90. Reggie Miller's wins game 4 of the ECF vs. Bulls (1998)
When: May 25, 1998
Where: Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
The Moment: During the Chicago Bulls' six title runs in the 90's, they only played in two game 7's. The first was in the '92 second round series against the Knicks, the second was in the '98 east finals against the Pacers. Indiana gave Chicago all they could handle, but the series most certainly would not have gone the distance without Reggie Miller's heroics in game 4. The Bulls led the series 2-1 heading into game 4, and also held a one point lead with 6.4 seconds to play. Indiana had possession but they mangled the inbounds play and Scottie Pippen came up with a steal and was fouled. Pippen missed both free throws, however, and the scramble for the rebound saw Indiana get the ball back with 2.9 seconds to go. Miller gave Michael Jordan a little shove before receiving the inbound pass and drilling a three from the right wing to give the Pacers the lead with just 0.7 left. The Bulls advanced the ball and got it in to Jordan, but his shot hit the backboard then spun out. It was agonizingly close to another game winner for MJ but the Pacers didn't care, because the series now sat at 2-2.
When: May 25, 1998
Where: Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
The Moment: During the Chicago Bulls' six title runs in the 90's, they only played in two game 7's. The first was in the '92 second round series against the Knicks, the second was in the '98 east finals against the Pacers. Indiana gave Chicago all they could handle, but the series most certainly would not have gone the distance without Reggie Miller's heroics in game 4. The Bulls led the series 2-1 heading into game 4, and also held a one point lead with 6.4 seconds to play. Indiana had possession but they mangled the inbounds play and Scottie Pippen came up with a steal and was fouled. Pippen missed both free throws, however, and the scramble for the rebound saw Indiana get the ball back with 2.9 seconds to go. Miller gave Michael Jordan a little shove before receiving the inbound pass and drilling a three from the right wing to give the Pacers the lead with just 0.7 left. The Bulls advanced the ball and got it in to Jordan, but his shot hit the backboard then spun out. It was agonizingly close to another game winner for MJ but the Pacers didn't care, because the series now sat at 2-2.
89. Boston and Chicago play an epic 1st round series (2009)
When: April 18-May 2, 2009
Where: Boston, Massachusetts and Chicago, Illinois
The Moment: Kevin Garnett, defending NBA Defensive Player of the Year, hurt his knee in the spring of '09. His Boston Celtics, defending NBA champs, were rolling at the time but the KG injury slowed their progress. Boston still finished as the #2 seed in the eastern conference that year and would take on the #7 seed, Chicago Bulls. Had KG been playing, Boston would have been heavy favorites, but with the star out, the series ended up being about as even as one could get. Game 1 was a classic, which the Bulls won in overtime with Derrick Rose playing excellent ball in his postseason debut. Game 2 went to Boston, with all five of their starters scoring at least 16 points. Boston then took game 3 in the biggest blowout of the series, 107-86, but Chicago responded with a thrilling double overtime win in game 4. Game 5 was another overtime contest, but this one went to the Celtics, 106-104. Game 6 is one of the greatest playoff games ever played. Ray Allen went off for 51 points and hit a bevy of clutch jumpers, but Chicago pushed the series to a seventh game in the end with a bonkers 128-127 victory. John Salmons, Joakim Noah and Brad Miller were all unlikely heroes for the Bulls as the three extra sessions in game 6 pushed the series total to seven overtime periods played. Game 7 was a relatively comfortable win for the Celtics, which probably keeps this series from being the greatest ever. In the end the original favorites prevailed, but how we got there was so much fun.
When: April 18-May 2, 2009
Where: Boston, Massachusetts and Chicago, Illinois
The Moment: Kevin Garnett, defending NBA Defensive Player of the Year, hurt his knee in the spring of '09. His Boston Celtics, defending NBA champs, were rolling at the time but the KG injury slowed their progress. Boston still finished as the #2 seed in the eastern conference that year and would take on the #7 seed, Chicago Bulls. Had KG been playing, Boston would have been heavy favorites, but with the star out, the series ended up being about as even as one could get. Game 1 was a classic, which the Bulls won in overtime with Derrick Rose playing excellent ball in his postseason debut. Game 2 went to Boston, with all five of their starters scoring at least 16 points. Boston then took game 3 in the biggest blowout of the series, 107-86, but Chicago responded with a thrilling double overtime win in game 4. Game 5 was another overtime contest, but this one went to the Celtics, 106-104. Game 6 is one of the greatest playoff games ever played. Ray Allen went off for 51 points and hit a bevy of clutch jumpers, but Chicago pushed the series to a seventh game in the end with a bonkers 128-127 victory. John Salmons, Joakim Noah and Brad Miller were all unlikely heroes for the Bulls as the three extra sessions in game 6 pushed the series total to seven overtime periods played. Game 7 was a relatively comfortable win for the Celtics, which probably keeps this series from being the greatest ever. In the end the original favorites prevailed, but how we got there was so much fun.
