Over the course of the postseason, I have compiled lists of the 25 greatest moments in each round of the playoffs(First, Second, and Conference Finals).
Well now I up the ante with the 50 Greatest Moments in NBA Finals history.
I hope you enjoy.
50. 2010-Lakers Comeback in Game 7 Against Celtics
The Lakers come back from a 13-point deficit in the third quarter of Game 7 to defeat the Boston Celtics 83-79, thanks to 10 points by Kobe Bryant in the 4th quarter and his go-ahead free throws with 5:56 to go to give the Lakers their 16th NBA championship and avenge their 2008 Finals loss to the Celtics.
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| Kobe Bryant celebrates with the Lakers home crowd after winning his 5th NBA championship. |
49. 1947-Jumpin Joe Jumpstarts The Finals
In the very first game in NBA Finals history, Joe Fulks put on a show that the Associated Press described as “the greatest shooting exhibition ever seen on the arena floor” as he scored 29 points in the second half, 21 in the 4th quarter alone, as he finished with 37 points to lead the Philadelphia Warriors to a 84-71 win over the Chicago Stags as the Warriors would go on to became the first ever NBA champion as they defeated the Stags in five games.
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| Joe Fulks' 21 4th quarter points come on 8-of-9 shooting from the field and 5-of-5 from the free throw line. |
The first known buzzer beater to win a NBA Finals game is a memorable one as Bob “Tiger” Harrison” drained a 40-footer at the horn to give the Minneapolis Lakers a 68-66 win over the Syracuse Nationals(now Philadelphia 76ers) in Game 1.
The Lakers would go on to win the series in six games for their second straight NBA title.
47. 1962-West’s Steal and Layup
“Mr. Clutch” Jerry West lives up to his nickname when steals an inbounds pass from Celtics guard Sam Jones with four seconds left in Game 3, then runs down court for a layup that goes in as time expires, giving Los Angeles a 117-115 win and a 2-1 series lead.
46. 1969-Picket Fence
Down 88-87 with seven seconds left in Game 4 and staring at a possible 3-1 series deficit against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics run their version of the famous “picket fence” play that would be depicted in the 1986 movie Hoosiers as John Havlicek, Don Nelson, and Bailey Howell all set up picks for Sam Jones to loft up a 18-footer that bounced off the rim several times before going through the net as time expired to give Boston a 89-88 win which evened the series at 2-2.
45. 1993-Suns Win Triple Overtime Thriller
Seventeen years after playing in the first triple overtime game in NBA Finals history, Suns head coach Paul Westphal was on the bench coaching Phoenix in the second triple overtime game in NBA history.
Unlike the first one in which his Suns lost, Westphal comes out the victor as Phoenix goes on a 9-0 run in the third overtime to earn a 129-121 win over the Chicago Bulls to trim the Bulls’ series lead to 2-1.
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| Paul Westphal is surrounded by Oliver Miller, who is being hugged by Richard Dumas, after the Suns won the second triple overtime game in NBA Finals history. |
44. 1984-Henderson’s Steal
It seemed like the Los Angeles Lakers were poised to take a 2-0 series lead over the Boston Celtics after Celtics forward missed two potential game-tying free throws with 18 seconds to go and Boston trailing 113-111.But on the Lakers’ ensuing possession, Celtics guard Gerald Henderson stole a pass from James Worthy, and then laid in for the game-tying basket with 13 seconds left.
The Lakers had a chance to win the game in regulation but failed to get a shot off, sending the game into overtime where Scott Wedman hit what turned out to be the game-winning basket with 14 seconds left to give Boston a 124-121 win to even the series at 1-1.
43. 2001-A.I. Shocks L.A.
The Lakers entered the 2001 NBA Finals on a roll as they entered the Finals with a 19-game winning streak and were 11-0 in the postseason, sparking talks of the Lakers going through the postseason undefeated.
But 76ers guard and 2001 MVP Allen Iverson scored 48 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:13 left in overtime to lead the Sixers to a 107-101 stunner in Game 1.
However, the Lakers would go on to win the next four games to win the series and grab their second straight title.
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| Allen Iverson steps over Tyrunn Lue after the scoring the last two of his 48 points in the 76ers' Game 1 upset of the Lakers. |
42. 2018-JR Dribbles Out The Clock
With the game tied at 107 and 4.7 seconds left in regulation of Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, Cavaliers guard George Hill misses the potential go-ahead free throw, only to have his teammate, J.R. Smith, make the offensive rebound.
Smith pulls it out to beyond the three-point line and takes a few dribbles before passing it to Hill as time expire, denying a chance for the Cavs to win the game in regulation and sending the game into overtime.
Cleveland never recovers as it outscored 17-7 in overtime to lose the opening game 124-114 as the Cavs are swept by the Warriors, earning Golden State its second straight title and third in four years.
41. 2000-Birth of the Black Mamba
With the game tied at 107 and 4.7 seconds left in regulation of Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, Cavaliers guard George Hill misses the potential go-ahead free throw, only to have his teammate, J.R. Smith, make the offensive rebound.
Smith pulls it out to beyond the three-point line and takes a few dribbles before passing it to Hill as time expire, denying a chance for the Cavs to win the game in regulation and sending the game into overtime.
Cleveland never recovers as it outscored 17-7 in overtime to lose the opening game 124-114 as the Cavs are swept by the Warriors, earning Golden State its second straight title and third in four years.
41. 2000-Birth of the Black Mamba
As Shaq went to the bench, 21-year-old guard Kobe Bryant told him “Don’t worry about it. I got it.”
The “Black Mamba” would then go on to hit two clutch jumpers and then rebounded a missed Brian Shaw shot and put back it in for another basket to help LA win the game 120-118 to take a 3-1 series lead and help the Lakers win the series in six games to clinch LA its first NBA title in 12 years.
40. 2011-Dirk and Dallas Dig Deep
After Dwyane Wade drained a 3-pointer to up Miami’s lead to 88-73 with 7:15 to play in Game 2 and the Heat already a 1-0 series lead, it seemed that the Heat were on their way to a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks.
But the Mavs caught fire as they went on a 20-2 run to take a 93-90 lead after a Dirk Nowitzki 3-pointer with 26.7 seconds left, only to have Mario Chalmers tie the game with a 3-pointer of his own just 2.2 seconds later.
