force a deciding Game 7 in Boston Garden.
Dominque Wilkins was determined to capitalize on the opportunity. Of course Larry Bird is no pushover, so what ensued was the definitive battle of superstars. For all of the icons in his day-Magic, Isiah, Michael- none of them engaged Bird in a gunfight of this magnitude like 'Nique. Wilkins scored 47 points and had Atlanta on the brink of an upset before Bird poured in 20 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter to put Boston over the top.
36. Rockets vs Sonics (1997)
Round: Western Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 5-May 17
Winner: Rockets, 4-3
In one final effort to capture that elusive title, Charles Barkley joined the Houston Rockets, who already had two of the NBA's Top 50 in Olajuwon and Drexler. The Sonics were still in search of a championship themselves, since Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp were dispatched by Chicago in the previous year's Finals. So with this much talent and determination on the floor, anything could happen, but it was sure to be exciting. After Houston won the series opener at home, the road team won four straight and Houston held a commanding 3-1 lead. Seattle fought back 'till the bitter end, but powered by their Big Three, the Rockets would prevail.
35. Pacers vs Magic (1995)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: May 23-June 4
Winner: Magic, 4-3
The Pacers just couldn't catch a break. A deep and balanced team, Indiana should've made more than one Finals appearance in the '90s and early '00s, but someone was always in the way. This time, it was Shaq and Penny. Orlando and Indiana played each other close, with neither team winning by more than five in the first five games, including a memorable buzzer beater from Rik Smits in Game 4. The Magic took a pivotal Game 5, behind 35 and 15 from Shaq and eventually ended the series at home in a Game 7 blowout.
34. Sonics vs Jazz (1996)
Round: Western Conference Finals
Dates: May 18-June 2
Winner: Sonics, 4-3
In the one of the greater pair of positional battles the league has seen, veteran superstars John Stockton and Karl Malone faced off with rising talents Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. Youth fired the first shots, beating the Jazz by 30 in Game 1 and rushing out to a 3-1 series lead. Seattle played perfectly in Game 5, the tone set by 31 and 6 from Payton along with Kemp's 24 and 13, but Utah still eked out an overtime win. Utah blew the Sonics out in Game 6, but another 26 and 14 from Kemp would put Seattle over the top in Game 7.
33. Magic vs Cavs (2009)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: May 20-May 30
Winner: Magic, 4-2
The Kobe vs LeBron mania was at its peak and we were just four games away from one of the most anticipated Finals matchups of all time. We're still waiting. The Cavs were heavily favored and would build significant leads in the series' first two contests. But Orlando would overcome both, taking Game 1 and barely missing a chance at Game 2, thanks to a miraculous three pointer at the buzzer from LeBron.
James would put the Cavs on his back in Game 4, finishing with 44, 12, and 7, yet it wasn't enough to prevent another Magic win in overtime, as Orlando put Cleveland in a 3-1 series stranglehold. A classic triple double from Bron in Game 5 delayed the inevitable, but Dwight Howard's 40 and 14 concluded the shocking upset in Game 6.
32. Jazz vs Rockets (1995)
Round: Western Conference Quarterfinals
Dates: April 27-May 7
Winner: Rockets, 3-2
The defending champion Rockets slunk into the playoffs as a lowly six seed and were all but eliminated by the 60-win Utah Jazz before the series even started. Everything was going according to plan as Utah held a 2-1 series lead, however 40 points apiece from Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler kept Houston alive in Game 4. The Rockets would trail late in the series-deciding game, but Phi Slamma Jamma led the way again, with 30 and 10 each as the Rockets defeated the Jazz in Utah and began their improbable run to a second title.
31. Celtics vs Bucks (1987)
Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 5-May 17
Winner: Celtics, 4-3
He wasn't a household name and they certainly weren't America's team, but Sidney Moncrief and the Bucks were pretty good in their day. They'd prove as much in this dramatic go at the Boston Celtics. After winning handily in the opener, Boston narrowly escaped with a two-point Game 2 victory.
