The NBA finals are the ultimate stage for basketball greatness. This is where legends are made, dynasties are built, and unforgettable moments are carved into history.
Across decades of exciting matchups, certain finals stand out for their drama, individual performances, and historical guidance.
How many worth mentioning finals are there? And knowing who won years ago, can you guess who would win if they clashed again? Well, you don’t have to wild guess, you can check today’s greatest bets and let AI have a calculated guess. AI can scan a lot of data like team news, form, historical results, team stats, and much more. With these predictions, you can have a safe bet.
Now, let’s see who won in the most famous NBA finals.
1970: Willis Reed’s Heroic Comeback
The 1970 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers delivered one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Game 7 at Madison Square Garden is remembered for Knicks captain Willis Reed limping onto the court despite a severe thigh injury.
Reed, who had torn a muscle earlier in the series, inspired his team with his courage. He scored the first two baskets of the game, electrifying the home crowd and setting the tone for a Knicks victory. Though Reed finished with just four points, his presence fueled Walt Frazier’s masterful 36-point, 19-assist performance. The Knicks won their first-ever championship, 113-99.
1984: Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson Round 1
The 1984 Finals reignited one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics faced Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers in a seven-game classic that elevated the NBA’s popularity worldwide.
Game 7 was a slugfest, with the Celtics grinding out a 111-102 win at the Boston Garden. Bird was named Finals MVP, averaging 27.4 points and 14 rebounds per game. The intense physicality, dramatic finishes, and the clash of two basketball titans made this final unforgettable.
1993: Jordan’s First Three-Peat
Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls faced the Phoenix Suns in a high-octane 1993 Finals. The series was marked by scoring fireworks, with Jordan averaging an astonishing 41 points per game—a Finals record that still stands.
Game 6 in Phoenix saw the Bulls edge out a 99-98 victory, capped by John Paxson’s clutch three-pointer in the final seconds. Jordan secured his third consecutive Finals MVP, cementing his legacy as the greatest of his era.
2005: Spurs-Pistons Defensive Duel
The 2005 Finals may not have been as flashy as others, but it was a clinic in defensive basketball. The San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons battled through seven grueling games, showcasing tenacity, teamwork, and discipline.
Game 7 in San Antonio was a fitting finale. Tim Duncan delivered 25 points and 11 rebounds, earning his third Finals MVP award as the Spurs won 81-74. The series was a testament to the beauty of defense and the value of fundamental basketball.
2008: Celtics Reclaim Glory
After years of rebuilding, the Boston Celtics returned to prominence in 2008, thanks to the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to join Paul Pierce. Their Finals matchup against the Lakers revived the storied Celtics-Lakers rivalry.
Game 4 was a defining moment, as the Celtics erased a 24-point deficit to secure a crucial 97-91 win in Los Angeles. Paul Pierce earned Finals MVP honors, leading Boston to a 4-2 series victory and their first title since 1986.
2010: Kobe’s Redemption
Kobe Bryant’s quest for a championship without Shaquille O’Neal culminated in the 2010 Finals against the Celtics. The seven-game series was a gritty, hard-fought battle that went down to the wire.
Game 7 saw the Lakers overcome a 13-point deficit in the second half, with Kobe contributing 23 points and 15 rebounds. While not his most efficient performance, his determination and leadership shone through. The Lakers’ 83-79 victory gave Bryant his fifth ring and second consecutive Finals MVP.
2013: Ray Allen’s Miracle Three
The Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs delivered one of the most thrilling Finals in NBA history in 2013. LeBron James and Tim Duncan led their teams in a series filled with twists and turns.
Game 6 in Miami provided a moment for the ages. With the Spurs leading by three and seconds remaining, Ray Allen hit a game-tying corner three-pointer that forced overtime. The Heat went on to win the game and the series in Game 7, with LeBron earning Finals MVP.
2016: Cavs End Cleveland’s Drought
The 2016 Finals are often regarded as the greatest in NBA history. LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers faced the 73-win Golden State Warriors, who were heavy favorites to win.
Down 3-1 in the series, the Cavs pulled off an unprecedented comeback. Game 7 at Oracle Arena featured unforgettable moments, including LeBron’s iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala and Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer. Cleveland’s 93-89 win gave the city its first major sports championship in 52 years, and LeBron was named Finals MVP.
2019: Raptors Make History
The 2019 Finals marked the Toronto Raptors’ first championship and the first-ever NBA title won by a Canadian team. Led by Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors dethroned the injury-depleted Warriors in six games.
Kawhi, who averaged 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, earned his second Finals MVP. Game 6 in Oakland ended with a dramatic 114-110 victory, and Leonard’s steady dominance solidified his place among the NBA’s elite.
2020: Lakers Win in the Bubble
The 2020 Finals were like no other, played in the NBA’s bubble in Orlando due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, defeated the Miami Heat in six games to claim their 17th championship.
LeBron averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, earning his fourth Finals MVP. The series highlighted the resilience of players and teams who endured unprecedented challenges to compete at the highest level.