However, Dirk and the Mavs were not to be denied as Nowitzki made the game-winning basket with a driving layup with 3.6 seconds left to give Dallas a shocking 95-93 win to tie the series 1-1.
Dallas would go on to win three of the next four games to win their first NBA championship and get revenge on Miami for what happened in 2006...
After Dwyane Wade drained a 3-pointer to up Miami’s lead to 88-73 with 7:15 to play in Game 2 and the Heat already a 1-0 series lead, it seemed that the Heat were on their way to a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks.
But the Mavs caught fire as they went on a 20-2 run to take a 93-90 lead after a Dirk Nowitzki 3-pointer with 26.7 seconds left, only to have Mario Chalmers tie the game with a 3-pointer of his own just 2.2 seconds later.
However, Dirk and the Mavs were not to be denied as Nowitzki made the game-winning basket with a driving layup with 3.6 seconds left to give Dallas a shocking 95-93 win to tie the series 1-1.
Dallas would go on to win three of the next four games to win their first NBA championship and get revenge on Miami for what happened in 2006...
39. 2006-Miami Turns Up The Heat
The Dallas Mavericks held a 2-0 series lead over the Miami Heat and were poised to make a 3-0 series lead as they led Game 3 by 13 points, 89-76, with six and a half minutes left to go.
But led by Dwyane Wade, the Heat would outscore the Mavs 22-7 over the last 6:34 of the game with Wade scoring 12 of Miami’s 22 points, but it was Gary Payton who would hit the go-ahead basket, a 21-footer with 9.3 seconds left, to give Miami a 98-96 win.
The comeback turned the series around as the Heat would win the next three games to win their first ever NBA championship.
The Dallas Mavericks held a 2-0 series lead over the Miami Heat and were poised to make a 3-0 series lead as they led Game 3 by 13 points, 89-76, with six and a half minutes left to go.
But led by Dwyane Wade, the Heat would outscore the Mavs 22-7 over the last 6:34 of the game with Wade scoring 12 of Miami’s 22 points, but it was Gary Payton who would hit the go-ahead basket, a 21-footer with 9.3 seconds left, to give Miami a 98-96 win.
The comeback turned the series around as the Heat would win the next three games to win their first ever NBA championship.
38. 1992-Bulls Bench Lead Comeback To Back-to-Back
The Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls seemed poised for a Game 7 at Chicago Stadium as the Blazers led Game 6 by the score of 79-64 as the 4th quarter began.Bulls head coach put in four reserves(B.J. Armstrong, Bobby Hansen, Stacey King, Scott Williams) to play along with Scottie Pippen as the final 12 minutes began in hopes of sparking a Chicago comeback.
It did as the Bulls went on a 14-2 run to cut the lead to three points, 81-78 with 8:38 left, when Jordan re-entered the game and scored 12 of the Bulls’ last 19 points to give Chicago a 97-93 win and clinch their second straight championship.
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| Michael Jordan celebrates with the rest of the Chicago Bulls after winning the second of their six NBA titles during the 1990s. |
Lakers forward James Worthy records a triple double as he scores 36 points, grabs 16 rebounds, and dishes out 10 assists to lead LA to a 108-105 win in Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons to make the Lakers the first team in nearly two decades to win back-to-back championships.
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| James Worthy lived up to his nickname "Big Game James" as he recorded a triple double in the Lakers' Game 7 win against the Pistons. 36. 2021-Giannis The Great Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo leads Milwaukee to its first NBA championship in 50 years as "The Greek Freak" becomes the seventh player to ever score 50 points in a NBA Finals game as he pours in exactly 50 points to go along with 14 rebounds and five blocked shots in the Bucks' 105-98 win in Game 6, becoming the fifth team in NBA Finals history to come back from a 0-2 series deficit and win the NBA title. |
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| Giannis Antetokounmpo become only the second player in NBA Finals history to score 50 points in a closeout game. |
35. 2004-Pistons Pound Lakers Most experts predicted a short series between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers as the Lakers featured four future Hall-of-Famers in Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton, and Karl Malone.
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| The Detroit Pistons starting five(from left to right):Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace, and Rasheed Wallace |
Late in Game 4 of a loss to the Washington Capitals, Minneapolis Lakers center George Mikan broke his right wrist.
Playing with a huge cast on his hand, Mikan scored 22 points in a Game 5 loss, then scored 29 in Game 6 which the Lakers won 77-56 to clinch the first of five NBA titles in six years.
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Minnesota senator Hubert Humphrey signs George Mikan's cast. |
With the game tied at 91 in Game 7 between the Syracuse Nationals and Fort Wayne Pistons, Nationals point guard George King is fouled by Pistons guard Frank Brian, sending King to the free throw line for two shots with 12 seconds to go.
King, a 61% free throw shooter, misses the first one, but makes the second free throw to give the Nats a one-point lead.
The Pistons had one last chance to win the game and the championship but King steals the ball from Andy Phillip with three seconds left and dribbles out the clock to give the Nats a 92-91 win and their only NBA title in Syracuse before moving to Philadelphia and becoming the 76ers.
32. 1990-The Microwave Warms Up Another Title For The Bad Boys
Known as “The Microwave” for being able to score in bursts and heating up his team’s offense, Vinnie Johnson leads the Pistons to their second straight championship as he scores nine straight points to give Detroit a 77-76 lead with 6:35 left in the 4th quarter of Game 5 against the Portland Trail Blazers, then hits the game-winning shot a 15-footer with 0.07 seconds left that gives the Pistons a 92-90 win as they score the last nine points of the game, seven of them by Johnson.
31. 1966-One Last Cigar
Following his team’s overtime loss in Game 1, Celtics head coach Red Auerbach announces that he will retire after the series and that center Bill Russell will take over as player-coach for the following season.
The Celtics would go on to win the next three games, but drop Games 5 and 6 to force a Game 7 back at the Boston Garden where Russell scores 25 points and grabs 32 rebounds to lead Boston to its eighth straight championship with a 95-93 win to send Auerbach out as a champion.