However Milwaukee wouldn't surrender their home court, defeating the Celtics in a Game 3 overtime. But Boston would double down on OT with two in Game 4, which the Celtics won 138-137. The two teams traded haymakers, each winning in the other's building in Games 5 and 6. Leading by eight with just five minutes remaining in Game 7, the Bucks were foiled by no one other than Larry Bird, who scored 13 4th quarter points to save Boston's season.
30. Bulls vs Knicks (1993)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: May 23-June 4
Winner: Bulls, 4-2
The Bulls' quest for a historic three-peat would have to go through New York, again, but the Knicks were favored this time and armed with home court advantage. They'd hold serve in the first two games, including John Starks' infamous dunk over Grant and Jordan in Game 2, however Chicago won Game 3 easily at home and Jordan personally took over Game 4 with 54 points. Seeking to maintain an edge, New York fought Chicago down to the wire in that fateful Game 5, yet Charles Smith's goat-worthy performance left the Knicks hanging. Chicago would wrap the series up in six, but it was a lot closer than it looked.
29. Bulls vs Knicks (1992)
Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 5-May 17
Winner: Bulls, 4-3
This was supposed to be a formality. The defending champion Bulls were expected to cruise through their semifinal matchup with the undermanned Knicks, but Pat Riley and his personal brand of bully ball had other plans. New York dominated Chicago with physical play, taking Game 1 in Chicago and continually matching the Bulls every effort. But even after forcing an unthinkable seventh game, we should've known better than to doubt Michael Jordan, who poured in 42 points for Chicago in a series-clinching blowout.
28. Mavericks vs Heat (2006)
Round: NBA Finals
Dates: June 8-June 20
Winner: Heat, 4 games to 2
Description: It was a travesty, but it was also undeniably exciting. Dirk Nowitzki's Mavericks had seemingly arrived and were widely favored to beat the Heat. Dallas was just minutes away from an insurmountable 3-0 series lead, but down by 13 in the fourth quarter of Game 3, Dwyane Wade arrived. Declaring his own personal war on the rim, Wade continually attacked a hapless Mavericks defense right through a Game 3 comeback and for the rest of the series. Thanks to some questionable whistles, including a wildly controversial call in OT of Game 5, Wade made a living at the line for four straight Miami wins, finishing with an NBA Finals-record 95 free throws in just 6 games. We try to forget that it actually happened, but it was just so damn fun.
27. Mavericks vs Warriors (2007)
Round: Western Conference Quarterfinals
Dates: April 22-May 3
Winner: Warriors, 4-2
Fueled by the pain of their Finals loss, the Mavericks came back even stronger the following year with a league-leading 67 wins. Their first round matchup with the lowly Warriors should've been a breeze. Instead it was a matchup nightmare. Golden State's quickness ran circles around Dallas and a stellar defensive performance from Stephen Jackson stifled Nowitzki for much of the series
The Warriors would steal the opener in Dallas and three of the series first four games before burying the Mavericks comeback hopes with a 25-point Game 6 victory. Golden State became the first eighth seed to defeat a top seed in a seven game series and Dirk had to suffer the humiliation of accepting his MVP award at a press conference as the Playoffs rolled on.
26. Sonics vs Nuggets (1994)
Round: Western Conference Quarterfinals
Dates: April 28-May 4
Winner: Nuggets, 3-2
An upstart Sonics team shocked everyone with 63 wins in 1994, but they were in for a surprise of their own in the Playoffs. After two sound beatings in Seattle, Denver licked their wounds before Game 3 and responded with a pair of victories. But just in case there wasn't enough drama already, Denver sent Game 5 in Seattle to overtime, escaping with a four-point edge in the first eight over one seed upset in league history.
25. Bulls vs Pacers (1998)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: May 17-May 31
Winner: Bulls, 4 games to 3
Despite their own personal rivalry, Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller had never met in the playoffs before 1998. Jordan was on his way to yet another threepeat, but would have to endure perhaps the most grueling series of that title run against Indiana. Chicago took the series' first two, before Indiana responded in turn, highlighted by Reggie Miller's controversial winning shot in Game 4 to knot it at 2-2. Both teams would hold court again, pushing things to a deciding Game 7. The Pacers matched Chicago's effort, but Jordan's and Pippen's will proved too strong.
