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Top 10 Greatest NBA Finals Moments of All Time — From the 1960S to Today

The NBA Finals is where legends are born and narratives are written in permanent ink. From Jordan's final shot to LeBron's championship-saving block, these are the moments that defined basketball's biggest stage — and the ones the sport never let the world forget.

2026149 viewsSep 7, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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#1
LeBron's Block and Kyrie's Shot — 2016 Game 7
LeBron James's chase-down block and Kyrie Irving's step-back three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals secured the Cleveland Cavaliers' first NBA championship. With the score tied 89-89 and under two minutes remaining, LeBron James, at 31 years old and in his seventh consecutive Finals, rejected Andre Iguodala's fast-break layup at the rim. Approximately one minute later, Irving hit a contested three-pointer over Stephen Curry to give the Cavaliers a 92-89 lead. Cleveland ultimately won the game 93-89. This monumental sequence capped off the Cavaliers' historic comeback, as they became the first team in NBA Finals history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
source: wikipedia
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#2
Michael Jordan's "The Shot" Over Byron Russell — 1998 Game 6
Michael Jordan's game-winning shot over Bryon Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals sealed the Chicago Bulls' sixth championship. With 5.2 seconds left and the Utah Jazz leading by one point, Jordan drove right, crossed over Russell, and sank a 20-foot jumper from the free-throw line extended, putting the Bulls up 87-86. The shot secured Chicago's second three-peat of the decade and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic images in sports history, with Jordan holding his follow-through as the ball swished through the net. The Bulls won the game 87-86.
source: wikipedia
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#3
Magic Johnson's Game 6 Performance — 1980 Finals
Magic Johnson's performance in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals stands as the greatest rookie performance in championship history. With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sidelined due to injury, the 20-year-old Johnson, a point guard, started at center and played all five positions throughout the game. He delivered an astounding 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Johnson shot 14-of-23 from the field, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-107 victory over the favored Philadelphia 76ers, clinching the NBA title in dramatic fashion.
source: wikipedia
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#4
Jordan's Flu Game — 1997 Game 5
Michael Jordan's legendary "Flu Game" in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals showcased his unparalleled determination. Battling what was reported as a 103-degree fever, Jordan still managed to score 38 points against the Utah Jazz. Despite appearing visibly ill and nearly collapsing during timeouts, he made crucial plays, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 25 seconds left in the game. Jordan shot 13-of-27 from the field and, at the final buzzer, famously collapsed into Scottie Pippen's arms. The Bulls won 90-88, taking a 3-2 series lead en route to their fifth championship.
source: wikipedia
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#5
Ray Allen's Corner Three — 2013 Game 6
With 5.2 seconds left and Miami trailing 95-92, LeBron James hit a three to tie it, but the defining moment came when Chris Bosh grabbed an offensive rebound and found Allen, who stepped back to the three-point line and drilled the game-tying shot. Miami won in overtime and took Game 7; Allen later revealed he had practiced that exact retreat from that spot for years. The shot ensured Miami's second straight title and remains the single greatest make-or-break play in Finals lore.
source: wikipedia
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#6
Bill Russell's Game 7 — 1962 Finals
Bill Russell's Game 7 performance in the 1962 Finals is the most dominant defensive outing ever in a winner-take-all game. Boston beat the Lakers 110-107 in OT, with Russell grabbing 30 rebounds while playing all 48 minutes against Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. The Lakers led by two in the final seconds of regulation, but Russell's defensive intensity shut them down completely in overtime. His 30 boards remain a Finals Game 7 record, and the victory secured Boston's fourth consecutive championship—a testament to physical will over offensive flair.
source: wikipedia
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#7
"The Steal" and "The Dunk" — 1997 Game 6
With 14 seconds left and Chicago trailing Utah 86-84, Karl Malone received the ball in the post—and Pippen stripped it cleanly. Michael Jordan then drew a double team and passed to Kerr, who hit the 16-foot jumper with 5 seconds left for a 90-86 win. Kerr later said he told Pippen not to give him the ball because he wasn't open, but the play unfolded perfectly. The steal set up the championship, showcasing Chicago's unselfish execution.
source: wikipedia
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#8
Larry Bird Steals the Inbounds — 1987 Game 5
Larry Bird's steal of Isiah Thomas's inbounds pass in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals is the quickest game-winning play on this list, taking less than one second from theft to assist. With Detroit leading by one and inbounding under their own basket with five seconds left, Thomas lobbed a lazy pass; Bird intercepted it and hit Dennis Johnson cutting backdoor for the layup. The Celtics won 108-107 and took the series 4-3. Thomas later admitted, "I was being stupid." Bird's anticipation was so precise it appeared supernatural, defining his legendary court vision.
source: wikipedia
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#9
Dirk Nowitzki's Finger Roll — 2011 Game 2
Dirk Nowitzki's game-tying finger roll in Game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals stands as a testament to his clutch performance under pressure. With 38 seconds remaining and Dallas trailing Miami by three points, Nowitzki made two crucial free throws to narrow the deficit to a single point. Then, with just 5 seconds left on the clock, he drove along the baseline, switched hands in mid-air from right to left to elude LeBron James, and executed a left-handed finger roll that tied the game. This pivotal shot led to a Dallas victory in overtime, evening the series at 1-1. The move, born from a split-second decision, showcased Nowitzki's exceptional skill and played a significant role in the Mavericks' eventual championship win.
source: wikipedia
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#10
Kevin Durant's Pull-Up Three to Ice Game 3 — 2017 Finals
Kevin Durant's pull-up three-pointer over LeBron James with 45 seconds left in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals was a definitive moment of clutch shooting, securing a crucial lead for the Golden State Warriors. In his first Finals appearance after joining the Warriors, Durant delivered a stellar performance, finishing the game with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. He shot an impressive 55.6% from the field in that game. This shot gave Golden State a commanding 3-0 series lead, ultimately paving the way for their championship victory. Durant's step-back three showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure, and he concluded the series with a Finals MVP award.
source: wikipedia