Following his team’s overtime loss in Game 1, Celtics head coach Red Auerbach announces that he will retire after the series and that center Bill Russell will take over as player-coach for the following season.
The Celtics would go on to win the next three games, but drop Games 5 and 6 to force a Game 7 back at the Boston Garden where Russell scores 25 points and grabs 32 rebounds to lead Boston to its eighth straight championship with a 95-93 win to send Auerbach out as a champion.
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| Bill Russell and Red Auerbach got to celebrate one last championship together in 1966. |
Leading in the series 3-2 and needing just one more win to clinch their first NBA title since 1973, the Knicks’ John Starks caught fire in the 4th quarter as he scored 16 points to lead New York on a furious comeback to bring them to within a basket at 86-84 with two seconds to play and a chance to win the championship.
Starks got the inbounds pass from Charles Oakley lofted up a potential game and championship winning 3-pointer only to have Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon come out of nowhere and block the shot to preserve the Houston victory, forcing a Game 7 which the Rockets would win 90-84 to capture their first NBA title.
29. 1975-Warriors Shock The World
In what is regarded as the greatest upset in NBA Finals history, the 48-34 Golden State Warriors defeat the 60-22 Washington Bullets(now Wizards) in a four-game sweep with Golden State winning all four games by a combined total of just 16 points.
In what is regarded as the greatest upset in NBA Finals history, the 48-34 Golden State Warriors defeat the 60-22 Washington Bullets(now Wizards) in a four-game sweep with Golden State winning all four games by a combined total of just 16 points.
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| The Warriors' Rick Barry(24) averaged 29.5 points per game and was chosen as the MVP of the Finals. |
28. 1985-Lakers End Celtics Curse
After seven losses to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, including an excruciating seven-game loss the year before, the Los Angeles Lakers finally win a NBA Finals against the Celtics as center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scores 29 points, 18 in the second half, to lead Los Angeles to a 111-100 clinching victory in Game 6 in of all places, the Boston Garden.
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| The Los Angeles Lakers surround owner Jerry Buss after winning the 1985 NBA championship in the Boston Garden. |
26. 2005-Big Shot Bob Does It Again
No matter what team he played for, Robert Horry was known for his clutch shooting in the playoffs earning him the nickname “Big Shot Bob”.
This time however, Horry did more than hit a clutch shot, as he was took over Game 5 with 21 points, all in the second half, starting with a 3-pointer with one second left in the third quarter, then 15 of the Spurs’ 25 points in the 4th quarter, and finally five more in overtime, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 5.8 seconds left to give San Antonio a 96-95 win over the Detroit Pistons and give the Spurs a 3-2 series lead.
Horry and the Spurs would go on to win the series in seven games for San Antonio's third title in seven years and Horry's sixth title with his third different team(2-Houston, 3-Los Angeles, 1-San Antonio).
25. 1977-Blazermania
The Philadelphia 76ers were expected to roll past the Portland Trail Blazers in the ‘77 Finals and it looked like that was going to happen as the Sixers won the first two games in Philly to take a 2-0 series lead.
But the Blazers won the next two games easily in Portland, then stun the Sixers with a Game 5 win in Philadelphia, giving them a chance to win the championship in Game 6 in Portland.
Led by Bill Walton’s 20 points, 23 rebounds, seven assists, and eight blocked shots, Portland knock off the Sixers 109-107 to clinch their first and so far only NBA championship in just their seventh year of existence.
The Philadelphia 76ers were expected to roll past the Portland Trail Blazers in the ‘77 Finals and it looked like that was going to happen as the Sixers won the first two games in Philly to take a 2-0 series lead.
But the Blazers won the next two games easily in Portland, then stun the Sixers with a Game 5 win in Philadelphia, giving them a chance to win the championship in Game 6 in Portland.
Led by Bill Walton’s 20 points, 23 rebounds, seven assists, and eight blocked shots, Portland knock off the Sixers 109-107 to clinch their first and so far only NBA championship in just their seventh year of existence.
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| The Sports Illustrated cover after the Portland Trail Blazers knocked off the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1977 NBA Finals. |
With the game tied at 86 and 28 seconds to go, the Chicago Bulls had the ball and a chance to clinch their fifth NBA title in seven years.
The Utah Jazz, the fans at the United Center, and viewers around the world expected Michael Jordan to take the last shot, as he had done earlier in the series for a Game 1 Chicago victory.
Jordan did get the ball but when he drew a double team he passed it off to Steve Kerr, who drained a 17-foot jumper to give the Bulls a 88-86 lead with five seconds to go.
The Jazz got a chance to tie or win the game but Scottie Pippen stole the inbounds pass from Byron Russell and was able to get it to Toni Kukoc who dunked it in for the game-clinching basket as the Bulls won 90-86 to secure to their fifth championship.
Kerr’s game-winner was reminiscent of another Bulls sharpshooter’ championship winning shot...
23. 1993-Paxson’s Three-Peat Three Pointer
It appeared that the Phoenix Suns were on the verge of forcing a Game 7 as they come back from 87-79 deficit at the start of the 4th quarter of Game 6 to grab a 98-94 lead over the Chicago Bulls, who had three 24-shot clock violations in the quarter and the only player to score being Michael Jordan.
But after Jordan made a layup with 38.1 seconds to go to trim the lead to 98-96 and the Suns had a 24-shot clock violation on their next possession, the Bulls had a chance to clinch their third straight championship as they had the ball with 14.1 seconds left.
That is when the Bulls took the ball down the length of the court until it landed in the hands of forward Horace Grant, who was in point blank range for the game-tying basket, only for Grant to fire a pass to a wide open John Paxson, who buried a 3-pointer to give Chicago a 99-98 lead with 3.9 seconds to go.
The Suns had one last chance to win the game but Kevin Johnson’s attempt at a last-second basket was blocked by Grant, preserving the Bulls’ victory and their place in history as only the third team in NBA history to win at least three titles in succession.
But after Jordan made a layup with 38.1 seconds to go to trim the lead to 98-96 and the Suns had a 24-shot clock violation on their next possession, the Bulls had a chance to clinch their third straight championship as they had the ball with 14.1 seconds left.