88. Miracle at Richfield (1976)
When: April 29, 1976
Where: Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
The Moment: In the 1976 eastern conference second round, the #2 seed, Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the #3 seed, Washington Bullets. Despite the Cavs having home court advantage, many thought the star-studded Bullets would win the series. After six tough games the series was tied and was headed back to Richfield, Ohio for game 7. The deciding game was a nip and tuck affair, but the Cavs had the ball with the score tied and only 24 seconds left on the clock. After Jim Cleamons dribbled some of the clock out, Cleveland called a timeout with 9 seconds to go and on the ensuing possession Dick Snyder took matters into his own hands and hit a runner with 4 seconds left. The Bullets failed to convert on the other end after a mad scramble. The fans then rushed the court and the Cavs had a shock playoff series win.
When: April 29, 1976
Where: Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
The Moment: In the 1976 eastern conference second round, the #2 seed, Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the #3 seed, Washington Bullets. Despite the Cavs having home court advantage, many thought the star-studded Bullets would win the series. After six tough games the series was tied and was headed back to Richfield, Ohio for game 7. The deciding game was a nip and tuck affair, but the Cavs had the ball with the score tied and only 24 seconds left on the clock. After Jim Cleamons dribbled some of the clock out, Cleveland called a timeout with 9 seconds to go and on the ensuing possession Dick Snyder took matters into his own hands and hit a runner with 4 seconds left. The Bullets failed to convert on the other end after a mad scramble. The fans then rushed the court and the Cavs had a shock playoff series win.
87. Larry Bird wins game 4 of the Finals (1984)
When: June 6, 1984
Where: The Forum, Inglewood, California
The Moment: The 1984 Finals were an epic showdown between the league's two marquee franchises. The Lakers held a 2-1 lead heading into game 4, and Larry Bird was a man on a mission after calling out his teammates following an embarrassing game 3 loss. The Hick from French Lick backed up his words with a wonderful all around game in which the intensity was ratcheted up to 11 after Kurt Rambis got close-lined by Kevin McHale. The game was tight down the stretch and overtime was needed after Bird's free throws tied it late. The Celtics had the ball in a tie game with 34 seconds left in OT. Bird got loose and hit a tough fall away with 16 seconds to play to give the Celtics a lead they would not relinquish. The Celtics went on to win the title after three more dramatic games in the series. This moment added to Larry Bird's legacy in the season in which he won his first of three straight MVP's.
When: June 6, 1984
Where: The Forum, Inglewood, California
The Moment: The 1984 Finals were an epic showdown between the league's two marquee franchises. The Lakers held a 2-1 lead heading into game 4, and Larry Bird was a man on a mission after calling out his teammates following an embarrassing game 3 loss. The Hick from French Lick backed up his words with a wonderful all around game in which the intensity was ratcheted up to 11 after Kurt Rambis got close-lined by Kevin McHale. The game was tight down the stretch and overtime was needed after Bird's free throws tied it late. The Celtics had the ball in a tie game with 34 seconds left in OT. Bird got loose and hit a tough fall away with 16 seconds to play to give the Celtics a lead they would not relinquish. The Celtics went on to win the title after three more dramatic games in the series. This moment added to Larry Bird's legacy in the season in which he won his first of three straight MVP's.
86. Rockets complete improbable comeback in game 6 vs. Clippers (2015)
When: May 14, 2015
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
The Moment: The 2015 Houston Rockets were powered by a ridiculous season from James Harden and a strong supporting cast led by Dwight Howard. They then met the #3 seed Los Angeles Clippers in the second round of the playoffs. L.A. jumped out to a 3-1 series lead before Houston responded with a home win to stave off elimination. In game 6 the Clippers came out firing and had the game under control, leading by 21 late in the third quarter. The Rockets looked dead but went to a mostly bench unit to try to create some energy. The ploy worked as Houston started to chip into the lead as the third quarter drew to a close. A five-man unit that featured Howard, Jason Terry, Josh Smith, Corey Brewer and Trevor Ariza then led the Rockets all the way back, sealing a 119-107 win, sending the series back to Houston for a game 7. Multiple things made this comeback incredible. First, James Harden wasn't a part of it at all. Second, the Clippers were at home and just couldn't muster any kind of offense when they had to. Third, noted poor shooter, Josh Smith, hit multiple threes during the comeback, briefly morphing into a superstar. This was an absolute collapse from the Clippers and their eventual loss in game 7 almost seemed like a formality. Houston, on the other hand, ended up losing the conference finals to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors.