24. Celtics vs Pistons (1988)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: May 25-June 3
Winner: Pistons, 4-2
Though not as glamorous as their rift with L.A., Boston's rivalry with Detroit was every bit as intense. Determined to best their tormentors, the Pistons quickly took home court advantage with a Game 1 win in Boston Garden. The Celtics fought back with a thrilling double overtime victory in Game 2. The teams would split the next two games, with a combined margin of victory of only 5 points, before Detroit took the series lead again with another win in Boston in Game 5. The Celtics sought to extend the series, but the Pistons would rally from a fourth quarter deficit to clinch the series at home.
23. Mavericks vs Heat (2011)
Round: NBA Finals
Dates: May 31-June 12
Winner: Mavericks, 4-2
We certainly didn't expect Dirk to win this time. The Miami Heat became Public Enemy No. 1 overnight, but much of it was because they were just that good. Shutting down and dunking on whoever they pleased, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh ran roughshod over the league and right into the Finals.
Nowiktzki's Mavs were on a surprising run of their own, yet it wasn't until their 15-point comeback in Game 2 that we believed they had a chance. Miami would bounce back in Game 3, but Dallas was seemingly a team of destiny, taking the series' final three games. Either that or LeBron choked. Whatever it was-Dirk's redemption or Bron's deserved dose of schadenfreude-this was an instant classic.
22. Cavs vs Pistons (2007)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: May 21-June 2
Winner: Cavs, 4-2
Sometimes a young team just needs experience to get over the hump and sometimes all the experience in the world won't matter. Cleveland's run-in with Detroit-their second in as many years-was supposed to be just another lesson. What we learned was that when he really wants to be, LeBron James is simply unstoppable (take heart Heat fans).
Game 1 ended with what is now a familiar controversy, after James passed to Donyell Marshall for the tie instead of taking matters into his own hands. The talking heads chattered all the way through the series' first four games before Bron shut everyone up in Game 5. In the fourth quarter and two overtimes, Bron scored 25 consecutive points to seize a 3-2 series lead; Cleveland would finish a stunned Pistons squad off in six. Five years later, we still have questions about Bron, but we'll also always have this moment.
21. Lakers vs Celtics (1987)
Round: NBA Finals
Dates: June 2-June 14
Winner: Lakers, 4-22
In the last Finals matchup of their storied rivalry, the Lakers proved too strong for an aging team of Celtics. Los Angeles easily captured the series' first two games, answered by a 30 and 12 effort from Larry Bird in a Game 3 win for Boston. But the Celtics 16-point lead in Game 4 evaporated, along with their chances to even the series. Bird provided some breathing room for the C's with a three pointer leaving twelve seconds on the clock, however that was just enough time for Magic Johnson and his "Junior Sky Hook" to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead.
20. Blazers vs 76ers (1977)
Round: Finals
Dates: May 22-June 5
Winner: Blazers, 4-2
The first year of the NBA/ABA merger ended with Dr.J's first trip to the Finals. He immediately opened the series with a slam dunk off the opening tip and Philly ran away with Game 1. Game 2 was a brawl. Literally. Darryl Dawkins and Maurice Lucas squared off as both benches cleared and Doug Collins needed four stitches. Philly would win the game handily, but the fracas ignited the Blazers. Led by Finals MVP Bill Walton, Portland won four straight, fending off a historical effort from the Dr. and winning the franchise's first championship.
19. Rockets vs Spurs (1995)
Round: Western Conference Finals
Dates: May 22-June 1
Winner: Rockets, 4-2
Having led San Antonio to a league best 62 wins with impressive averages of 28/11/3/3, David Robinson was the rightful owner of 1995's regular season MVP trophy. The Playoffs were a different story. Houston's unprecedented run was destined to continue and The Admiral would be left as little more than roadkill. In an all-time ethering, Hakeem Olajuwon outscored Robinson 27-21, 41-32, 43-29, 42-22, and 39-19 over the course of the series, along with out-rebounding, out-blocking, out-stealing and out-assisting him for good measure.