That is when the Bulls took the ball down the length of the court until it landed in the hands of forward Horace Grant, who was in point blank range for the game-tying basket, only for Grant to fire a pass to a wide open John Paxson, who buried a 3-pointer to give Chicago a 99-98 lead with 3.9 seconds to go.
The Suns had one last chance to win the game but Kevin Johnson’s attempt at a last-second basket was blocked by Grant, preserving the Bulls’ victory and their place in history as only the third team in NBA history to win at least three titles in succession.
22. 1981-Bird’s Mid-Air Switch
Down 87-84 in the 4th quarter of Game 1 against the Houston Rockets, Celtics forward Larry Bird fires up a 18-footer that he immediately knows is not going to be good.
Down 87-84 in the 4th quarter of Game 1 against the Houston Rockets, Celtics forward Larry Bird fires up a 18-footer that he immediately knows is not going to be good.
So, Bird starts running toward the basket and grabs the rebound with his right hand, then switches the ball to his left hand, to fire up a shot that goes off the backboard and into the basket, all while in midair.
The amazing play sparks the Celtics to a 98-95 win as Boston would win the series in six games for the first of three championships during the Larry Bird era.
The amazing play sparks the Celtics to a 98-95 win as Boston would win the series in six games for the first of three championships during the Larry Bird era.
Following an embarrassing 137-104 loss to the Lakers in Game 3, Celtics star Larry Bird said his team played like a bunch of sissies.
Angered by Bird’s comments, the Celtics ratcheted up the physical play on the Lakers with the most memorable moment coming in the third quarter when Celtics forward Kevin McHale clotheslined Lakers forward Kurt Rambis, who appeared to be on his way to an easy layup.
The play seemed to be the turning point of the series as the Celtics would overcome a five point deficit in the final minute of regulation to force overtime where they would go on to win the game 129-125 and even the series at 2-2, then go on to win the series in seven games.
20. 1974-Kareem “Skyhooks” Havlicek’s Heroics
The Celtics’ John Havlicek almost single handedly leads Boston to a Game 6 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks as he hits the game-tying basket with one minute left in regulation to send the game into overtime, then forces the game into a second overtime on another game-tying basket, and finally scores nine of Boston’s 11 points in the second overtime, the last two coming on a baseline rainbow shot over center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with seven seconds left to give the Celtics a 101-100 lead.
But Kareem would strike back as he drained a 17-foot “Skyhook” from the right baseline that swished through the basket with two seconds left to give Milwaukee a 102-101 win to force a Game 7 back in Milwaukee.
However, the Celtics would defeat the Bucks 102-87 in Game 7 for the team’s 12th ever NBA title.
The Celtics’ John Havlicek almost single handedly leads Boston to a Game 6 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks as he hits the game-tying basket with one minute left in regulation to send the game into overtime, then forces the game into a second overtime on another game-tying basket, and finally scores nine of Boston’s 11 points in the second overtime, the last two coming on a baseline rainbow shot over center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with seven seconds left to give the Celtics a 101-100 lead.
But Kareem would strike back as he drained a 17-foot “Skyhook” from the right baseline that swished through the basket with two seconds left to give Milwaukee a 102-101 win to force a Game 7 back in Milwaukee.
However, the Celtics would defeat the Bucks 102-87 in Game 7 for the team’s 12th ever NBA title.
19. 2008-Greatest Comeback in Finals History
The Lakers were poised to even their series with the Boston Celtics as they jumped out to a 35-14 lead after the first quarter of Game 4.
The lead grew to 24 points midway through the second quarter, 45-21, until Boston outscored LA 19-8 to enter the halftime break down by 18 points.
The lead was still 18 midway through the third quarter until the Celtics went on a 21-3 run to end the quarter and cut the deficit to just two points, 73-71 as the game entered the fourth quarter where with 4:07 left, Boston would take its first lead of the game on a Eddie House 3-pointer to give the Celtics a 84-83 lead.
The Celtics would never relinquish the lead as they went on to win the game 97-91 to pull off the greatest comeback in a NBA Finals game and take a 3-1 series lead as Boston would go on to win the series in six games for the team’s first championship in 22 years.
The Lakers were poised to even their series with the Boston Celtics as they jumped out to a 35-14 lead after the first quarter of Game 4.
The lead grew to 24 points midway through the second quarter, 45-21, until Boston outscored LA 19-8 to enter the halftime break down by 18 points.
The lead was still 18 midway through the third quarter until the Celtics went on a 21-3 run to end the quarter and cut the deficit to just two points, 73-71 as the game entered the fourth quarter where with 4:07 left, Boston would take its first lead of the game on a Eddie House 3-pointer to give the Celtics a 84-83 lead.
The Celtics would never relinquish the lead as they went on to win the game 97-91 to pull off the greatest comeback in a NBA Finals game and take a 3-1 series lead as Boston would go on to win the series in six games for the team’s first championship in 22 years.
18. 1992-The Shrug
Michael Jordan was not known as one all-time great 3-point shooter, but in the first half of Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Bulls guard caught fire from as he drained a then-record six 3-pointers on his way to 35 1st half points, the most points by a player in a single half during a NBA Finals game.
After draining his sixth 3-pointer, Jordan famously shrugged his shoulders as if it to say even he couldn’t believe he was doing this.
Jordan would only score four points in the second half to finish the game with 39, but it was easily enough as the Chicago blew out Portland 122-89 on their way to a six-game series win and their second straight title.
Michael Jordan was not known as one all-time great 3-point shooter, but in the first half of Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Bulls guard caught fire from as he drained a then-record six 3-pointers on his way to 35 1st half points, the most points by a player in a single half during a NBA Finals game.
After draining his sixth 3-pointer, Jordan famously shrugged his shoulders as if it to say even he couldn’t believe he was doing this.
Jordan would only score four points in the second half to finish the game with 39, but it was easily enough as the Chicago blew out Portland 122-89 on their way to a six-game series win and their second straight title.
17. 1958-Petitt’s Revenge
One year after suffering a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics in the Finals, the St. Louis Hawks get their revenge, thanks to their star, Bob Pettit.
In Game 6 with the Hawks holding a 3-2 series lead and a chance to clinch the NBA title, Pettit went wild as he scored a then-record 50 points, including 19 of the Hawks’ last 21 points to lead St. Louis to a 110-109 victory and earn the Hawks their first and thus far only NBA championship.
