Logo of the NBA Finals

The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association, played under a best-of-seven playoff format. The team winning the Eastern Conference Finals earns one of the two berths in the championship round, with the other going to the team that wins the Western Conference Finals. This event has been played at the conclusion of every NBA and BAA season in history, the first being held in 1947. The 2006 NBA Finals were won by the Miami Heat, who defeated the Dallas Mavericks four games to two, with both teams making their NBA Finals debut. The winner of the NBA Finals is presented the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy at the conclusion of the finals. Image File history File linksMetadata NBAFINALSLOGO.jpg‎ Logo of NBA Finals This is a logo of an organization, item, or event, and is protected by copyright and/or trademark. ... Image File history File linksMetadata NBAFINALSLOGO.jpg‎ Logo of NBA Finals This is a logo of an organization, item, or event, and is protected by copyright and/or trademark. ... The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the worlds premier mens basketball league. ... A best-of-seven playoff, also known by the name seven-game series is a method of determining a victor between two contenders. ... The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, and organized in three divisions of five teams each. ... The National Basketball Association Conference Finals occur at the conclusion of the NBA Playoffs when the final four teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences face off. ... The Western Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, and organized in three divisions of five teams each. ... NBA official website NBA News from Pro Sports Daily Dougs NBA Statistics NBA Statistics from 82games. ... The 1947 BAA (or NBA) Finals was the championship round of the 1946-1947 BAA season, which was the first the organized major professional basketball league season. ... The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005-06 National Basketball Association season. ... The Miami Heat are a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. ... The Dallas Mavericks (also known as the Mavs) are an NBA basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. ... The Larry OBrien trophy is coveted by NBA teams. ...

Dynasties

The Boston Celtics won the championship in all but two years between 1957 and 1969, including eight in a row. Key players during this Celtic "Dynasty" include Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, John Havlicek, Bob Cousy and coach Red Auerbach. Larry Bird is also famous for having led the team to three championships in the 1980s. The Celtics have, in fact, won 16 championships, in 1957, 1959-1966, 1968-1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984 and 1986, more than any other team in the league. Other powerful championship teams include the Minneapolis (later Los Angeles) Lakers with 14 championships (5 in Minneapolis and 9 in Los Angeles) from 1949-1950, 1952-1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987-1988, and 2000-2002 and the Chicago Bulls with 6 championships from 1991-1993, and 1996-1998. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... William Fenton Russell (born February 12, 1934) is a former American basketball player remembered for his central role in the Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in the 13 seasons that he played. ... William Walton Bill Sharman (born May 25, 1926 in Abilene, Texas) is a former professional basketball player and coach. ... John J. Havlicek (born April 8, 1940 in Martins Ferry, Ohio) is a former professional basketball player who competed for 16 seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning eight NBA titles, half of them coming in his first four seasons. ... Robert Joseph Cousy (born August 9, 1928 in New York City, is an American former professional basketball player, who played point guard with the NBAs Boston Celtics from 1951 to 1963 and (briefly) with the Cincinnati Royals in the 1969-1970 season, being recognized as one of the greatest... Arnold Jacob Red Auerbach (September 20, 1917 – October 28, 2006) was an American coach and executive for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. ... Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former NBA basketball player, widely considered one of the greatest players to ever play, and one of the best clutch performers in the history of sports. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ...

History

The first NBA Finals were held in 1947, and have been held each year in June ever since. The popularity of the Finals has grown continually, with television audiences approaching those of the World Series (also played in similar best-of-7 format). The attention paid to the Finals is dependent on the teams involved, with square offs between perennial powerhouses drawing the largest media coverage. Each Finals series has produced memorable moments, and here are some of the more noteworthy:

