The Biggest Games in NBA History, Ranked
New York Knicks 113, Los Angeles Lakers 99 – Game 7, 1970 NBA Finals
Knicks star Willis Reed shocked fans with his unlikely comeback from a thigh injury. But, it was even more impressive how he immediately impacted this Championship-deciding game, scoring the first four points and using his defensive abilities to limit Lakers star Walt Chamberlain to scoring two of his first nine shots.
With the NBA Final coming down to the wire, Walt Frazier racked up 36 points and 19 rebounds to lead the Knicks to their first-ever NBA title.
Boston Celtics 128, Phoenix Suns 126 (Triple OT) – Game 5, 1976 NBA Finals
With the series tied at 2-2, Game 5 proved to be a defining game in crowing the 1976 NBA Champions. Down to the wire throughout, Phoenix held a one-point lead in the second overtime when Celtics’ John Havlicek raced the length of the court to restore Boston’s advantage.
In the third overtime, it was seldom-used Glenn McDonald who became Boston’s hero, scoring six points to boost Boston to victory. The next game saw the Celtics clinch the title.
Chicago Bulls 87, Utah Jazz 86 – Game 6, 1998 NBA Finals
This game saw the Bulls travel to Utah where they hoped to secure a 4-2 series win and the 1998 NBA title. Although the game got off to a rough start for the Bulls due to Scottie Pippen’s back injury, Michael Jordan was ready to step up to the plate.
With 5.2 seconds left on the clock, Jordan executed an unforgettable jump shot from behind the free-throw line to hand Chicago their sixth title in eight years.
Miami Heat 103, San Antonio Spurs 100 – Game 6, 2013 NBA Finals
With three prior wins and the lead in Game 6, the Spurs seemed to be within reach of the NBA title. In fact, officials had already begun setting up for the Spurs’ trophy presentation when Ray Allen scored a three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left to send the game into overtime.
LeBron James then boosted the Heat to an overtime win and grabbed 37 points in Game 7 to hand Miami the championship and pull off a noteworthy comeback.
With the Bucs running riot in the Eastern Conference and the Warriors looking like a shadow of their former selves, it’s safe to say that the 2022/23 NBA season has gotten off to a fiery start. But, even as the modern game provides plenty of thrills and spills to keep fans’ adrenaline pumping, there are some classic NBA games that continue to hold a special place in basketball enthusiasts’ hearts.