One year after suffering a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics in the Finals, the St. Louis Hawks get their revenge, thanks to their star, Bob Pettit.
In Game 6 with the Hawks holding a 3-2 series lead and a chance to clinch the NBA title, Pettit went wild as he scored a then-record 50 points, including 19 of the Hawks’ last 21 points to lead St. Louis to a 110-109 victory and earn the Hawks their first and thus far only NBA championship.
16. 1962-Baylor Blasts Off On Boston
Lakers forward Elgin Baylor puts together a record-setting performance as he scores 61 points, the most points scored by one player in a NBA Finals game and the most in a NBA playoff game until Michael Jordan's 63 points in 1986, and grabs 22 rebounds as he leads Los Angeles to a 126-121 in Game 5 of the Lakers’ series against the Boston Celtics to take a 3-2 series lead.
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| Elgin Baylor was 22-of-46 from the field and 17-of-19 from the free throw line in his historic 61-point performance. |
Celtics center Bill Russell scored 30 points and grabs a NBA Finals record 40 rebounds in the Celtics’ 110-107 Game 7 overtime win over the Lakers to give Boston its fourth straight title and fifth in six years.
But the Celtics have to dodge a bullet in the final seconds of regulation as the Lakers’ Frank Selvy is wide open for a 12-footer out on the left baseline that if good would have given the Lakers the championship.
But the ball hits the rim and is no good, allowing for the Celtics to prevail in overtime.
14. 1991 Game 2-Jordan’s Spectacular Move
As the Bulls blew out the Lakers 107-86 in Game 2 to tie the series, Michael Jordan made 13 straight baskets, the last one being a highlight for the ages.
Jordan took a pass at the free throw line and proceed to drive toward the basket intending to dunk the ball with his right hand, only to have the Lakers’ Sam Perkins came into the lane and try to block the ball.
So, Jordan switched the ball from his right hand to his left hand and put up a layup that banked off the backboard and into the basket for an incredible two points that became the signature play of the Bulls’ five-game series win over the Lakers and the beginning of their dynasty in which they won six titles in eight years.
As the Bulls blew out the Lakers 107-86 in Game 2 to tie the series, Michael Jordan made 13 straight baskets, the last one being a highlight for the ages.
Jordan took a pass at the free throw line and proceed to drive toward the basket intending to dunk the ball with his right hand, only to have the Lakers’ Sam Perkins came into the lane and try to block the ball.
So, Jordan switched the ball from his right hand to his left hand and put up a layup that banked off the backboard and into the basket for an incredible two points that became the signature play of the Bulls’ five-game series win over the Lakers and the beginning of their dynasty in which they won six titles in eight years.
13. 1980-Dr.J’s Baseline Move
Leading 89-84 in the 4th quarter of Game 4, 76ers forward Julius Erving takes a pass from Bobby Jones on the right baseline, and starts to go toward the basket where he is met by the Lakers’ Mark Landsberger and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Only in the air, Erving contorts his body to go under the backboard with the ball in his right hand and lofts up a reverse layup that bounced off the backboard and into the net for an amazing basket as the Sixers went on to win 105-102 to tie the series at 2-2.
The play became known as the “Baseline Move” and has became one of the most shown plays in NBA history.
Leading 89-84 in the 4th quarter of Game 4, 76ers forward Julius Erving takes a pass from Bobby Jones on the right baseline, and starts to go toward the basket where he is met by the Lakers’ Mark Landsberger and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Only in the air, Erving contorts his body to go under the backboard with the ball in his right hand and lofts up a reverse layup that bounced off the backboard and into the net for an amazing basket as the Sixers went on to win 105-102 to tie the series at 2-2.
The play became known as the “Baseline Move” and has became one of the most shown plays in NBA history.
12. 1957 Game 7-Beginning of a Dynasty
The Boston Celtics begin their run of 11 titles in 13 years with a dramatic 125-123 double overtime Game 7 victory against the St. Louis Hawks.
Rookies Bill Russell and Tommy Heinsohn lead the way for the Celtics as Russell grabs 32 rebounds to go along with his 19 points while Heinsohn scores a game-high 37 points but it isn’t until Hawks forward Bob Pettit's last-second shot rolled off the rim at the end of the second overtime did Boston have its first NBA title.
11. 1970-Mr. Clutch’s Halfcourt Buzzer Beater
It seemed like the Knicks had just won Game 3 after Dave DeBusschere made a jumper from around the free throw line to give New York a 102-100 lead with just three seconds remaining.
With no timeouts, the Lakers inbounded the ball to Jerry West, who threw up a desperation shot from 60 feet out that went in the basket as time expired.
However, the 3-point line did not exist in the NBA at that time, so it was only a two-point basket, tying the game at 102 and forcing overtime where the Knicks prevailed 111-108 to take a 2-1 series lead.
It seemed like the Knicks had just won Game 3 after Dave DeBusschere made a jumper from around the free throw line to give New York a 102-100 lead with just three seconds remaining.
With no timeouts, the Lakers inbounded the ball to Jerry West, who threw up a desperation shot from 60 feet out that went in the basket as time expired.
However, the 3-point line did not exist in the NBA at that time, so it was only a two-point basket, tying the game at 102 and forcing overtime where the Knicks prevailed 111-108 to take a 2-1 series lead.
10. 1969-Celtics Cancel Lakers Celebration
Before their Game 7 with Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, the Boston Celtics learn that Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke had hung thousands of balloons in the rafters of the Forum and that there were flyers on every arena seat that said “"When, not if, the Lakers win the title, balloons will be released from the rafters, the USC marching band will play "Happy Days Are Here Again" and broadcaster Chick Hearn will interview Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain in that order.
During warm ups, Celtics center and head coach Bill Russell told Lakers star Jerry West “Those freaking balloons are staying up there”(he did not say freaking, it was something that me deemed inappropriate for this blog).
Motivated by the Lakers’ planned out celebration, the Celtics dominate most of the game as they jump out to a 24-12 first quarter lead, which grows to 17 early in the 4th.