• 1955: The Syracuse Nationals faced the Fort Wayne Pistons. Although both markets were small (so little coverage was offered) the series was spectacular. The home team won every game, the Nats taking the series with a free throw by George King at the end of Game 7, breaking a 91-91 tie.
• 1957: The first championship in the Celtics dynasty. A hard-fought series against the Hawks. Jim Loscutoff won the game for the Celtics in double overtime in Game 7 with two free throws.
• 1962: The series to which many ascribe the beginnings of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. In Game 7, the clock was winding down with the score tied at 100, when Frank Selvy missed an 18-foot game (and series) winning basket for the Lakers. The Celtics then won in overtime.
• 1966: Another Celtics-Lakers classic. In Game 7, Red Auerbach, Boston's coach, lit up his traditional "victory cigar" only to see his team's lead melt away. They held on, however, and won 95-93.
• 1969: For the third time in the decade, a Lakers-Celtics final went to seven games. Chamberlain, Baylor, and West, three of the game's best players, were now all playing for the Lakers. Nevertheless, Celtics player-coach Bill Russell's experience led to an effective counter-attack. In Game 4, with the Celtics trailing 2-1 in the series and 88-87 in the game, Sam Jones hit an incredible buzzer-beater with three seconds left to even the series and preserve the Celtics' dynasty. They won Game 7 by two points in Los Angeles' home arena.
• 1970: Game 3 produced an instant classic. The Lakers trailed 102-100 with three seconds left, but Jerry West scored a basket from 60 feet away to even the game. Although the Knicks eventually won in overtime, the Lakers produced momentum. Unfortunately for them, the injured Willis Reed, who supposedly was out of Game 7, came back in to inspire the Knicks just when they needed it. New York claimed its first title.
• 1976: Chiefly remembered for the fifth game, a classic that was often labelled afterwards as the "greatest NBA game ever". With the series tied 2-2 against the Phoenix Suns, Boston took a huge lead at Boston Garden but could not hold it. The game was marred by several controversies but eventually went to Boston in three overtimes, 128-126. Boston then won Game 6 and took their 13th championship.
• 1980: The Lakers took a 3-2 lead against the Sixers, led chiefly by Abdul-Jabbar. After he sprained his ankle in Game 5, Magic Johnson (then little known) shifted to center and played out a huge game in Game 6, scoring 42 points and netting 15 rebounds as the Lakers clinched the title 123-107. This was the series that Julius Erving executed the behind-the-backboard "Baseline Move".
• 1984: The long-awaited rematch of the Lakers and Celtics after their rivalry was revived in 1980 with the Johnson-Bird pair entering the league. The Lakers almost swept the Celtics but a crucial steal in Game 2 led to a tie game and the Celtics were able to win in overtime to tie the series. The Lakers won Game 3 easily and almost won Game 4, but were again thwarted. Now tied 2-2, the Lakers and Celtics each held serve at their home court to send the series to Boston for Game 7. Game 5 was a classic, with Bird coming up with a huge game in one of the (literally) hottest games ever in non-air conditioned Boston Garden. Game 7 was a close game but eventually went to the Celtics. The 1984 championship series was one of the most watched in history, with soaring TV ratings.
• 1987: The Lakers and Celtics clashed again. Johnson beat the Celtics on a buzzer-beater in Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead and swing the momentum towards the Lakers. Los Angeles won in six.
• 1994: The Knicks took a 3-2 lead on the Houston Rockets and had a chance to clinch it in Game 6 but John Starks' final shot was blocked by Hakeem Olajuwon. The Rockets would win game 7 and win their first NBA Championship. During Game 5 (June 17, 1994) most NBC affiliates (with the noted exception being the network's own flagship station, WNBC-TV out of New York) split the coverage of the game between NFL Hall of Famer Orenthal Simpson's low speed freeway chase with the LAPD. A visibly confused and distraught Bob Costas (NBC's anchor for their NBA Finals coverage) said during the telecast from Madison Square Garden that the Simpson situation was "not just tragic but now surreal."
• 1997: In Game 5, Michael Jordan, the star player on the Chicago Bulls, was sick and weakened due to a stomach virus. But that didn't matter to Jordan as he still managed to score 38. Soon, Michael would capture his fifth NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award, bringing the Bulls to their fifth title in seven years.
• 1998 NBA Finals: The Chicago Bulls raced to a 3-2 lead but nearly lost Game 6 until Michael Jordan made two key baskets for a one-point win and the championship. It would be Jordan's last play for the Bulls.
• 2000 NBA Finals: The Los Angeles Lakers, under new head coach Phil Jackson, led the team to a 67-15 regular season record, and then led them to the Finals against Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers. Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to the franchise's 12th championship, while winning the Finals MVP trophy, averging 38 points and 16.6 rebounds. The Lakers could have easily have gone to a Game 7, but Shaq and teammate Kobe Bryant scored a combined 67 points to win Game 6 in Los Angeles, 116 to 111.
• 2005 NBA Finals: The first four games were blowouts for the home team, but Game 5 was a very tight game (a scene reminiscent of 1976). Robert Horry shot a three-pointer at the end of the first overtime for a 96-95 win. The Spurs thus took a 3-2 lead going home and although losing Game 6 narrowly, could not be kept from clinching the championship in Game 7.

George Edwin King (October 8, 1839 - May 8 1901 1901) was a New Brunswick politician and jurist. ... The Lakers-Celtics Rivalry or Celtics-Lakers Rivalry was a rivalry between two of the most storied professional basketball franchises in National Basketball Association history, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. ... Franklin Delano Frank Selvy (born November 9, 1932 in Corbin, Kentucky) is a former basketball player. ... Willis Reed Jr. ... WNBC-TV, NBC4 is the flagship TV station of the NBC television network, with studios located in Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. ... The Los Angeles Police Department (usually known as the LAPD) is the police department of the City of Los Angeles, California. ... Robert Quinlan Costas (born March 22, 1952 in Queens, New York) is an American sportscaster, on the air for the NBC network since the early 1980s. ... For other persons named Michael Jordan, see Michael Jordan (disambiguation). ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... The NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award is presented to the National Basketball Association (NBA) player in the NBA Finals that is seen as contributing the most to the series. ... The 1998 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1997-1998 National Basketball Association season. ... The 2000 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1999-2000 National Basketball Association season. ... Phil Jackson as a coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Philip Douglas Phil Jackson (born September 17, 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is a National Basketball Association (NBA) coach and former player. ... Reginald Wayne Miller (born August 24, 1965, in Riverside, California) is a retired American professional basketball player. ... The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... Shaquille Rashaun ONeal (born March 6, 1972), frequently referred to simply as Shaq, is one of the most famous American professional basketball players, generally regarded as one of the most dominant in the National Basketball Association. ... Kobe Bean Bryant (born August 23, 1978) is an American All-Star shooting guard in the National Basketball Association who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. ... The 2005 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2004-05 National Basketball Association season. ...

