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.

The 10 Greatest NBA Finals Moments of All Time, Ranked

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The 10 Greatest NBA Finals Moments of All Time, Ranked

From LeBron's chase-down block in Game 7 to Michael Jordan's final shot over Byron Russell, these are the 10 greatest NBA Finals moments ever. Vote for the play you'd show a first-time basketball fan, then tell us which one we ranked too low.

2026155 viewsJul 16, 2026 Updated Sep 7, 2026

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#1
LeBron's Block and Kyrie's Shot — 2016 Game 7
LeBron's block and Kyrie's shot remain the most iconic sequence in NBA Finals history. With the game tied at 89 and 1:50 left in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals, LeBron chased down Andre Iguodala's fast-break layup from behind, pinning it against the backboard—a supernatural display of athleticism from a 31-year-old in his seventh consecutive Finals. Then, 64 seconds later, Kyrie Irving pulled up from three over Stephen Curry, draining it to give Cleveland a 92-89 lead they would not relinquish. The Cavaliers won 93-89, becoming the first team in Finals history to overcome a 3-1 deficit, outperforming even the 1998 Bulls' comeback from a 3-2 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals.
source: wikipedia
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#2
Michael Jordan's "The Shot" Over Byron Russell — 1998 Game 6
Michael Jordan's 1998 Game 6 shot over Bryon Russell is the defining moment of his career. With 5.2 seconds left and the Jazz leading by one, Jordan drove past Russell—after an off-ball push that wasn't called—then pulled up at the free-throw line extended, sinking a 20-foot jumper to give Chicago an 87-86 lead. The Bulls won the championship moments later. Jordan held his follow-through pose, arm extended and wrist cocked, as the ball went through the net—a freeze-frame that became one of sports' most iconic images. This moment ranks second only to LeBron's block and Kyrie's shot in drama, but exceeds it in aesthetic perfection.
source: wikipedia
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#3
Magic Johnson's Game 6 Performance — 1980 Finals
Magic Johnson's Game 6 performance in the 1980 Finals is the greatest rookie performance in NBA history. The 20-year-old point guard replaced the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at center, scoring 42 points with 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block—playing all five positions as needed. The 76ers were favored, yet Magic dominated every defensive scheme, shooting 14-of-23 from the field. The Lakers won 123-107, clinching the title.
source: wikipedia
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#4
Jordan's Flu Game — 1997 Game 5
Michael Jordan's 1997 Flu Game is the ultimate test of will. Playing with a 103-degree fever—likely from food poisoning—Jordan scored 38 points in Game 5 against the Jazz, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 25 seconds left. He could barely stand before tip-off, yet he shot 13-of-27 from the field and collapsed into Scottie Pippen's arms at the final buzzer. The Bulls won 90-88, taking a 3-2 series lead they would not relinquish. This effort outranks even Willis Reed's 1970 Game 7 return for raw determination.
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 remains the most iconic improvisation in Finals history. With 38 seconds left, Dallas trailing Miami by three, Nowitzki made two free throws to cut the deficit to one. Then, with 5 seconds left, he drove baseline, switched hands mid-air from right to left to evade LeBron James, and flipped in a left-handed finger roll. This single move broke Miami's aura of invincibility, as Dallas won in overtime. The finger roll, born from a split-second decision, showcased his basketball genius and led to a series-altering victory.
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 over LeBron James with 45 seconds left in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals stands as a definitive moment of clutch shooting under scrutiny. Playing his first Finals after leaving Oklahoma City, Durant finished with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 55.6% from the field. This shot gave Golden State a 3-0 series lead, effectively sealing the championship. Durant's dagger was a calculated step-back, hitting 50% from three. Durant's Finals MVP performance silenced critics temporarily, with his 31-point game outperforming the average Finals MVP scoring of 28.4 points.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest NBA Finals Moments

### What is considered the greatest NBA Finals moment of all time? Michael Jordan's 1998 Game 6 shot over Byron Russell is widely regarded as the defining Finals moment, capping his final season with a championship.

### What makes an NBA Finals moment iconic? Iconic Finals moments usually combine a championship on the line, a clutch play in the final seconds, and a player whose legacy the moment defines.

### Which NBA Finals game had the most memorable ending? The 2016 Game 7 between Cleveland and Golden State produced LeBron's block and Kyrie's go-ahead three in the final minute — the comeback from a 3-1 deficit is unmatched in Finals history.

### Are these NBA Finals moments ranked in order? Yes — the list below is ordered from #10 to #1, with the most recent iconic moment at #10 and the highest-ranked moment at #1.