But the Lakers put together a furious rally that cuts the lead to one point at 103-102 with 1:33 to go when John Havlicek had the ball knocked loose by the Lakers’ Keith Erickson, only to have Don Nelson pick it up and fire up a shot from the free throw line as the 24-second shot clock expired, that bounced off the back rim and bounced high in the air before going back down through the hoop to make it a 105-102 Boston lead.
The Lakers never recovered as they lost 108-106, giving the Celtics their 11th title in 13 years in the final game of Russell’s legendary career.
(If you wanna see the Nelson shot, jump to around the 2:45 mark)
Before their Game 7 with Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, the Boston Celtics learn that Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke had hung thousands of balloons in the rafters of the Forum and that there were flyers on every arena seat that said “"When, not if, the Lakers win the title, balloons will be released from the rafters, the USC marching band will play "Happy Days Are Here Again" and broadcaster Chick Hearn will interview Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain in that order.
During warm ups, Celtics center and head coach Bill Russell told Lakers star Jerry West “Those freaking balloons are staying up there”(he did not say freaking, it was something that me deemed inappropriate for this blog).
Motivated by the Lakers’ planned out celebration, the Celtics dominate most of the game as they jump out to a 24-12 first quarter lead, which grows to 17 early in the 4th.
But the Lakers put together a furious rally that cuts the lead to one point at 103-102 with 1:33 to go when John Havlicek had the ball knocked loose by the Lakers’ Keith Erickson, only to have Don Nelson pick it up and fire up a shot from the free throw line as the 24-second shot clock expired, that bounced off the back rim and bounced high in the air before going back down through the hoop to make it a 105-102 Boston lead.
The Lakers never recovered as they lost 108-106, giving the Celtics their 11th title in 13 years in the final game of Russell’s legendary career.
(If you wanna see the Nelson shot, jump to around the 2:45 mark)
9. 1988-Isiah's Record Breaking Quarter on One Leg
With a chance to clinch the NBA title in Game 6, Pistons guard Isiah Thomas catches fire in the third quarter as he scores 14 points in a row only to sprain his right ankle after a pass to teammate Joe Dumars on a fast break.
After a brief stint on the bench, Thomas came back into the game and scored 11 more points before the quarter came to a close to set the record for most points in a quarter during a Finals game with 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting(including one 3-pointer) and 2-of-2 from the free throw line.
However, Thomas’ heroic effort was all for naught as the Lakers overcome a three-point deficit in the final minute to pull out a 103-102 win and force a Game 7.
With a chance to clinch the NBA title in Game 6, Pistons guard Isiah Thomas catches fire in the third quarter as he scores 14 points in a row only to sprain his right ankle after a pass to teammate Joe Dumars on a fast break.
After a brief stint on the bench, Thomas came back into the game and scored 11 more points before the quarter came to a close to set the record for most points in a quarter during a Finals game with 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting(including one 3-pointer) and 2-of-2 from the free throw line.
However, Thomas’ heroic effort was all for naught as the Lakers overcome a three-point deficit in the final minute to pull out a 103-102 win and force a Game 7.
8. 2013 Game 6-Ray of Light
As the Spurs held a 94-89 lead with 28.2 seconds to go , NBA officials begin setting up preparations for the championship trophy presentation and fans began to exit the American Airlines Arena as they figured their Miami Heat were done.
But after LeBron James drained a 3-pointer and Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard made only one of two free throws, the Heat had a chance to tie the game.
James missed the potential game-tying shot only to have Chris Bosh come up with the rebound and pass it to Ray Allen, who buried his 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left to tie the game and send into overtime after Spurs guard Tony Parker missed a 12-footer as time expired.
Allen would come up big again when he stripped Manu Ginobili of the ball who had a chance to win the game for the Spurs, with 2.4 seconds left in overtime and then proceeded to hit two free throws to extend the lead to 103-100 which would be preserved by Bosh as he blocked Danny Green’s potential game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds, forcing a Game 7 which the Heat would win to clinch their second straight NBA championship.
(The Allen Shot is around the 2:15 mark if you only wanna see that)
But after LeBron James drained a 3-pointer and Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard made only one of two free throws, the Heat had a chance to tie the game.
James missed the potential game-tying shot only to have Chris Bosh come up with the rebound and pass it to Ray Allen, who buried his 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left to tie the game and send into overtime after Spurs guard Tony Parker missed a 12-footer as time expired.
Allen would come up big again when he stripped Manu Ginobili of the ball who had a chance to win the game for the Spurs, with 2.4 seconds left in overtime and then proceeded to hit two free throws to extend the lead to 103-100 which would be preserved by Bosh as he blocked Danny Green’s potential game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds, forcing a Game 7 which the Heat would win to clinch their second straight NBA championship.
(The Allen Shot is around the 2:15 mark if you only wanna see that)
7. 1997-The Flu Game
At 2:00 am of the day before Game 5 against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan woke up with flu-like symptoms caused by eating a bad case of pizza at the Bulls’ hotel in Park City, Utah.
Trainers told Jordan he could not play for the crucial game, but he ignored their wishes and got out of bed one hour before tipoff.
All Jordan did was score 38 points, 15 of them coming in the 4th quarter, including a 3-pointer with 25 seconds that gave the Bulls the lead for good as they went on to win 90-88 to take a 3-2 series lead.
A much recovered Jordan led the Bulls to a win in Game 6 to clinch the fifth of the Bulls’ six championships during the 1990s.
At 2:00 am of the day before Game 5 against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan woke up with flu-like symptoms caused by eating a bad case of pizza at the Bulls’ hotel in Park City, Utah.
Trainers told Jordan he could not play for the crucial game, but he ignored their wishes and got out of bed one hour before tipoff.
All Jordan did was score 38 points, 15 of them coming in the 4th quarter, including a 3-pointer with 25 seconds that gave the Bulls the lead for good as they went on to win 90-88 to take a 3-2 series lead.
A much recovered Jordan led the Bulls to a win in Game 6 to clinch the fifth of the Bulls’ six championships during the 1990s.
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| Scottie Pippen holds onto an exhausted Michael Jordan after Jordan's 38 points in the "Flu Game". |
Kareem would return to score 14 points in the 4th quarter to lead LA to a 108-103 win and 3-2 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, but paid the price as the ankle swelled up so bad that he did not travel with the team to Philadelphia for Game 6.