The early years

During the 1940s and early 1950s decades, the NBA Finals were nothing but a minor highlight on the calendar. Franchises which had previously been in the National Basketball League tended to dominate, especially the Minneapolis Lakers. The 1947 BAA (or NBA) Finals was the championship round of the 1946-1947 BAA season, which was the first the organized major professional basketball league season. ... The Chicago Stags were the first NBA team in Chicago. ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... Series Summary Bullets win series 4-2 Categories: | ... The Baltimore Bullets were a National Basketball Association team based in Baltimore, Maryland. ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... Series Summary Lakers win series 4-2 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The Washington Capitols were a National Basketball Association team based in Washington, D.C. Founded: 1946 Folded: 1951 Formerly known as: Home Arena: Uniform colors: Logo design: NBA Championships: // Franchise history Players of note Basketball Hall of Famers: Not to be forgotten: Coaches and others Categories: | ... Series Summary Lakers win series 4-2 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Royals win series 4-3 Categories: | ... The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team which is based in Sacramento, California. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... Series Summary Lakers win series 4-3 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... Series Summary Lakers win series 4-1 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... Series Summary Lakers win series 4-2 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Nationals win series 4-3 Categories: | ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Warriors win series 4-1 Categories: | ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... The 1949-50 NBA Season was officially the 4th season of the National Basketball Association. ... A decade is a set or a group of ten, commonly a period of 10 years in contemporary English, or a period of 10 days in the French revolutionary calendar. ... The National Basketball League was a professional basketball league in the United States from 1937 to 1949. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ...

The 1960s, and the Celtics Dynasty

For most of the late 1950s and the 1960s, the Celtics always seemed to have the upper hand on Chamberlain's teams. With the establishment of the Celtics dynasty in 1957, Russell instantly became the star of the league. The seventh game of that year's championship was decided on a Celtics basket in the final seconds of the second overtime. Series Summary Celtics win series 4-3 Categories: | ... The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Hawks win series 4-2 Categories: | ... The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-0 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-3 Categories: | ... The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-1 Categories: | ... The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-3 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-2 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-1 Categories: | ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-1 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-3 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary 76ers win series 4-2 Categories: | ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Celtics win series 4-2 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1969 NBA Finals was one of the most spectacular Finals series ever. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

In 1964, Chamberlain, who had moved to California with his team, led the San Francisco Warriors to a Western Conference championship, but again failed to conquer the Celtics. The following season, he was traded back to Philadelphia, to join the 76ers that had moved to cover the vacancy created with the departure of the Warriors. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

1966 produced a clash between the two stars in the playoffs, and Boston won 4-1. However, Chamberlain's desire to score was so great that the coach made a famous statement to him to seek to play a team game, not an individual game, to avoid drawing double-teams. His newfound spirit brought his team to a new record of 68 wins the following season, and they defeated the Celtics and then advanced to, and won, the Finals.

In 1968, Boston overcame a 3-1 deficit against Philadelphia to once again arrive in the Finals. Playing against Jerry West's Lakers, they seemed doomed to defeat. Nevertheless, for the sixth consecutive time, they defeated L.A., winning by a four games to two margin. Jerry Alan West (born May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia) has had one of the most successful careers ever in professional basketball, first as a player, then as a coach, and finally as an executive. ...

The following year, 1969, was similarly frustrating, again with the Celtics winning the East and the Lakers winning the West. However, now that Chamberlain had been traded to the Lakers, early estimates had the probabilities going largely in favour of the Lakers. They easily won the first two games at the L.A. Forum. However, when the series shifted to Boston Garden, the Celtics won two close games, by margins of 110-105 and 88-87, respectively, in Games 3 and 4. The fifth game, played into the Forum, returned the advantage to the Lakers, but the sixth game was a massive Celtics win, Chamberlain scoring just two points in the entire duration. Game 7 was held on May 5, balloons being hung up in the arena in anticipation of a Lakers victory. Russell immediately used the balloons as an inspiration for his team, and they raced off to an early start and held off a furious Lakers comeback to win 108-106 and take the series, their eleventh championship in thirteen years. This game represented the final one in this first incarnation of the dynasty. Boston Garden ISBN 0738511528 The Boston Garden was an arena built in 1928 and demolished in 1998 after the completion of its new successor arena, the FleetCenter, now called TD Banknorth Garden. ... May 5 is the 125th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (126th in leap years). ...

The Parity of the 1970s

The 1970's saw 8 different teams win the title, with the Celtics and Knicks both winning twice.

