The Best NBA Finals Moments of All Time (Updated 2025)

The NBA Finals represent basketball’s grandest stage, where legends are born, dynasties are cemented, and unforgettable moments are etched into sports history. From buzzer-beaters to superhuman performances, these iconic plays have defined generations of basketball excellence. Let’s dive into the most electrifying NBA Finals moments that continue to captivate fans worldwide.

Why NBA Finals Moments Captivate Basketball Fans Worldwide

The NBA Finals combine elite athleticism, high-stakes pressure, and raw emotion into a perfect storm of sports drama. These moments transcend the game itself, becoming cultural touchstones that even casual fans recognize. The Finals spotlight magnifies every triumph and failure, creating an intensity unmatched in regular-season play. Whether it’s a career-defining block or a last-second shot, these plays represent basketball at its most dramatic and compelling.

The Definitive Countdown: Top 10 NBA Finals Moments Since 1990

10. 2015: Matthew Dellavedova’s Gritty Underdog Performance

When Kyrie Irving went down with an injury in the 2015 Finals, few expected undrafted Australian Matthew Dellavedova to become Cleveland’s unlikely hero. “Delly” harassed league MVP Stephen Curry with relentless defense while contributing crucial buckets. His diving hustle plays and playoff-career-high 20 points in Game 3 embodied the underdog spirit, even though the Cavaliers ultimately fell short against the Warriors.

9. 2005: Robert Horry’s “Big Shot Bob” Game-Winner

Robert Horry earned his nickname for a reason. In Game 5 of the 2005 Finals with the Spurs-Pistons series tied 2-2, Horry delivered another clutch performance. After the Pistons had fought back from a 15-point deficit to take the lead, Horry nailed a game-winning three-pointer with 5.8 seconds left. His 21 points (all in the fourth quarter and overtime) helped the Spurs secure a pivotal victory en route to their third championship.

8. 2010: Kobe Bryant’s Redemption Against the Celtics

After losing to Boston in the 2008 Finals, Kobe Bryant was determined to avenge the defeat when the teams met again in 2010. Despite shooting just 6-of-24 in Game 7, Bryant grabbed 15 rebounds and made clutch free throws to secure his fifth championship. The victory was especially sweet coming against the Lakers’ historic rivals, and it cemented Bryant’s legacy as one of the greatest winners in NBA history.

7. 2006: Dwyane Wade’s Historic Finals MVP Performance

At just 24 years old, Dwyane Wade delivered one of the most remarkable Finals performances ever. With Miami down 0-2 to Dallas, Wade took over the series, averaging 34.7 points in the final four games. His relentless attacks to the basket resulted in countless free throws and a comeback for the ages. Wade’s 42.7% of Miami’s total points remains one of the highest percentages ever by a Finals MVP.

6. 2011: Dirk Nowitzki’s Championship Redemption

Five years after a heartbreaking Finals collapse against Miami, Dirk Nowitzki got his revenge. Despite playing with a 101-degree fever in Game 4, Nowitzki led the underdog Mavericks past LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the heavily favored Heat. His one-legged fadeaway jumpers became unstoppable, and his fourth-quarter heroics throughout the series silenced critics who had questioned his clutch ability.

5. 2021: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 50-Point Masterpiece

When Milwaukee needed him most, Giannis delivered a performance for the ages. In the closeout Game 6 against Phoenix, Antetokounmpo poured in 50 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and blocked 5 shots. His dominance inside and clutch free-throw shooting (17-of-19) helped end the Bucks’ 50-year championship drought. This performance answered every critic who had questioned whether Giannis could lead a team to a title.

4. 1997: Michael Jordan’s Legendary “Flu Game”

Game 5 of the 1997 Finals showcased Jordan’s unmatched competitive spirit. Despite battling severe flu-like symptoms that left him visibly weakened, Jordan scored 38 points, including the decisive three-pointer with less than a minute remaining. The image of Scottie Pippen helping an exhausted Jordan off the court remains one of basketball’s most iconic symbols of determination and excellence.

3. 1998: MJ’s “Last Shot” to Seal the Bulls Dynasty

With the Bulls seeking their sixth championship in eight years, Michael Jordan delivered the perfect ending to a dynasty. Down one point with seconds remaining in Game 6 against Utah, Jordan crossed over Bryon Russell and hit the series-clinching jump shot. The perfect form, the extended follow-through, and the knowledge that this would be his final shot as a Bull made this perhaps the most photographed moment in NBA history.

2. 2016: LeBron’s Block & Kyrie’s Shot Complete 3-1 Comeback

No team had ever overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals until LeBron James and the Cavaliers did the impossible in 2016. The sequence that defined this historic comeback: LeBron’s chase-down block on Andre Iguodala followed by Kyrie Irving’s step-back three-pointer over Stephen Curry with 53 seconds remaining in Game 7. These plays delivered Cleveland’s first professional sports championship in 52 years and cemented LeBron’s legacy as one of the greatest ever.

1. 2013: Ray Allen’s Corner Three Saves Miami’s Season

Five seconds away from elimination in Game 6, the Miami Heat needed a miracle. They got it when Ray Allen backpedaled to the corner and hit perhaps the most clutch shot in NBA history. “BANG!” announcer Mike Breen famously exclaimed as Allen’s three-pointer tied the game with 5.2 seconds left. Miami would win in overtime and take Game 7, giving LeBron James his second championship. The shot exemplified perfect footwork, spatial awareness, and ice-cold nerves under pressure.

Legendary Player Spotlight: Career-Defining NBA Finals Performances

The greatest players solidify their legacies in championship moments. Michael Jordan’s perfect 6-0 Finals record includes numerous iconic shots and defensive plays. LeBron James has appeared in ten Finals across three different franchises, showcasing unprecedented longevity and versatility. Tim Duncan’s quiet excellence led to five championships spanning three different decades, while Kyrie Irving’s clutch shooting in the 2016 Finals will forever be remembered as one of the most pressure-packed moments in sports.

What Makes a Moment Truly Great? The Anatomy of NBA Finals History

The most memorable Finals moments combine multiple elements: high stakes, elite skill, narrative significance, and emotional resonance. Whether it’s a role player stepping up unexpectedly (like John Paxson’s championship-clinching three in 1993) or a superstar cementing their legacy (like Kobe’s Game 7 in 2010), these moments transcend basketball to become cultural touchpoints. They’re not just great plays—they’re perfectly timed chapters in the ongoing story of basketball excellence.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of NBA Finals Greatness

What makes NBA Finals moments special isn’t just the athletic achievement—it’s the context, the pressure, and the history being written in real time. As new generations of stars take the court each June, they compete not just for championships but for their place in this storied tradition. Each Finals series offers the chance for new iconic moments to join the pantheon of basketball greatness, ensuring that this celebrated legacy continues to evolve and inspire fans worldwide.