As you look through the NBA teams out there, they all have one thing in common: they’re fantastic. The NBA has grown as a brand and risen to incredible popularity, all because of amazing basketball games.
If you’re an NBA fan, we understand that these basketball games may not be enough. That’s why we’re here to introduce you to the best basketball games of all time.
It doesn’t matter which system you’re playing on or which NBA players you’re rooting for. These moments will wow you just thinking about how they happened.
Are you ready to take a trip down a long list of unforgettable basketball games? Then stay with us!
LA Lakers vs New York Knicks
This was a classic matchup between two of the best teams in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, and it lived up to the hype. The game was back and forth throughout, and it came down to the wire. The Knicks ended up winning the game, and it is now considered one of the best basketball games of all time.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
Game 6 of the 1980 Eastern Conference Finals was a close one all throughout, and it came down to the final seconds. The 76ers had a chance to win it, but Julius Erving’s shot was off the mark. The Celtics then went on to win the game in overtime and the series.
LA Lakers vs Boston Celtics
The Celtics and Lakers met in the NBA Finals for the first time in history in 1984. Their best play was Game 5, but the series went to a full seven games. Although the Lakers finally came out on top, each game was tightly contested and full of drama.
LA Lakers vs Detroit Pistons
The Lakers took control of the series with a decisive Game 6 victory in the 1988 NBA Finals, but the Pistons would not give up. They won Game 7 in a close game, but the Lakers were the champions.
Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz
In Game 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals, both the Bulls and the Jazz played with a sense of urgency and determination, trading big baskets and key stops throughout the course of the game. In the end, it was the Bulls who emerged victorious, thanks to a heroic performance by Michael Jordan.
LA Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers
In Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, were the heavy favorites. But the Trail Blazers, led by Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire, refused to back down. The series went seven games, with the Lakers ultimately winning, but each game was a battle.
LA Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers
The Lakers were down by 15 points in the fourth quarter in Game 6 of the 2001 NBA Finals, but they made a comeback and won the game by four points. This was one of the best basketball games of all time because it was so exciting and it had a great ending.
San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks
There have been many great basketball games played over the years, but Game 7 of the 2003 Western Conference Finals was hands down one of the best to ever happen. The Spurs ended up winning the game by a narrow margin, but it was a great game to watch.
LA Lakers vs Boston Celtics
Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals was the final toss in that incredible series of NBA games. The Lakers had won their first three games, only to see the Celtics storm back to take the next three.
This set up a winner-take-all Game 7. The game was close throughout, but the Lakers slowly pulled away in the fourth quarter.
San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Pistons
Game 6 of the 2005 NBA Finals was a classic matchup between two great teams, and it was a close game throughout. As expected, everyone was at the edge of their seats! The Pistons ultimately won by a score of 79-74, but the Spurs put up a great fight.
San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks
In Game 7 of the 2006 Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs went to battle. In the end, the Mavericks proved themselves victorious. They won by a score of 121-119, which paved the way for the team to enter the NBA Finals.
LA Lakers vs Boston Celtics
Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals was one of the most intense and exciting games ever played in the history of American professional basketball. The Celtics returned from a huge deficit to win in overtime, and the game was hailed as one of the best ever played.
Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics
Game 2 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs was the awaited matchup between two talented teams so perfectly aligned that you just knew every game would be a killer. Even people who were too busy that week found time to watch the historic playoff game of the season. There was just no missing it!
Speaking of the “Brooklyn cagers”, here’s where you can buy Nets tickets.
The Best Basketball Games
The best basketball games of all time are those that have been the most exciting, competitive, and memorable. Some of the greatest games in NBA history include the 12 mentioned above, and they will all be etched in the hearts of every basketball fan forever.
These games were all highly competitive, with the outcome in doubt until the final moments. They were also all incredibly exciting, featuring some of the greatest players in NBA history.
Looking for more exciting lists? Keep reading our blog!\
Amanda Byers is a graduate of Columbia, where she played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zubuz’s entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, she enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.