18. Celtics vs Suns (1976)
Round: Finals
Dates: May 23-June 6
Winner: Celtics, 4-2
No series was defined more by two games than this one. Dave Cowens fueled the Celtics' victories in Boston before Paul Westphal and Alvan Adams helped Phoenix bounce back in Game 3. The Suns would survive overtime in Game 4 to send the series back to Boston Garden for a pivotal Game 5 that would seemingly never end.
Nearly marred by a series of officiating and timekeeping mistakes, Game 5 saw the Suns and Celtics battle back and forth for two overtimes, until John Havlicek sunk what appeared to be the winning basket. However, there were two seconds returned to the Suns, just enough time for Gar Heard to fling in a buzzer beater to force a third OT. The Celtics would eventually secure the victory and a championship in the following game.
17. Rockets vs Suns (1995)
Round: Western Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 9-May 20
Winner: Rockets, 4-3
After upsetting the Jazz in the first round, Houston quickly found themselves in a 3-1 hole against Phoenix. The Rockets avoided elimination with a Game 5 OT win, then defended their turf in Game 6 for a trip back to Phoenix for a thrilling Game 7.
The Suns would lead by as many as ten for much of the game, but Kevin Johnson's 46 and 10 weren't enough to combat Drexler and Olajuwon, who finished with 29 each. The real hero however, was Mario Elie, with one of the Playoffs all time clutch baskets, a three-pointer to give Houston the series and the definitive moment of an improbable title defense.
16. Lakers vs Kings (2002)
Round: Western Conference Finals
Dates: May 18-June 2
Winner: Lakers, 4-3
Though Tim Donaghy's shadow stains the curious case of Game 6, this battle between the Kings and Lakers remains a classic. Los Angeles was primed for a threepeat, but Sacramento was equally determined to best their division rivals. They'd split the first two games and the Kings would take the momentum of a Game 3 win into Game 4, where they built a 24-point lead, putting the champs on the ropes. But the Lakers managed to erase the deficit, setting up Robert Horry's greatest hit, a buzzer beating three-pointer to give the Lakers a win and new life, tying the series at 2-2.
Game 5 was another barn burner, capped off by a game-winner from Mike Bibby. We won't even try to explain the 27 free throws the Lakers took in the 4th quarter of Game 6, but we will say that the Kings had a chance to wrap the series up at home in seven and blew it. Kobe dropped 30 alongside Shaq's 35, and the Lakers won in overtime, becoming the first team in 20 years to win a Conference Final or Finals Game 7 on the road.
15. Bulls vs Jazz (1998)
Round: Finals
Dates: June 3-June 14
Winner: Bulls, 4-2
Everyone knew this was the Bulls last dance and we didn't expect them to go out any other way. In a Finals rematch with Utah, Chicago responded to a Game 1 overtime loss with three straight Ws, including the biggest beatdown in Finals history, a 96-54 Game 3 drubbing. But the Jazz would steal another one in the United Center as Michael Jordan's last second three pointer missed the mark.
When Scottie Pippen went down early in Game 6 with a bad back, many thought the Bulls might be facing the challenge of a seventh game in Utah-which means we continued to underestimate Michael Jordan. Twenty-three points in the first half, 45 points for the game, the league's most lasting image, and a sixth championship were the final reminder that they didn't call him Money for no reason.
14. Celtics vs. Bulls (2009)
Round: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Dates: April 18-May 2
Winner: Celtics, 4-3
The stakes weren't as high as other series on this list, but this is arguably the greatest first-round series ever, and, thrill-for-thrill, one of the greatest series in any sport. Boston's title defense was shaken by Kevin Garnett's midseason knee injury, however they refused to be derailed by the young and hungry Bulls.