A Game 7 seemed inevitable until 20-year-old rookie Magic Johnson stepped in for Abdul-Jabbar at center and played the game of his life as he scored 42 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, dished out seven assists, made three steals, and blocked a shot to lead the Lakers to a 123-107 win to clinch the first of five NBA championships during the 1980s for Los Angeles.
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| Magic Johnson is hugged by Bob McAdoo and Jamaal Wilkes after leading the Lakers to the 1980 NBA title. |
It seemed that the Golden State Warriors were going to etch their name as perhaps the greatest team in NBA history as the team that had won a record 73 games during the regular season held a 3-1 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But behind back-to-back 41 point performances from LeBron James, the Cavs forced a Game 7 back in Oakland where James made an incredible game-saving block on looked to be sure a Andre Iguodala lay-up to keep the game tied at 89 and allowing for Kyrie Irving for what turned out to the go-ahead three pointer with 53 seconds out as the Cavs pulled out the 93-89 victory to become the first team in NBA finals history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit and give the city of Cleveland its first professional sports championship since 1964.
4. 1987-Magic’s Junior, Junior Skyhook
After Larry Bird drained a 3-pointer to give Boston a 106-104 lead with 12 seconds left in Game 4, the Lakers’ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is fouled and is sent to the free throw line with a chance to tie the game.
He makes the first free throw, but misses the second free throw, however the ball goes off Celtics forward Kevin McHale giving the Lakers possession with seven seconds left and a chance to win the game.
That is when Magic Johnson took the inbounds pass and ran toward the top of the key where he fired up a hook shot over McHale and Robert Parrish that swished through the basket with two seconds to go to give LA a 107-106 lead.
The Celtics got one last chance to win the game but Bird’s last second 3-pointer bounced off the rim to preserve the Lakers victory and give them a 3-1 series lead.
In the locker room, Magic dubbed the shot “my junior, junior, junior skyhook”, compared to Kareem’s famous “Skyhook” shot, to propel the Lakers to win the series in six games.
After Larry Bird drained a 3-pointer to give Boston a 106-104 lead with 12 seconds left in Game 4, the Lakers’ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is fouled and is sent to the free throw line with a chance to tie the game.
He makes the first free throw, but misses the second free throw, however the ball goes off Celtics forward Kevin McHale giving the Lakers possession with seven seconds left and a chance to win the game.
That is when Magic Johnson took the inbounds pass and ran toward the top of the key where he fired up a hook shot over McHale and Robert Parrish that swished through the basket with two seconds to go to give LA a 107-106 lead.
The Celtics got one last chance to win the game but Bird’s last second 3-pointer bounced off the rim to preserve the Lakers victory and give them a 3-1 series lead.
In the locker room, Magic dubbed the shot “my junior, junior, junior skyhook”, compared to Kareem’s famous “Skyhook” shot, to propel the Lakers to win the series in six games.
3. 1976-The Greatest Game Ever Played
The greatest game in NBA Finals history did not start off that way as the Boston Celtics jumped out to a 32-12 lead over the Phoenix Suns as they went on to a 61-45 halftime lead in Game 5 with the series tied 2-2.
But just like they did with their wins in Games 3 and 4 in Phoenix, the Suns came back and were down 94-89 with over a minute to go in the 4th quarter when Paul Westphal made five straight points to tie the game and then the Suns’ Curtis Perry and Celtics’ John Havlicek made one free throw each as the game went into overtime tied at 95.
In the final seconds of the first overtime with the game tied 101-101, the Suns missed a potential game-winning basket that was rebounded by Boston’s Paul Silas who signaled for a timeout even though the Celtics did not have any left.
However, the referees missed the call allowing the game to go into a second overtime where Boston appeared on the verge of victory as they held a 109-106 lead with 20 seconds left, when the Suns’ Dick Van Arsdale made a 20-footer with 12 seconds to go to cut the lead to 109-108, which was followed by a Westphal steal, then passed it to Curtis Perry, who drained a 15-footer to give Phoenix a 110-109 lead with five seconds to play.
The Celtics called timeout and had the ball at midcourt with a chance to save themselves when Don Nelson inbounded the ball to Havlicek, who made a leaning 15-footer from the left baseline, that appeared to give Boston a 111-110 win as time ran out causing the Celtics crowd to come onto the floor of the Boston Garden.
However, Havlicek's basket went in with one second left, giving Phoenix time to pull out one more miracle.
That is when Westphal went to the referees and called timeout even though the Suns did not have any timeouts, resulting in a technical foul and a free throw for the Celtics which was made by White to make it a 112-110 game, but giving Phoenix the ball at midcourt with one second left.
Then the improbable happened when Gar Heard took the inbounds pass at the top of the key, turned around, and fired up a jumper that sailed through the basket as time expired, tying the game at 112 and forcing a third overtime period.
In the third overtime, seldom used Celtics reserve Glenn McDonald scored six points to help Boston seize a 128-122 lead only to have Westphal score four straight points to cut it to 128-126 with 12 seconds left.
Westphal almost made a steal of the Celtics’ inbounds pass at midcourt, but White made the catch and dribbled out the clock to give Boston the 128-126 win and a 3-2 series lead.
Boston would go on to win Game 6 in Phoenix for the team’s 13th NBA championship.
The greatest game in NBA Finals history did not start off that way as the Boston Celtics jumped out to a 32-12 lead over the Phoenix Suns as they went on to a 61-45 halftime lead in Game 5 with the series tied 2-2.
But just like they did with their wins in Games 3 and 4 in Phoenix, the Suns came back and were down 94-89 with over a minute to go in the 4th quarter when Paul Westphal made five straight points to tie the game and then the Suns’ Curtis Perry and Celtics’ John Havlicek made one free throw each as the game went into overtime tied at 95.
In the final seconds of the first overtime with the game tied 101-101, the Suns missed a potential game-winning basket that was rebounded by Boston’s Paul Silas who signaled for a timeout even though the Celtics did not have any left.