When: May 14, 2015
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
The Moment: The 2015 Houston Rockets were powered by a ridiculous season from James Harden and a strong supporting cast led by Dwight Howard. They then met the #3 seed Los Angeles Clippers in the second round of the playoffs. L.A. jumped out to a 3-1 series lead before Houston responded with a home win to stave off elimination. In game 6 the Clippers came out firing and had the game under control, leading by 21 late in the third quarter. The Rockets looked dead but went to a mostly bench unit to try to create some energy. The ploy worked as Houston started to chip into the lead as the third quarter drew to a close. A five-man unit that featured Howard, Jason Terry, Josh Smith, Corey Brewer and Trevor Ariza then led the Rockets all the way back, sealing a 119-107 win, sending the series back to Houston for a game 7. Multiple things made this comeback incredible. First, James Harden wasn't a part of it at all. Second, the Clippers were at home and just couldn't muster any kind of offense when they had to. Third, noted poor shooter, Josh Smith, hit multiple threes during the comeback, briefly morphing into a superstar. This was an absolute collapse from the Clippers and their eventual loss in game 7 almost seemed like a formality. Houston, on the other hand, ended up losing the conference finals to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors.
85. Jerry West's steal and layup wins game 3 vs. Celtics (1962)
When: April 10, 1962
Where: Los Angeles Sports Arena
The Moment: Game 3 of the 1962 NBA finals, Lakers vs. Celtics, tie game, Boston ball. Sam Jones tries to inbound the ball to Bob Cousy but Jerry West's quick hands tip the pass away and he races down the floor to collect the ball and lay it up and in at the buzzer for a 117-115 LA victory. This play was one of the rare Finals buzzer beaters and the win put the Lakers up 2-1 in the series. But, as you probably know by now, Boston came back and won the series in seven thrilling games.
When: April 10, 1962
Where: Los Angeles Sports Arena
The Moment: Game 3 of the 1962 NBA finals, Lakers vs. Celtics, tie game, Boston ball. Sam Jones tries to inbound the ball to Bob Cousy but Jerry West's quick hands tip the pass away and he races down the floor to collect the ball and lay it up and in at the buzzer for a 117-115 LA victory. This play was one of the rare Finals buzzer beaters and the win put the Lakers up 2-1 in the series. But, as you probably know by now, Boston came back and won the series in seven thrilling games.
84. Shaq dominates Finals to cap MVP season (2000)
When: 1999-2000 season
Where: Every arena in the league
The Moment: Few men have swept the NBA's MVP awards, only three in fact, and Shaquille O'Neal was perhaps the most dominant among them. Shaq's '00 season is one for the ages, as the big man easily took home the regular season MVP then split the All-Star Game MVP with Tim Duncan. In '00 Shaq led the league in scoring, field goal percentage, win shares, win shares per 48, box score +/- and VORP. All that was left was a title for the big fella and after a dramatic playoff run, he got it. The Portland Trail Blazers pushed the Lakers to seven games in the conference finals but Shaq's alley-oop from Kobe Bryant sealed a comeback win in the decider. The Indiana Pacers were no match for Shaq in the Finals as he averaged better than 38 points and 16 rebounds over the six games, winning Finals MVP as the capper to an all-time great season.
When: 1999-2000 season
Where: Every arena in the league
The Moment: Few men have swept the NBA's MVP awards, only three in fact, and Shaquille O'Neal was perhaps the most dominant among them. Shaq's '00 season is one for the ages, as the big man easily took home the regular season MVP then split the All-Star Game MVP with Tim Duncan. In '00 Shaq led the league in scoring, field goal percentage, win shares, win shares per 48, box score +/- and VORP. All that was left was a title for the big fella and after a dramatic playoff run, he got it. The Portland Trail Blazers pushed the Lakers to seven games in the conference finals but Shaq's alley-oop from Kobe Bryant sealed a comeback win in the decider. The Indiana Pacers were no match for Shaq in the Finals as he averaged better than 38 points and 16 rebounds over the six games, winning Finals MVP as the capper to an all-time great season.