No team won two games in a row the entire series and five of the seven games were decided by a single basket. Game 1 in Boston went to overtime. So did Game 3. Game 4 went to double OT. Game 5 went to overtime and Game 6 was a triple overtime thriller. The anticlimactic Game 7 went to the C's, but it's a shame this one ever had to end.
13. Mavericks vs Spurs (2006)
Round: Western Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 7-May 22
Winner: Mavericks, 4-3
Somehow two 60-win teams ended up staring each other down in the second round. The Mavericks jumped out to a 3-1 lead over San Antonio, but Bruce Bowen's clutch defense of Dirk Nowitzki saved the Spurs' chances in Game 5 and Manu Ginobili's 30 points in Game 6 led to a seventh game in San Antonio we all expected the Spurs to win.
Intent on playing the spoiler, Dallas seized a 20-point lead, but somehow still found themselves playing catch up until Dirk's and-one with seconds remaining sent it to overtime. His heroics continued in the extra frame and Dallas pulled off the upset and avoided an epic collapse at the same time.
12. Lakers vs. Blazers (2000)
Round: Western Conference Finals
Dates: May 20-June 4
Winner: Lakers, 4- 3
Both teams look back on this series knowing the outcome probably sealed their fate. The Blazers were an unbelievably deep and talented team, led by Scottie Pippen and Rasheed Wallace. The Lakers were home to the league's two greatest talents in Shaq and Kobe, but for years, they'd failed to fulfill expectations.
When the two clashed in the Conference Finals, Los Angeles took a 3-1 series lead, yet couldn't finish off Portland in Game 5 or 6, and suddenly found themselves down 15 points headed into the fourth quarter of Game 7. Then in one of the most memorable collapses in playoff history, the Blazers missed 13 consecutive field goals, paving the way for a Laker rally and the iconic Kobe to Shaq oop that sealed the deal and started a dynasty.
11. Bulls vs Jazz (1997)
Round: Finals
Dates: June 1-June 13
Winner: Bulls, 4-2
Game 1 ended with another classic Jordan buzzer beater and three of the following five games were won by five points or less. The Bulls and Jazz squared off in a series of lasting images, none more so than Scottie Pippen practically carrying a flu ridden Michael Jordan off the court after MJ had dropped 38 points and a game-winning three to take a 3-2 series lead. Back in Chicago, Jordan would rise to the occasion yet again, drawing the defense and kicking to an open Steve Kerr, who delivered the final blow and Chicago's second straight championship.
10. Knicks vs. Pacers (1995)
Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals
Dates: May 7-May 21
Winner: Pacers, 4-3
In a drama packed series more suited for Broadway, the Knicks' three contests with Indiana in the Garden went down to the last possession. The curtain opened with Reggie Miller's still unbelievable eight points in nine seconds, giving the Pacers a shocking Game 1 victory.
The Pacers overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter of Game 3 for a 2-1 series lead and would grab control with a Game 4 win, but Patrick Ewing's jumper with a second remaining in Game 5 and 25 and 15 in Game 6 sent the series back to the Garden. Neither teams budged in Game 7, trading clutch baskets until the series was in Ewing's hands again on the final possession, a missed layup as the buzzer sounded and Indiana rejoiced.
9. Lakers vs Celtics (2010)
Round: Finals
Dates: June 3-June 17
Winner: Lakers, 4-3
The Lakers were absolutely embarrassed by Boston in the 2008 Finals, blowing a Finals record 24-point lead with a chance to tie the series in Game 4 and succumbing to another record-breaking blowout in the clincher, a 39-point loss. The Celtics however, still had something to prove themselves, having watched L.A. win the title in '09 as Kevin Garnett nursed his ailing knee. So with the two battling for another title in 2010, we were practically assured a classic grudge match.
