Memorable NBA Finals Game 7s

[duncan228]

It's a slideshow, hit the link for the pics.

Memorable NBA Finals Game 7s
SI.com

The Celtics and Lakers are set to play the 17th Game 7 in NBA Finals history. Here is a look, in reverse chronological order, at some of the most memorable of those grand finales -- many of which, not surprisingly, involve Boston.

2005: Spurs 81, Pistons 74
The first Finals Game 7 in 11 years ended with Tim Duncan and the Spurs winning their third le in seven years and denying the Pistons back-to-back championships. Playing at home, San Antonio overcame a nine-point third-quarter deficit behind Duncan (25 points, 11 rebounds) and Manu Ginobili (23 points).

1994: Rockets 90, Knicks 84
Critics described the physical, offensively deficient series as Uglyball (neither team scored more than 91 points in a game), but the result was a beautiful thing for the Rockets, who delivered the first major sports championship to Houston. Finals MVP Hakeem Olajuwon had 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in Game 7, while Knicks guard John Starks famously shot 2-of-18 from the field and 0-of-11 from three-point range in Houston.

1988: Lakers 108, Pistons 105
Facing an upstart Detroit team in their third Game 7 of the playoffs, the Lakers defended their NBA championship with a victory in Los Angeles. Finals MVP James Worthy led the way with 36 points and 16 rebounds, while the Pistons were weakened by Isiah Thomas' lingering ankle injury.

1984: Celtics 111, Lakers 102
In the first Finals duel between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird (pictured earlier in the series), the Celtics survived the Lakers' late comeback to win the decisive game in Boston. Cedric Maxwell scored 24 points for Boston and Finals MVP Bird added 20 points and 12 rebounds.

1970: Knicks 113, Lakers 99
After hobbling off the court early in Game 5 with a torn thigh muscle, Willis Reed (inset) made a surprising and triumphant return moments before tip-off for the deciding game in New York. Buoyed by his presence -- and his scoring the first two baskets of the game -- the Knicks won the le behind Walt Frazier's 36 points and 19 assists.

1969: Celtics 108, Lakers 106
The Celtics nearly squandered a 17-point fourth-quarter lead but, thanks in part to Don Nelson's famous last-minute shot (inset) near the free-throw line, held on to win in Los Angeles. Bill Russell, the NBA's greatest winner, retired as a player after collecting his 11th le.

1962: Celtics 110, Lakers 107 (OT)
In the midst of winning eight consecutive championships, the Celtics escaped in overtime at Boston. The Lakers had an opportunity to win it in regulation, but Frank Selvy (inset) missed a mid-range shot in the closing seconds.

1957: Celtics 125, Hawks 123 (2 OT)
A rookie center named Bill Russell finished with 19 points and 32 rebounds, and fellow rookie Tom Heinsohn had 37 points and 23 rebounds as the Celtics overcame a combined 5-for-40 shooting performance from Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman to prevail in double overtime in Boston. It was Boston's first NBA championship.

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Game 7s In NBA Finals
SportingNews

2005: San Antonio Spurs 81, Detroit Pistons 74
1994: Houston Rockets 90, New York Knicks 84
1988: Los Angeles Lakers 108, Detroit Pistons 105
1984: Boston Celtics 111, Los Angeles Lakers 102
1978: Washington Bullets 105, Seattle SuperSonics 99
1974: Boston Celtics 102, Milwaukee Bucks 87
1970: New York Knicks 113, Los Angeles Lakers 99
1969: Boston Celtics 108, Los Angeles Lakers 106
1966: Boston Celtics 95, Los Angeles Lakers 93
1962: Boston Celtics 110, Los Angeles Lakers 107 (OT)
1960: Boston Celtics 122, St. Louis Hawks 103
1957: Boston Celtics 125, St. Louis Hawks 123 (2OT)
1955: Syracuse Nationals 92, Fort Wayne Pistons 91
1954: Minneapolis Lakers 87, Syracuse Nationals 80
1952: Minneapolis Lakers 82, New York Knicks 65
1951: Rochester Royals 79, New York Knicks 75

[Killakobe81]

Great article.

Look at those numbers.

Some standout in particular the last 4 because I saw them with my OWN eyes ...

As great as Hakeem and Tim are their Game 7 numbers are below their "prime" playoff numbers.

James Worthy in 1988 was simply amazing. He put those numbers up against Rodman (who at that time was a great defender still not like the Bulls version) Salley, etc.

No one could guard him his quick baseline spin move and first step was unstoppable ...

IIRC Hakeem and Tim TBH did score in 25 + in a series with very few possessions ...

I remember the argument that Manu was Finals MVP ...I didnt agree but Ginobili played well.

[phxspurfan]

1994: Rockets 90, Knicks 84
Finals MVP Hakeem Olajuwon had 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in Game 7, while Knicks guard John Starks famously shot 2-of-18 from the field and 0-of-11 from three-point range in Houston.

[FromWayDowntown]

Here are links to video (full games, I think) of Game 7 from 1984, 1988, and 1994:

1984:
http://www.youtube.com/user/tjhunt76...4AD68A744BBC41

1988:
http://www.youtube.com/user/tjhunt76...A1F3366E3FA5C6

1994:
http://www.youtube.com/user/tjhunt76...AC12C966069254