83. Bob Dandridge hits the game winner in game 7 vs. Spurs (1979)
When: May 18, 1979
Where: Capital Centre, Washington, D.C.
The Moment: The San Antonio Spurs merged into the NBA in 1976 and were a successful team from the get-go. In those days they played in the eastern conference and in 1979 they took a 3-1 lead on the defending NBA champs, the Washington Bullets. The Spurs were one game away from the franchise's first Finals appearance, but the Bullets had other plans. Washington won game 5 by four points and game 6 by eight points to set up a game 7 back on their home floor. Late in the game, the Bullets had the ball with the score tied at 105. Washington got the ball to Bob Dandridge, who drove to the right baseline, pulled up and hit a tough jumper from the short corner with seven seconds left. Dandridge and George Gervin had been excellent all night, with Dandridge scoring 37 for Washington and Gervin netting 42 for S.A. It was Elvin Hayes, however, who blocked the Spurs' final attempt as the Bullets completed their comeback from down 3-1 to make their second straight NBA Finals.
When: May 18, 1979
Where: Capital Centre, Washington, D.C.
The Moment: The San Antonio Spurs merged into the NBA in 1976 and were a successful team from the get-go. In those days they played in the eastern conference and in 1979 they took a 3-1 lead on the defending NBA champs, the Washington Bullets. The Spurs were one game away from the franchise's first Finals appearance, but the Bullets had other plans. Washington won game 5 by four points and game 6 by eight points to set up a game 7 back on their home floor. Late in the game, the Bullets had the ball with the score tied at 105. Washington got the ball to Bob Dandridge, who drove to the right baseline, pulled up and hit a tough jumper from the short corner with seven seconds left. Dandridge and George Gervin had been excellent all night, with Dandridge scoring 37 for Washington and Gervin netting 42 for S.A. It was Elvin Hayes, however, who blocked the Spurs' final attempt as the Bullets completed their comeback from down 3-1 to make their second straight NBA Finals.
82. Larry Bird's magnificent play in game 6 lifts Boston to title (1986)
When: June 8, 1986
Where: Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
The Moment: The 1986 Boston Celtics are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams of all-time. They bullied people down low and passed the ball beautifully. Their leader was Larry Bird, who took home his third straight MVP that season. The Houston Rockets upset the Los Angeles Lakers in the western conference finals to deprive neutral fans of a third straight Lakers vs. Celtics Finals matchup. Houston held their own though, forcing a game 6 in Boston. However, Bird would not be denied and his all-around brilliance took the hearts of the Rockets players and had the Boston Garden crowd in a frenzy. Larry Legend's numbers that night weren't overly spectacular but both he and legendary scribe, Bob Ryan, call it the best game of his career. This was a top 10 player in the history of the league at the top of his game.
When: June 8, 1986
Where: Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
The Moment: The 1986 Boston Celtics are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams of all-time. They bullied people down low and passed the ball beautifully. Their leader was Larry Bird, who took home his third straight MVP that season. The Houston Rockets upset the Los Angeles Lakers in the western conference finals to deprive neutral fans of a third straight Lakers vs. Celtics Finals matchup. Houston held their own though, forcing a game 6 in Boston. However, Bird would not be denied and his all-around brilliance took the hearts of the Rockets players and had the Boston Garden crowd in a frenzy. Larry Legend's numbers that night weren't overly spectacular but both he and legendary scribe, Bob Ryan, call it the best game of his career. This was a top 10 player in the history of the league at the top of his game.
81. Dr. J's baseline scoop (1980)
When: May 11, 1980
Where: The Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Moment: It is a move any NBA fan has seen plenty of times. It is shown on highlight clips before Finals games and in YouTube mixtapes. Yes, it is a reverse layup that gave Julius Erving two of his 23 points on the night, but what lands it on this list is the elegance and grace that it took to pull off. Only Dr. J could've made this play famous as he drove baseline and rose up, with the ball looking like a peach in his hand, and finished on the other side of the rim. Words don't really do the play justice so just watch the video below on repeat and marvel.
When: May 11, 1980
Where: The Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Moment: It is a move any NBA fan has seen plenty of times. It is shown on highlight clips before Finals games and in YouTube mixtapes. Yes, it is a reverse layup that gave Julius Erving two of his 23 points on the night, but what lands it on this list is the elegance and grace that it took to pull off. Only Dr. J could've made this play famous as he drove baseline and rose up, with the ball looking like a peach in his hand, and finished on the other side of the rim. Words don't really do the play justice so just watch the video below on repeat and marvel.