The Lakers won Game 1 handily, but a record eight three pointers from Ray Allen stole the spotlight in Game 2. Derek Fisher's 11 fourth quarter points in Game 3 helped Los Angeles recapture the home court advantage and Nate Robinson along with Big Baby Davis surprisingly led the Celtics to a 2-2 series tie in Game 4. Game 5 saw Kobe Bryant put on a classic showing in the third quarter, scoring from every conceivable angle, but Boston still prevailed, forcing the Lakers to fight for their lives in back-to-back home games. They'd bludgeon the C's in Game 6 and bury them in Game 7, thanks to timely buckets from some guy who used to go by the name Ron Artest.
8. Lakers vs Celtics (1969)
Round: Finals
Dates: April 23-May 5
Winner: Celtics, 4-3
Lakers vs. Celtics is never lacking in star power, but Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell all fighting for championship glory, ended in even more dramatic fashion than usual. The home team won each of the first six games in this series, the most notable being Sam Jones' jumper off the famed picket fence play in a Celtics Game 4 victory to tie the series. So the Lakers were expected to defend their home with a championship on the line in Game 7. In fact, team owner Jack Kent Cooke had already planned the celebration, leaving a program for the festivities in every seat as ballons hovered over the court in anticipation of the final buzzer.
Before tip off, Russell told West, “Those fucking balloons are staying up there.” And that they did. An ill-timed spat between Wilt and his coach and an incredibly lucky shot from Don Nelson sealed the final championship for Russell's Celtics, which was perhaps their sweetest. Jerry West would have to settle for a Finals MVP trophy instead, the only time a player from the losing team received the award.
7. Bulls vs Suns (1993)
Round: Finals
Dates: June 9-June 20
Winner: Bulls, 4-2
The unthinkable had happened. We actually got tired of Michael Jordan winning. He was far and away the league's most graceful athlete and fiercest competitor, but no matter how he wowed us, we knew to expect it. So when a brash Charles Barkley led the Phoenix Suns to a league-best record, we swooned at the thought of a new king and coronated him a bit too soon.
Barkley hoisted the MVP trophy and proclaimed the Suns a team of destiny. Little did he know their destiny was to be embarrassed by Jordan. Chicago took both Games 1 and 2 in Phoenix, but the Suns fought back to claim a triple overtime thriller in Game 3 at Chicago behind 24 and 19 from Barkley. But just when Chuck began to get his hopes up, Michael burned the Suns for 55 in Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead. Phoenix won Game 5, shifting the series back home, but lost a chance at a seventh game when John Paxson launched his way into NBA history. Jordan averaged an unfathomable 41 points per game in the series, the Bulls were the NBA's first three-peat in decades, and no one has called Charles an MVP since.
6. Celtics vs. 76ers (1981)
Round: Eastern Conference Finals
Dates: April 21-May 3
Winner: Celtics, 4-3
The Sixers and Celtics tied for the league's best record. Bird and Dr.J were probably tied (with Magic) as the league's most exciting players. So a generational rivalry was renewed as both chased their first championship. Down 3-1, the Celtics not only fought off elimination for three straight games, they overcame double digit deficits in each, winning Games 5-7 by a combined five points.
5. Lakers vs. Knicks (1970)
Round: Finals
Dates: April 24-May 8
Winner: Lakers, 4-3
Still reeling from their unexpected loss to Boston in the previous year's Finals, the Lakers were determined to right their course, yet once again found themselves on the wrong side of history. The Knicks pounced on L.A. in Game 1 and nearly took Game 2, were it not for two clutch free throws from Jerry West. Game 3 provided one of the greatest shots in Finals history as West hurled a sixty footer to tie the score at the end of regulation.
However, New York would emerge with another victory in overtime. Thirty-seven points from West and 30 from Baylor kept Laker hopes alive in Game 4, but Game 5 was the series turning point. Los Angeles capitalized on Willis Reed's leg injury to build a 16-point lead, but once again the Knicks came scrambling back to take a 3-2 series advantage. Wilt Chamberlain would dominate with 45 points in Game 6, but inspired by the presence of a hobbled Reed in Game 7, New York ran away with the title in a 14 point win, led by Walt Frazier's 36 and 19.