In 1970, a classic final featured the New York Knicks against the Lakers. In the waning moments of Game 3, with the series tied, Jerry West hit a basket from sixty feet away to tie the game, a shot which would become one of the most famous ever. Although the Knicks went on to win the game in overtime, and carried on their momentum for a 4-3 win, the Lakers were still far from defeated. Just two seasons later, the coach introduced a new plan, and it proved effective, as, after losing several games at the beginning, the team won thirty-three games consecutively, the longest such streak in NBA history. By the season's end, they had broken the record for most wins in a season, tallying up 69 wins, one more than the 76ers of 1966-67. The Lakers finally, after a tough playoff season, took home the championship for the first time since the Minneapolis days. The Knicks won the championship again in 1973, using much the same formula, for their second franchise victorious season. How They Got Here The New York Knicks had a spectacular season, theyre 60 wins came as a result of team play instead of big name superstars, something the 2004 Detroit Pistons successfully did in winning their championship. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... Series Summary Bucks win series 4-0 Categories: | ... The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ... The Washington Wizards is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C.. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... Series Summary Lakers win series 4-1 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... Series Summary Knicks win series 4-1 Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... The Eastern Belfast Ladz defeat The Western Belfast Ladz, 4 games to 3. ... The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Warriors win series 4-0 Categories: | ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... The Washington Wizards is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C.. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... The 1976 NBA Finals was the championship round for the 1975-1976 NBA season. ... The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team, based in the Phoenix, Arizona. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1977 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1976-77 NBA season. ... The Portland Trail Blazers, or Blazers, are a professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Series Summary Bullets win series 4-3 Categories: | ... The Seattle SuperSonics (or simply Sonics) are an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. ... The Washington Wizards is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C.. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... The 1979 NBA Finals were won by the Seattle Supersonics defeating the Washington Bullets 4 games to 1. ... The Seattle SuperSonics (or simply Sonics) are an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. ... The Washington Wizards is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C.. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... How They Got Here The New York Knicks had a spectacular season, theyre 60 wins came as a result of team play instead of big name superstars, something the 2004 Detroit Pistons successfully did in winning their championship. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... Jerry Alan West (born May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia) has had one of the most successful careers ever in professional basketball, first as a player, then as a coach, and finally as an executive. ... Overtime is the amount of time someone works beyond normal working hours; these may be determined in several ways, by custom (what is considered healthy or reasonable by society), by practices of a given trade or profession, by legislation, or by agreement between employers and workers or their representatives. ... Series Summary Lakers win series 4-1 Categories: | ... Series Summary Knicks win series 4-1 Categories: | ...

The 1974 championship went back to the Celtics as the remaining players demonstrated excellent teamwork and resilience in the Finals. The Eastern Belfast Ladz defeat The Western Belfast Ladz, 4 games to 3. ...

The late seventies were characterized by a major breakthrough of the league's western franchises. After compiling a 48-34 regular-season record, the Golden State Warriors swept the heavily-favored Washington Bullets 4-0 in a Finals series where the odds heavily favored the eastern representative. This accomplishment has largely been overlooked, but the history books nevertheless betray this remarkable season, comparable to that of the New York Yankees in 1978. The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... Washington Bullets may refer to either the former name of the Washington Wizards basketball team or the song by The Clash, Washington Bullets (song). ... Series Summary Warriors win series 4-0 Categories: | ... 1978 World Series Logo The 1978 World Series matched the defending champion New York Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a rematch of the 1977 Series, with the Yankees winning in six games to repeat as champions. ...

The next year, 1976, saw the rise of the Phoenix Suns. Only eight years in existence, they overcame a losing record early in the season to build remarkable win streaks to finish 42-40. The events culminated in an upset victory over Golden State. In the final against Boston, the teams split the first four games. Game 5 became one of the most memorable games of all. It went into three overtimes but eventually went to Boston 128-126. Two days later the Celtics finished it off for their 13th championship. The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team, based in the Phoenix, Arizona. ...

The Decline of the NBA

The late seventies were seen by many to be a low point in the history of the NBA. Julius Erving and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were the only remaining major stars, and college basketball took over the fans' support, since players who would later become NBA stars were playing. The West continued to dominate in these years, with the Portland Trail Blazers winning the 1977 trophy and the Seattle SuperSonics winning in 1979. Julius Winfield Erving II (born February 22, 1950 in Roosevelt, New York), commonly known by the nickname Dr. J, is a former American basketball player who helped launch a modern style of play that emphasizes leaping and play above the rim. ... For the football player, see Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar. ... The Portland Trail Blazers, or Blazers, are a professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. ... The 1977 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1976-77 NBA season. ... The Seattle SuperSonics (or simply Sonics) are an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. ... The 1979 NBA Finals were won by the Seattle Supersonics defeating the Washington Bullets 4 games to 1. ...

The 1980s, and Lakers-Celtics War

The 1980's saw either the Lakers and/or the Celtics in the finals every year, with the Lakers getting it 5 times, the Celtics 3, the Sixers once in 1983 (sweeping the Lakers,) and Detroit once.

The 1979 NCAA finals featured Earvin "Magic" Johnson's Michigan State University team facing off against Larry Bird's Indiana State team. Michigan State won the game. This meeting has been immortalized, in fact, it attracted the largest ever TV audience for an NCAA game, with 38 percent of all television viewers that night tuned to the game. The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1981 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1980-1981 NBA season. ... The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1982 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1981-1982 NBA season How They Got Here After being upset in the 1981 NBA Playoffs by the surprising Houston Rockets in a 3-game mini-series, the Lakers were back in championship form. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1984 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1983-1984 NBA season. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1985 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1984-85 NBA season. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1986 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1985-1986 NBA season The Boston Celtics won the series over the Houston Rockets four games to two. ... The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1987 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1986-87 NBA season. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 1988 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1987-1988 NBA season Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... The 1989 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1988-1989 NBA season Categories: | ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... The 1990 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1989-1990 NBA season. ... The Portland Trail Blazers are a National Basketball Association team based in Portland, Oregon. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... // Final four redirects here. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Michigan State University (MSU) is a public university in East Lansing, Michigan. ... Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former NBA basketball player, widely considered one of the greatest players to ever play, and one of the best clutch performers in the history of sports. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Bird had actually been drafted the year before, but later decided to stay in college for one more year, and the two superstars both entered the league that same year, 1979, leading their respective teams to dazzling heights. Johnson's Lakers reached the final in 1980, and took a 3-2 lead, but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar could not play in Game 6 due to injury. Johnson shifted to center, ended up playing every position on the court and scored 42 points to win his first championship, a remarkable performance in the annals of the sport. The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... For the football player, see Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar. ...