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest NBA Finals Moments

## Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest NBA Finals Moments

What is widely considered the single greatest NBA Finals moment? Michael Jordan's 1998 Game 6 winning shot over Byron Russell is frequently cited as the defining Finals moment, both for its stakes (the championship-clinching play) and for being Jordan's final shot as a Chicago Bull.

Why is the 2016 NBA Finals so memorable? Cleveland came back from a 3–1 deficit against a 73-win Golden State team, capped by LeBron James's chase-down block and Kyrie Irving's go-ahead three-pointer in the final minutes of Game 7 — the only Game 7 comeback from 3–1 in Finals history.

What is the 'Flu Game'? Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, in which Michael Jordan scored 38 points while visibly ill, often attributed to food poisoning, helping Chicago beat Utah and move within one win of the title.

What made Magic Johnson's 1980 Game 6 so remarkable? A 20-year-old rookie starting at center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic posted 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Lakers won the championship in Los Angeles.

Which Finals moment had the most clutch three-pointer? Ray Allen's corner three in 2013 Game 6 — with 5.2 seconds left and Miami down three — forced overtime and is widely regarded as the most clutch three in Finals history.

Are these moments ranked in any particular order? The list is ordered by overall cultural impact and historical resonance of each moment, not by a points-based or statistical formula.

What Makes an NBA Finals Moment Truly Great?

The greatest NBA Finals moments share common threads: they occur at the highest stakes (Game 6 or 7), involve legendary players performing at their peak, and create lasting memories that transcend basketball. Whether it's Michael Jordan's final championship shot or LeBron's block in a Game 7 comeback, these moments define careers and eras.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest NBA Finals Moments

What is widely considered the single greatest NBA Finals moment? LeBron James's chase-down block on Andre Iguodala followed by Kyrie Irving's go-ahead three in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals is frequently cited as the greatest sequence, completing Cleveland's comeback from a 3–1 deficit.

Which Finals moment is the most iconic single play? Michael Jordan's pull-up jumper over Byron Russell to win the 1998 Finals Game 6 — known simply as "The Shot" — is the moment most often named the defining Finals highlight.

Are any moments from the 1960s or 1970s still regarded as all-time greats? Yes. Bill Russell's Game 7 performance in the 1962 Finals is listed as the most dominant defensive Finals game in the modern era.

Which Finals moment is the most recent entry on this list? Kevin Durant's pull-up three over LeBron James with 45 seconds left in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals is the most recent moment included.

Why are plays like Ray Allen's corner three considered legendary? Because it came with 5.2 seconds left and changed the outcome of Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, keeping Miami's championship run alive.

Which NBA Finals Moment Is Ranked #1 on This List?

The list is ranked from 10 down to 1, with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving's Game 7 sequence from 2016 claiming the top spot as the most iconic finish in NBA Finals history.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the criteria for ranking the greatest NBA Finals moments?

The ranking is typically based on the moment's historical significance, drama, impact on the series outcome, and iconic status, such as game-winning shots, legendary performances, or unforgettable plays.

Which NBA Finals moment is most often considered the greatest?

Michael Jordan's game-winning shot over Byron Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals, known as 'The Last Shot', is widely regarded as the greatest NBA Finals moment.

Which players are featured in the top 10 greatest NBA Finals moments?

Moments feature legendary players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan, among others.

Does the list include moments from recent NBA Finals?

Yes, it includes recent iconic moments such as LeBron James' block in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals and Kyrie Irving's go-ahead three-pointer in the same game.