4. Lakers vs. 76ers (1980)
Round: Finals
Dates: May 4-May 16
Winner: Lakers, 4-2
Julius Erving's acrobatics took the spotlight early in this series, specifically his impossible reverse layup in Game 4 that highlighted a win for Philly that tied the series 2-2. But though the Lakers won Game 5, spirits were low as their captain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar sprained his ankle late in the contest. Maybe he was too young to know any better, maybe he was just too good to care. Either way, a 20-year-old rookie, Magic Johnson, took Jabbar's place at center in Game 6 and played all five positions in a spectacular 42 point, 15 rebound display that clinched the series for Los Angeles.
3. Lakers vs. Celtics (1985)
Round: Finals
Dates: May 27-June 9
Winner: Lakers, 4-2
This series wasn't exactly close, but it sure was significant. Facing off in the Finals for the second straight year, the Lakers got off to an awful start in Boston. Dubbed the "Boston Massacre," Game 1 saw the Celtics demolish L.A., 148-114. The Lakers, however, would not be deterred.
Stealing Game 2 in the Garden and following it up with a 25-point beating of their own at home in Game 3, Los Angeles was left heartbroken again when Dennis Johnson's buzzer beater tied the series for Boston at two games apiece. The Lakers responded with a Game 5 win and squelched any thought of a Celtic revival with a stellar performance from Kareem in Game 6, leading to the first championship celebration by a visitor in Boston Garden.
2. Lakers vs. Pistons (1988)
Round: Finals
Dates: June 7-June 21
Winner: Lakers, 4-3
The Celtics had begun to fade away and the Lakers were seemingly left without a challenger. But just as one rivalry died out, another one began. In their first Finals appearance, Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons gave us a captivating series filled with grit, drama, and iconic performances. The Pistons took command early, behind 34 points from Adrian Dantley in Game 1. But even the flu couldn't let Magic face the possibility of an 0-2 hole headed to Detroit, as the superstar dug deep for 23 points and 11 assists.
The Pistons would take 2 of 3 games at home and narrowly missed their chance to close out the Lakers in Game 6, despite an all-time Finals performance from Isiah. Thomas was already on a one-man run with 14 consecutive points in the third quarter to shave a Laker lead, but then he sprained his right ankle on an ensuing possession.
In an inspiring display of will, Zeke refused to sit and piled on 11 more points in the quarter to set an Finals record with 25 on 11-13 shooting. The game went back and forth over the final minutes until a questionable foul call on Bill Laimbeer sent Kareem to the line for the game winning free throws. Isiah would finish the game with 43 points. He'd play sparsely in Game 7 and the Lakers took full advantage, building a substantial lead late in the 4th quarter. The Pistons would not go down without a fight though, cutting the lead to just one point with seconds remaining. But it wasn't enough to overcome a majestic showing from James Worthy, who recorded the first triple double in a Finals Game 7 with 36, 16, and 10.
1. Lakers vs. Celtics (1984)
Round: Finals
Dates: May 27-June 12
Winner: Celtics, 4-3
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird revived the league, a rivalry, and captivated a nation with their play, but had yet to face each other for a championship. The 1984 Finals was a physical affair, with the Lakers and Celtics trading wins over the first four games, including two crushing overtime victories by Boston and a 33-point beating for L.A. that prompted Bird to say his teammates played like sissies.
This of course set the tone for Kevin McHale's memorable takedown of Kurt Rambis that cleared both benches in Game 4 and the Celtics literally turned up the heat in Game 5. With the air conditioning broken in Boston Garden, the C's would sweat out another win for a 3-2 lead in the series. Destined for a seventh game, the Lakers whittled a 14 point deficit down to just three with a minute remaining, but Magic Johnson would commit his last error in a series of miscues, as he was stripped by Cedric Maxwell. L.A. lost the game and the series, Bird was named Finals MVP, Magic was dubbed "Tragic Johnson," vowed revenge and the storyline for the next half-decade-not to mention the birth of the NBA as we know it-was laid before us. Without these two men leading these two teams in this series, we might still be watching the Finals on tape delay.