Boston won the 1981 championship against Houston thanks to Bird, and the team continued dominating the league afterwards, taking many Atlantic Division titles. The 1981 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1980-1981 NBA season. ...

Philadelphia, led by Moses Malone and Julius Erving, took the 1983 prize, losing only once in the entire playoffs. (Malone had predicted earlier that they would sweep every series.) However, in the 1984 NBA Finals, the Celtics and Lakers met for the first time since 1969, and again, from Bird's performance, the Celtics toppled Johnson's Lakers 4-3. The seventh game of that series attracted the largest TV audience ever for an NBA game, and the second-largest ever for a basketball game, with only the game between the two stars played five years earlier having a larger audience. Moses Eugene Malone (born March 23, 1955 in Petersburg, Virginia) is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball player who also played in the American Basketball Association (ABA), as well as on the NBAs Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs and Washington Bullets. ... Julius Winfield Erving II (born February 22, 1950 in Roosevelt, New York), commonly known by the nickname Dr. J, is a former American basketball player who helped launch a modern style of play that emphasizes leaping and play above the rim. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... The 1984 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1983-1984 NBA season. ...

In the 1985 championship, the Lakers made amends for their previous eight losses to the Celtics by defeating them in six games. After losing the first game in a rout, 148-114, dubbed the "Memorial Day massacre", they won four out of five, including a clincher in Boston Garden, to finally end the long years of failing to defeat the Boston franchise. The 1985 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1984-85 NBA season. ...

The 1986 NBA Finals brought the Celtics back against the Houston Rockets. Boston won in six games, taking their sixteenth championship, with the MVP award going to Larry Bird, his second Finals MVP trophy. The 1986 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1985-1986 NBA season The Boston Celtics won the series over the Houston Rockets four games to two. ...

In 1987, the Lakers and Celtics met again for a rubber match. Both sides had won one series, and now a third was being played. The Lakers pounded out two victories, but Boston took the third. Game 4 would be one of the most memorable games ever played. In the waning moments, Magic Johnson scored a skyhook to give the Lakers a 107-106 win, and a 3-1 series lead. They dropped one more, but won Game 6 to take the series. This championship team was recently voted the best in history by the NBA's officials and experts.

In 1988 and 1989, the aging Celtics failed to reach the Finals, with the Lakers and Pistons becoming the best of their conferences. The first contest between the two teams went to Los Angeles in seven games, but the second was a Detroit sweep. The next year, Detroit won it all again, and the name "Bad Boys" became attached to the team for their rough, physical play.

The 1990s, and the Bulls Dynasty

The majority of the 1990s was marked by the rise of the Chicago Bulls dynasty (otherwise known as the 'Michael Jordan era'), which ended in 1998. Coached by legendary head coach Phil Jackson and led by superstar Michael Jordan, the Bulls won six championships from 1991 to 1998. Supported by such remarkable players as Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, Jordan led the Bulls to victory in all NBA Finals series they competed in, and won the Finals MVP award each time. He cemented his position as the best player in the league with dominating performances over superstar Magic Johnson in 1991 and MVP candidate Clyde Drexler in 1992. The Bulls became the second team to sweep games 3 through 5 on the road in Finals history when they did so in the 1991 series against the Lakers. (The first being Detroit in 1990.) Particularly memorable were the 1993 Finals, which became an offensive showdown between Jordan and regular-season MVP (and close friend) Charles Barkley. The 1991 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1990-1991 NBA season. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... The 1992 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1991-92 NBA season. ... The Portland Trail Blazers, or Blazers, are a professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... The 1993 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1992-1993 NBA season. ... The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team, based in the Phoenix, Arizona. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... The 1994 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1993-1994 NBA season. ... The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... The 1995 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1994-95 NBA season. ... The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. ... The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. ... Official 1996 NBA Finals logo. ... The Seattle SuperSonics (or simply Sonics) are an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... The 1997 NBA Finals was the concluding series of the 1997 NBA Playoffs that determined the champion of the 1996–97 NBA season. ... The Utah Jazz are a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... The 1998 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1997-1998 National Basketball Association season. ... The Utah Jazz are a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... Phil Jackson as a coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Philip Douglas Phil Jackson (born September 17, 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is a National Basketball Association (NBA) coach and former player. ... For other persons named Michael Jordan, see Michael Jordan (disambiguation). ... Scottie Maurice Pippen (born September 25, 1965 in Hamburg, Arkansas) is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and is most remembered for leading the Chicago Bulls together with Michael Jordan to six championships and being one of the best all-around players... Dennis Keith Rodman (born May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey) is an American former professional basketball player best known for his defensive and rebounding ability, leading the National Basketball Association in rebounds per game for a record seven consecutive years and earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven... Clyde Austin Drexler (born June 22, 1962 in New Orleans, Louisiana) is an American former National Basketball Association shooting guard. ... Charles Wade Barkley (born February 20, 1963) is a retired American professional basketball player. ...

The Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, won the 1994 and 1995 NBA championships. Olajuwon dominated the game during those two seasons, becoming the only player in history to win the National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award, NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, and Finals MVP in the same season (1993-94). The seven-game NBA Finals between the Rockets and Knicks in 1994 would be the last to reach a game seven until the 2005 series between San Antonio and Detroit. The Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic four games to none in the 1995 Finals, Olajuwon again claiming honors as Finals MVP. The Rockets thus became only the fifth franchise to win back-to-back titles. The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. ... Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (born Akeem Abdul Olajuwon on January 21, 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria) is a former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. ... The National Basketball Association first named a Most Valuable Player after the 1955-56 NBA season. ... The National Basketball Associations Defensive Player of the Year Award has been handed out since 1983. ...

Jordan decided to return to basketball in 1995, after a short stint as a baseball player. Although he failed to lead the Bulls to the Finals in that year, he returned to pre-retirement form the next year and led the Bulls to one of the most memorable seasons ever. The 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls finished the regular season with a record of 72-10, the best regular season record of any team in the history of the NBA. They proceeded to dominate in the conference playoffs, and then went on to defeat Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and the SuperSonics in 6 games in the finals. Gary Dwayne Payton (born July 23, 1968 in Oakland, California) is a professional basketball player currently with the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association. ... Shawn T. Kemp (born November 26, 1969, in Elkhart, Indiana) is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. ...

In 1997 and 1998, the Bulls met with perhaps their most formidable foe, the Utah Jazz. Led by Olympians John Stockton and Karl Malone, the Jazz were defeated in both Finals by Jordan's unstoppable play. The Bulls had a cast of characters that proved to be the final pieces to help Michael obtain the ultimate prize. No-names such as Jud Buechler, Randy Brown, Bill Wennington, and Luc Longley were key players that rarely produced an astounding amount of points, but proved vital in the use of intangibles (setting picks, rebounding, creating turnovers, etc.). Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright, John Paxson and Dennis Rodman were all pieces that were added to the puzzle to create the dynasty known as the "Untoucha-Bulls." Before the beginning of the 1999 season, Phil Jackson decided to retire and rode off into the sunset on his Harley, setting off a chain reaction that resulted in most of the team, including Jordan and Pippen, leaving Chicago, ending the dynasty and opening the door for other teams to win the Championship. The Bulls did not make the playoffs again until 2005. The Dream Team was the unofficial nickname of the United States mens basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. ... John Houston Stockton (born March 26, 1962) is a former American professional basketball player. ... Karl Malone (born July 24, 1963, in Bernice, Louisiana) is an American former professional basketball player. ... Judson Donald Buechler (born June 19, 1968 in San Diego, California) is a former professional basketball player. ... Randy Brown (born May 22, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois) is an American former professional basketball player. ... William (Bill) Percey Wennington (born December 26, 1963 in Montreal, Quebec) is a Canadian former National Basketball Association center who won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls: the 1996, 1997 and 1998 teams. ... Lucien James Luc Longley (born January 19, 1969 in Melbourne, Australia) is a former professional basketball player, and also the first Australian to play in the NBA. He attended college at the University of New Mexico. ... Horace Grant reaches the basket as a Chicago Bull Horace Junior Grant (born July 4, 1965 in Augusta, Georgia) is an American former professional basketball player. ... Bill Cartwright shooting a basket. ... John Paxson John Paxson (born September 29, 1960 in Dayton, Ohio) is a retired basketball player. ... Dennis Keith Rodman (born May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey) is an American former professional basketball player best known for his defensive and rebounding ability, leading the National Basketball Association in rebounds per game for a record seven consecutive years and earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven... Phil Jackson as a coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Philip Douglas Phil Jackson (born September 17, 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is a National Basketball Association (NBA) coach and former player. ...

The 2000s

* lockout-shortened 50-game season The 1999 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1998-99 National Basketball Association season. ... It has been suggested that San Antonio Gunslingers (ABA) be merged into this article or section. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... The 2000 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1999-2000 National Basketball Association season. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... NBA Finals logo from NBA.com. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The 2002 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2001-2002 NBA season. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. ... The 2003 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2002-03 NBA season. ... It has been suggested that San Antonio Gunslingers (ABA) be merged into this article or section. ... The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. ... The Pistons are congratulated by President George W. Bush after capturing the 2004 title. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... The 2005 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2004-05 National Basketball Association season. ... It has been suggested that San Antonio Gunslingers (ABA) be merged into this article or section. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005-06 National Basketball Association season. ... The Dallas Mavericks (also known as the Mavs) are an NBA basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. ... The Miami Heat are a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. ...

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, both of the Western Conference, dominated the NBA. In 1998-99 San Antonio Spurs, led by the "Twin Towers" Tim Duncan and David Robinson, won the West and proceeded to end the New York Knicks magical run (they had been the #8 seed) in the NBA Finals. Timothy (Tim) Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976 in Christiansted, St. ... David Maurice Robinson (born August 6, 1965 in Key West, Florida) is an American former NBA basketball player, who was considered one of the greatest to ever play. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ...

For the next 3 years, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by superstars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, won the NBA Finals in dominating performances, each year completing the task in one fewer game than the previous Finals. They were particularly dominating in the 2002 Finals, as they kept the lead virtually all the time in every game; only for a short while near the beginning of Game 4 did the New Jersey Nets gain any significant lead in a game. The Lakers sweep of the Nets was the first sweep in the Finals since Houston swept Orlando in the 1995 Finals. Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... Kobe Bean Bryant (born August 23, 1978) is an American All-Star shooting guard in the National Basketball Association who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. ... Shaquille Rashaun ONeal (born March 6, 1972), frequently referred to simply as Shaq, is one of the most famous American professional basketball players, generally regarded as one of the most dominant in the National Basketball Association. ... The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. ... Sweep may be any of the following: Look up Sweep in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

However, the Lakers streak of championships ended when they were defeated by the Spurs in the 2003 playoffs, who proceeded to defeat the Nets in the finals.

