NBA Finals: Historic ‘Game 7’ in the Championship Series Deciding Winner of Larry O’Brien Trophy
If you blink your eye, you might miss the game-changing play on the court. That has been the story of the Pacers vs OKC 2025 NBA finals series. No lead is safe until the final buzzer, and no player is a pushover. Each game had a different hero, and the fourth quarter points defined the winner. Though the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers is one of a kind, here are some of the iconic NBA Finals with Game 7 deciding the winner of the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Historic Game 7 in the NBA Finals
NBA finals have always been entertaining ones, and Game 7 performances often remain a highlight of any player’s career. The following are iconic Game 7s in the NBA Finals,
1970 NBA Finals – New York Knicks vs. LA Lakers
The Knicks were the top seed in the league with a 60-22 record while their finals opponents, the LA Lakers, were second in the West with a 46-36 record. Finals MVP was Willis Reed, who made ma iraculous return despite a torn thigh muscle that sidelined him in Game 6. He scored the Knicks’ first two baskets, igniting New York despite playing only briefly afterwards. With Reed’s inspiring presence, Walt “Clyde” Frazier took over—delivering 36 points, 19 assists, and 7 rebounds—sealing a 113–99 victory. This was the Knicks’ first NBA Championship, with the second one coming in 1973.
1978 NBA Finals – Washington Bullets vs. Seattle SuperSonics
The Washington Bullets claimed their only title (105–99) on the road against the Seattle SuperSonics. With two minutes left and the score tight, Wes Unseld hit two pressure-packed free throws, and Bobby Dandridge sealed the win with a dunk. It remains one of the rare instances where a road team clinched a Game 7 title in that era.
Also Read: NBA Finals: Regular Season Toppers Unable to Win Larry O’Brien Trophy in Championship Series.
1984 NBA Finals – Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers
It was the era of the Magic-Bird rivalry, and both sides were filled with multiple stars. The old Boston Garden, devoid of air conditioning, was steamy, and it made the West Coast visitors uncomfortable. The Celtics nearly blew a 14-point fourth quarter lead but held on to clinch the game 7 by a 111-102 score. Cedric Maxwell went for 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Larry Bird claimed MVP.
1988 NBA Finals – LA Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons
“Big Game James”: In one of the most clutch performances, James Worthy erupted for 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists—his first career triple-double—earning Finals MVP honors. Magic Johnson’s playmaking also played a crucial role, outplaying Isiah Thomas and co. Johnson chipped in 19 points and 14 assists, orchestrating the Lakers’ offense. The game 7 win at home ended their curse of losing the series deciders and also marked the Lakers’ first back-to-back title since moving to L.A., cementing the Showtime era.
1994 NBA Finals – Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks
The battle of two bigs – Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing was the headline of the series. The Big Apple side was looking certain to claim its third title with the Rockets tasting defeat in two finals appearances till 94. Olajuwon outscored Ewing in every game of the series, while Ewing out-blocked (4.3 to 3.9 bpg) and outrebounded him (12.4 rpg to 9.1 rpg) ‘the Dream’. Ewing set a then-NBA Finals record with a total of 30 blocks. The clutch play of the game was John Starks’ struggles on the night, shooting 2-for-18 from the field in Game 7.
2010 NBA Finals – Lakers vs. Celtics
The history and rivalry were there, with both sides locking horns for the second NBA finals in three seasons. LA lost the battle in 2008 while the Celtics had their big three in form once again. Surprise package in game 7 was Ron Artest, who scored 20 points, including four crucial free throws in the closing minutes. The Lakers also out-rebounded Boston 53–40. The Lakers narrowly defeated the Celtics 83–79, securing back-to-back titles and a fifth ring for Kobe.
2013 NBA Finals – Heat vs. Spurs
After the 2012 Championship, the Heat side was the clear favorite, yet the ‘systematic’ gameplay by the Spurs stretched the series to game 7. LeBron James was not letting another championship slip out of his hands after losses in 2007 and 2011. He scored 37 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and added 4 assists, banking five three-pointers. He also made a clutch mid-range jumper late to shift momentum. Miami won 95–88, earning LeBron his second Finals MVP and consecutive titles.
2016 NBA Finals – Cavaliers vs. Warriors
LeBron James’ team made one of the comebacks of the century with the side down 1-3. He recorded 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and made 3 blocks, leading all players in points, assists, steals, and blocks across the series. His chase-down block on Andre Iguodala with under two minutes left remains one of the most replayed defensive highlights ever. Adding to it was Kyrie Irvin’s step-back three-pointer over Stephen Curry with 53 seconds left sealed a 93–89 win. A historic win remains one of the most loved series, with both sides dominating their respective conferences.
Game 7s in the NBA Finals are more than games—they’re generational touchstones. From Reed’s gutsy return to LeBron’s chase-down panic block and Kyrie’s clutch triple, each moment reinforces why basketball is not just a sport, but a theatre of human wills and craftsmanship.
EN 
ES