However, the referees missed the call allowing the game to go into a second overtime where Boston appeared on the verge of victory as they held a 109-106 lead with 20 seconds left, when the Suns’ Dick Van Arsdale made a 20-footer with 12 seconds to go to cut the lead to 109-108, which was followed by a Westphal steal, then passed it to Curtis Perry, who drained a 15-footer to give Phoenix a 110-109 lead with five seconds to play.
The Celtics called timeout and had the ball at midcourt with a chance to save themselves when Don Nelson inbounded the ball to Havlicek, who made a leaning 15-footer from the left baseline, that appeared to give Boston a 111-110 win as time ran out causing the Celtics crowd to come onto the floor of the Boston Garden.
However, Havlicek's basket went in with one second left, giving Phoenix time to pull out one more miracle.
That is when Westphal went to the referees and called timeout even though the Suns did not have any timeouts, resulting in a technical foul and a free throw for the Celtics which was made by White to make it a 112-110 game, but giving Phoenix the ball at midcourt with one second left.
Then the improbable happened when Gar Heard took the inbounds pass at the top of the key, turned around, and fired up a jumper that sailed through the basket as time expired, tying the game at 112 and forcing a third overtime period.
In the third overtime, seldom used Celtics reserve Glenn McDonald scored six points to help Boston seize a 128-122 lead only to have Westphal score four straight points to cut it to 128-126 with 12 seconds left.
Westphal almost made a steal of the Celtics’ inbounds pass at midcourt, but White made the catch and dribbled out the clock to give Boston the 128-126 win and a 3-2 series lead.
Boston would go on to win Game 6 in Phoenix for the team’s 13th NBA championship.
2. 1970-Willis Comes Out of The Tunnel
Eight minutes into the first quarter of Game 5, Knicks center Willis Reed tripped over Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain’s foot and fell to the ground, tearing a muscle in a muscle in his
The Knicks were able to overcome Reed’s injury and come back from a 16-point deficit to win 107-100 to take a 3-2 series lead, but were blown out in Game 6 as Chamberlain scored 45 points and grabbed 27 rebounds as Reed did not play because of the injury.
It was unlikely that Reed was going to be play Game 7, especially as he not with the Knicks as they were warming up before the game.
But just a few minutes before tipoff, Reed come out onto the floor in his warmups ready to play sending the crowd at Madison Square Garden into a frenzy.
Reed started the game and scored the Knicks’ first two baskets of the game and did not score another point for the rest of the game.
But his entrance and start provided an emotional lift to the Knicks that was carried by Walt Frazier who scored 36 points, dished out 19 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds as the Knicks crushed the Lakers 113-99 to win their first NBA championship.
Eight minutes into the first quarter of Game 5, Knicks center Willis Reed tripped over Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain’s foot and fell to the ground, tearing a muscle in a muscle in his
The Knicks were able to overcome Reed’s injury and come back from a 16-point deficit to win 107-100 to take a 3-2 series lead, but were blown out in Game 6 as Chamberlain scored 45 points and grabbed 27 rebounds as Reed did not play because of the injury.
It was unlikely that Reed was going to be play Game 7, especially as he not with the Knicks as they were warming up before the game.
But just a few minutes before tipoff, Reed come out onto the floor in his warmups ready to play sending the crowd at Madison Square Garden into a frenzy.
Reed started the game and scored the Knicks’ first two baskets of the game and did not score another point for the rest of the game.
But his entrance and start provided an emotional lift to the Knicks that was carried by Walt Frazier who scored 36 points, dished out 19 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds as the Knicks crushed the Lakers 113-99 to win their first NBA championship.
1.1998-Jordan and the Bulls’ Last Dance
Things looked bleak for the Chicago Bulls in Game 6 even though they held a 3-2 series lead.
They were playing in one of the most raucous arenas in the NBA, the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, and Scottie Pippen injured his back on a slam dunk in the early minutes of the game, limiting him to 24 minutes of play.
But like he had done throughout his 13 seasons in Chicago, Michael Jordan put the Bulls on his back as he poured in 23 points in the 1st half to keep his team close as they trailed 49-45 at halftime.
Jordan had put in 18 more points to get the Bulls to a 83-83 tie when Jazz point guard John Stockton drained a 3-pointer to give Utah a 86-83 lead with 41.9 seconds left.
However, Jordan would not be denied as he scored a layup on the Bulls’ ensuing possession to cut the lead to one point, then stole the ball from Jazz forward Karl Malone with 18.9 seconds left, before dribbling down the court where he drove to inside the 3-point line, then crossed over(or shoved) Byron Russell to fire up a 20-footer that sailed through the basket with 5.2 seconds left, giving the Bulls an 87-86 lead.
The Jazz had one last chance to win the game but Stockton’s 3-pointer bounced off the rim and the Bulls had their sixth NBA championship in eight years and second three-peat.
The championship was bittersweet for Chicago as the team was broken up with Phil Jackson departing as head coach, Pippen being traded to the Houston Rockets, and Jordan retiring from the league for the second time.
Things looked bleak for the Chicago Bulls in Game 6 even though they held a 3-2 series lead.
They were playing in one of the most raucous arenas in the NBA, the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, and Scottie Pippen injured his back on a slam dunk in the early minutes of the game, limiting him to 24 minutes of play.
But like he had done throughout his 13 seasons in Chicago, Michael Jordan put the Bulls on his back as he poured in 23 points in the 1st half to keep his team close as they trailed 49-45 at halftime.
Jordan had put in 18 more points to get the Bulls to a 83-83 tie when Jazz point guard John Stockton drained a 3-pointer to give Utah a 86-83 lead with 41.9 seconds left.
However, Jordan would not be denied as he scored a layup on the Bulls’ ensuing possession to cut the lead to one point, then stole the ball from Jazz forward Karl Malone with 18.9 seconds left, before dribbling down the court where he drove to inside the 3-point line, then crossed over(or shoved) Byron Russell to fire up a 20-footer that sailed through the basket with 5.2 seconds left, giving the Bulls an 87-86 lead.
The Jazz had one last chance to win the game but Stockton’s 3-pointer bounced off the rim and the Bulls had their sixth NBA championship in eight years and second three-peat.
The championship was bittersweet for Chicago as the team was broken up with Phil Jackson departing as head coach, Pippen being traded to the Houston Rockets, and Jordan retiring from the league for the second time.
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