In 2004, veteran stars Gary Payton and Karl Malone signed with the Lakers. Along with Bryant and O'Neal, they formed what many expected to be one of the best teams in NBA history. The Lakers were the clear favorites to win the NBA championship. However, the Detroit Pistons, under coach Larry Brown and led by defensive star Ben Wallace and offensive floor general Chauncey Billups, defeated the injury- and dissension-ridden Lakers to become the first Eastern Conference team since the Bulls to win the NBA championship. The Pistons became the first home team to sweep games 3 through 5 in a Finals series (particularly notable because the home team in those games does not have home-court advantage in the series and is usually considered the underdog in the series). Previously three road teams did it (Detroit in 1990, Chicago in 1991 and the Lakers in 2001). Point guard Billups won the Finals MVP award, becoming the first point guard to win the award since Isiah Thomas. This article is about the basketball player. ... Karl Malone (born July 24, 1963, in Bernice, Louisiana) is an American former professional basketball player. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... Larry Brown For other people of the same name, see Larry Brown (disambiguation). ... For the British MP, see Ben Wallace (UK politician). ... Chauncey Ray Billups (born September 25, 1976 in Denver, Colorado) is the starting point guard and team captain for the National Basketball Associations Detroit Pistons. ... Underdog Underdog was an American animated television series that debuted on October 3, 1964, on the NBC network and continued in sydnication until 1973 for a run of approximately 120 episodes over NBC, and occasionally, CBS. // In 1960, handling the General Mills account as an account executive with the Dancer...

In 2005, for the first time since 1987, the previous two champions met to decide it all, despite neither having played the other in their championship season. The Pistons and Spurs were both considered defensive specialists, having both knocked off offensive-minded No. 1 seeds to reach the Finals. The first four games were blowouts for the home team, but Game 5 produced an instant classic. The game was close throughout: even as the Spurs pulled away in the third quarter the Pistons came back, and the game was tied 89-89 and went into overtime after Tim Duncan missed a potential winning shot for San Antonio. In overtime, the Pistons jumped to a quick 95-91 lead but Robert Horry scored the game-winning 3-point basket with 6 seconds left. This capped an explosive 21-point performance by Horry off the bench, even though Horry had not scored at all until 1 second remained in the third quarter. Horry scored more than a point a minute the rest of the game. This was a capstone to Horry's long career of similarly dramatic game-winning heroics. In Game 6 the defending champion Pistons were given little chance to recover from such a heartbreaking loss but continued a trend of excelling with their 'backs against the wall.' The game was tight throughout until, with a one-point lead and two minutes to play, the Pistons scored the final 8 points of the game to win 95-86. Key to the Detroit win was Rasheed Wallace, who returned to the game to score 7 points and garner a game-clinching steal and rebound, all in the final four minutes. The flamboyant Wallace thus earned some redemption for his gaffe at the end of Game 5 when he left the red-hot Horry unguarded on the game-winning shot. A decisive Game 7 was now set up to conclude this suddenly gripping series, the first Finals Game 7 in 11 years (when Houston defeated New York). The Pistons became the first road team to force a game 7 down 3-2 in the series since the NBA switched to the 2-3-2 format in 1985. The home team was 7-0 previously in game 6 with the 3-2 lead ('86 Celtics, '87 Lakers, '96 Bulls, '97 Bulls, '00 Lakers and '03 Spurs) and home-court for game 7. The 2005 Finals was won by the Spurs 81-74, giving them their third NBA Finals championship in seven years. Tim Duncan won his third Finals MVP award, joining Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal as the fourth player to win three Finals MVP awards. Robert Horry won his sixth NBA title, and became the second player in NBA history to win a title with three different teams (Rockets, Lakers, Spurs). Timothy (Tim) Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976 in Christiansted, St. ... Robert Horry (born August 25, 1970 in Hartford, Maryland) is an American NBA basketball player recognized as one of the greatest clutch players in modern NBA history. ... Rasheed Abdul Wallace (born September 17, 1974, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. ... It has been suggested that San Antonio Gunslingers (ABA) be merged into this article or section. ... Timothy (Tim) Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976 in Christiansted, St. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... For other persons named Michael Jordan, see Michael Jordan (disambiguation). ... Shaquille Rashaun ONeal (born March 6, 1972), frequently referred to simply as Shaq, is one of the most famous American professional basketball players, generally regarded as one of the most dominant in the National Basketball Association. ...

