The NBA playoffs are where legends are made. Unlike the regular season, every possession matters, every basket echoes in history, and every superstar has a chance to define their legacy. From buzzer-beaters to overtime thrillers, the playoffs have gifted fans unforgettable moments that live on for generations. In this article, we’ll relive the Top 20 NBA Playoff Games of All Time games that weren’t just contests, but stories of drama, resilience, and basketball greatness.

1. 2016 NBA Finals – Game 7 (Cavaliers vs. Warriors)

Final Score: Cavaliers 93, Warriors 89
Why it’s legendary: LeBron James led the Cavs to an impossible 3–1 comeback against a 73-win Warriors team. This game had it all the famous “LeBron block” on Iguodala, Kyrie Irving’s clutch three, and Cleveland’s first-ever NBA title. Easily one of the greatest playoff games in history.

2. 1998 NBA Finals – Game 6 (Bulls vs. Jazz)

Final Score: Bulls 87, Jazz 86
Why it’s legendary: Michael Jordan’s last game with the Bulls ended in the most poetic way possible. With the clock winding down, Jordan hit the famous jumper over Bryon Russell, sealing his sixth championship and cementing his GOAT status.

3. 1984 NBA Finals – Game 7 (Celtics vs. Lakers)

Final Score: Celtics 111, Lakers 102
Why it’s legendary: Bird vs. Magic. The most famous rivalry in NBA history reached its peak in this game. Boston’s defense, Magic’s brilliance, and the intensity of a packed Boston Garden made this an unforgettable showdown.

4. 2000 Western Conference Finals : Game 7 (Lakers vs. Trail Blazers)

Final Score: Lakers 89, Blazers 84
Why it’s legendary: Down 15 points in the fourth quarter, the Lakers roared back. Shaq and Kobe connected on the most iconic alley-oop in playoff history, symbolizing the start of their dynasty.

5. 1997 NBA Finals : Game 5 (Bulls vs. Jazz) The Flu Game

Final Score: Bulls 90, Jazz 88
Why it’s legendary: Jordan, visibly sick and barely able to stand, dropped 38 points to carry the Bulls to victory. Known forever as The Flu Game, it’s the ultimate example of willpower.

6. 2010 NBA Finals : Game 7 (Lakers vs. Celtics)

Final Score: Lakers 83, Celtics 79
Why it’s legendary: Kobe Bryant didn’t shoot well, but his grit and rebounding led the Lakers to revenge over the Celtics. This defensive slugfest showed championship basketball at its toughest.

7. 1995 Western Conference Semifinals : Game 1 (Rockets vs. Spurs)

Final Score: Rockets 94, Spurs 93
Why it’s legendary: Hakeem Olajuwon battled David Robinson in an epic showdown of MVP vs. reigning Finals MVP. Clutch baskets and historic defense made it unforgettable.

8. 2019 NBA Playoffs : Second Round, Game 7 (Raptors vs. 76ers)

Final Score: Raptors 92, 76ers 90
Why it’s legendary: Kawhi Leonard’s buzzer-beater bouncing four times on the rim before dropping instantly became one of the greatest shots in NBA history.

9. 1987 Eastern Conference Finals : Game 5 (Celtics vs. Pistons)

Final Score: Celtics 108, Pistons 107
Why it’s legendary: Larry Bird’s legendary steal on Isiah Thomas’ inbound pass sealed the win. Pure clutch basketball IQ on display.

10. 1993 NBA Finals : Game 6 (Bulls vs. Suns)

Final Score: Bulls 99, Suns 98
Why it’s legendary: John Paxson’s three-pointer with 3.9 seconds left gave Chicago its third straight championship. Jordan was dominant, but the role players stepped up at the right time.

11. 1970 NBA Finals : Game 7 (Knicks vs. Lakers)

Final Score: Knicks 113, Lakers 99
Why it’s legendary: Willis Reed limped out of the tunnel, injured, and inspired the Knicks to victory. Madison Square Garden erupted, and this moment became pure basketball folklore.

12. 2006 NBA Finals : Game 3 (Heat vs. Mavericks)

Final Score: Heat 98, Mavericks 96
Why it’s legendary: Dwyane Wade erupted for 42 points, leading Miami to a comeback win and sparking a championship run. It was the game that made Wade a superstar.

13. 2012 Eastern Conference Finals : Game 6 (Heat vs. Celtics)

Final Score: Heat 98, Celtics 79
Why it’s legendary: Facing elimination, LeBron James delivered one of his greatest performances ever 45 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists. Ice-cold, unstoppable, legendary.

14. 1995 Western Conference Finals : Game 6 (Rockets vs. Spurs)

Final Score: Rockets 100, Spurs 95
Why it’s legendary: The defending champions stunned the top-seeded Spurs behind Hakeem’s dominance. This game cemented Houston’s underdog championship run.

15. 2009 Eastern Conference Finals : Game 2 (Cavaliers vs. Magic)

Final Score: Cavaliers 96, Magic 95
Why it’s legendary: With one second left, LeBron James hit a miraculous three-pointer to save the Cavs from a 0–2 hole. It was one of his most iconic shots.

16. 1988 NBA Finals : Game 7 (Lakers vs. Pistons)

Final Score: Lakers 108, Pistons 105
Why it’s legendary: Known as the Isiah Thomas game, despite losing, Thomas played through a severe ankle injury and scored 25 points in one quarter. The Lakers barely survived.

17. 2011 NBA Finals : Game 2 (Heat vs. Mavericks)

Final Score: Mavericks 95, Heat 93
Why it’s legendary: Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs to a stunning comeback win, scoring the game-winner with a broken finger. This comeback changed the series.

18. 1976 NBA Finals : Game 5 (Celtics vs. Suns)

Final Score: Celtics 128, Suns 126 (3OT)
Why it’s legendary: Often called the greatest game ever played, this triple-overtime thriller was pure chaos buzzer-beaters, fouls, exhaustion, and ultimate glory for Boston.

19. 2002 Western Conference Finals : Game 4 (Lakers vs. Kings)

Final Score: Lakers 100, Kings 99
Why it’s legendary: Robert Horry hit a last-second three-pointer that stunned the Kings and kept the Lakers’ dynasty alive. One of the most clutch shots in history.

20. 2014 NBA Finals : Game 5 (Spurs vs. Heat)

Final Score: Spurs 104, Heat 87
Why it’s legendary: The Spurs delivered a basketball masterpiece, defeating LeBron’s Heat with flawless team play. Kawhi Leonard’s MVP performance marked the rise of a new superstar.

What Makes a Playoff Game Truly Great?

It’s not just the score. The greatest NBA playoff games have:

• High stakes: Championships, rivalries, elimination on the line.
• Clutch performances: Stars rising above the pressure.
• Iconic moments: Shots, blocks, steals that live in memory forever.
• Emotion: Fans, players, and coaches leaving everything on the court.

The NBA playoffs are more than basketball they’re stories of resilience, heartbreak, and triumph. Every year, new moments are added to history. But these 20 games remain timeless examples of why we love the game.

Final Thoughts

From Jordan’s last shot to LeBron’s block, from Bird’s steal to Kawhi’s bounce, these games prove that playoff basketball is unmatched in intensity. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, these classics are must-watch experiences that showcase the very best of the NBA.