The 2006 NBA Finals featured the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks. It was the first NBA Finals since 1971 that had both Western and Eastern Conference champions making their first Finals appearance in franchise history. Led by upcoming star and Finals MVP Dwyane Wade, legendary coach Pat Riley and veteran superstar Shaquille O'Neal, the Miami Heat won the championship 4 games to 2 on Dallas' homecourt. The Heat's clinching victory in game 6 was their first win at Dallas in four years, and they became only the third team to ever win the finals after going down 0-2, the first since the 2-3-2 setup after 1985. Most agree that the turning point of the series was in Game 3, when the Heat overcame a 13 point deficit with less than 6 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to win 98-96. The comeback was led by Dwayne Wade's 12 points in the final six minutes and a clutch outside jumpshot by once-perennial all-star Gary Payton, who was appearing in his third NBA finals. Wade constantly earned high acolades in the form of comparisons to Michael Jordan throughout the series. His points-per-game average was better than what Jordan had in his first championship (34.7 vs. 31.2). And in four games (43, 42, 36 twice), he scored as many as or more than Jordan did in his best game in the '91 Finals (36). One difference that impacted Wade's scoring was the number of times he attempted free throws, which exceeded Jordan's average by nearly five attempts per game. Heat coach Pat Riley became the third coach to win Championships with two different teams (Alex Hannum and Phil Jackson were the first two), and the first to ever do it with two different teams as an interim head coach. The Miami Heat are a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. ... The Dallas Mavericks (also known as the Mavs) are an NBA basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. ... Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. ... Pat Riley reacts to a call during a game. ... Shaquille Rashaun ONeal (born March 6, 1972), frequently referred to simply as Shaq, is one of the most famous American professional basketball players, generally regarded as one of the most dominant in the National Basketball Association. ... This article is about the basketball player. ... Pat Riley reacts to a call during a game. ... Alexander Murray Hannum (July 19, 1923 - January 18, 2002) was a pro basketball coach. ... Phil Jackson as a coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Philip Douglas Phil Jackson (born September 17, 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is a National Basketball Association (NBA) coach and former player. ...

Finals Appearances

Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... Lakers logo 1966-1991 The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team, based in Los Angeles, California, who play in the National Basketball Association. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. ... The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in Oakland, California, United States. ... The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. ... The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. ... The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. ... The Washington Wizards is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C.. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... The Washington Wizards is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C.. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... The Washington Wizards is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C.. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... It has been suggested that San Antonio Gunslingers (ABA) be merged into this article or section. ... The Portland Trail Blazers are a National Basketball Association team based in Portland, Oregon. ... The Seattle SuperSonics (or simply Sonics) are an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. ... The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ... The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. ... The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team, based in the Phoenix, Arizona. ... The Utah Jazz are a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. ... The Baltimore Bullets were a National Basketball Association team based in Baltimore, Maryland. ... The Miami Heat are a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. ... The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team which is based in Sacramento, California. ... The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team which is based in Sacramento, California. ... The Dallas Mavericks (also known as the Mavs) are an NBA basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. ... The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. ... The Chicago Stags were the first NBA team in Chicago. ... The Washington Capitols were a National Basketball Association team based in Washington, D.C. Founded: 1946 Folded: 1951 Formerly known as: Home Arena: Uniform colors: Logo design: NBA Championships: // Franchise history Players of note Basketball Hall of Famers: Not to be forgotten: Coaches and others Categories: | ...

Franchises with no Finals appearances

• Charlotte Bobcats
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Denver Nuggets
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Memphis Grizzlies
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• New Orleans Hornets
• Toronto Raptors

The Charlotte Bobcats are a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. They play in the Southeast Division, created because of the teams entry, of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association. ... The Cleveland Cavaliers (also known as the Cavs) are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. ... The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. ... The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. ... The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee. ... The Minnesota Timberwolves are a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. ... The New Orleans Hornets (temporarily the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets) are a professional basketball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. ... The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario. ...

Criticism

Controversially, the NBA Finals are sometimes regarded by league officials and U.S. media as a "World Championship," despite the fact that only teams from the US compete for the title, with Canada joining in 1995. This issue has become notable since USA national teams, based on NBA elite players, have been unable to win -and have finished as low as sixth place- official worldwide basketball competitions like the 2004 Olympics and the 2002 and 2006 World Basketball Championship.

Trivia

• Either Steve Kerr or Robert Horry played on an NBA Championship team each year for a decade, combining to win 11 championships over a twelve-year period. Though neither player was ever selected to the All-Star Game, nor ever played on each other's team, one of the two players was on the roster of every NBA Champion from the 1993-1994 season thru the 2002-2003 season. Kerr's teams were winners in the NBA Finals in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2003. Horry's teams were victorious in the NBA Finals in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2005. Each won 3 consecutive titles playing for Phil Jackson-coached teams (Horry's Lakers and Kerr's Bulls), and every other championship with a team from Texas (the Spurs and Rockets).

• The 2000 NBA Finals, between the Lakers and Pacers, after the Lakers' win over the Indiana Pacers, fans stormed the streets of Los Angeles, in excitement that the Lakers won their 12th NBA title. It resulted in a riot and fans started several bonfires and flipped several cars, including a news van.

Steve Kerr shoots the game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals for the Chicago Bulls. ... Robert Horry (born August 25, 1970 in Hartford, Maryland) is an American NBA basketball player recognized as one of the greatest clutch players in modern NBA history. ... Phil Jackson as a coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Philip Douglas Phil Jackson (born September 17, 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is a National Basketball Association (NBA) coach and former player. ... Official language(s) English (de facto) See also languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Area  Ranked 2nd  - Total 261,797 sq mi (261,797 km²)  - Width 773 miles (1,244 km)  - Length 790 miles (1,270 km)  - % water 2. ... The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA). ... Flag Seal Nickname: City of Angels Location Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates , Government State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Geographical characteristics Area     City 1,290. ...

External links

• The Historical Records Section of the NBA official site
• The Greatest Game Ever (Game 5, 1976 Finals)
• NBA.com: Greatest Finals Moments
• NBA Daily Dime