Ranking Every NBA Finals Since Previous Game 7: Thunder vs. Pacers Leads the List as LeBron James and Warriors Shine
Basketball/Sports

Ranking Every NBA Finals Since Previous Game 7: Thunder vs. Pacers Leads the List as LeBron James and Warriors Shine

An analysis of NBA Finals matchups since the last Game 7, highlighting the current showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

It’s the best two words in sports: Game. Seven. The NBA Finals are set to be decided in a Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers this coming Sunday. This marks the first Finals to reach its ultimate contest since 2016, highlighting what has been an electrifying match-up.

Despite initial doubts regarding the finals featuring smaller market teams and lack of superstar players, the series has showcased some of the best basketball the league has seen in the past decade. Both teams have remarkably held a competitive edge with each game.

As preparations for Game 7 commence, here’s a look back at every NBA Finals matchup since the last Game 7, ranked from least to most exciting.

10. Warriors beat Cavaliers, 4-0 (2018)

The most notorious moment from this matchup was LeBron James scoring 51 points but losing due to a key mistake by J.R. Smith. This Finals was washed out by a lack of competition.

9. Nuggets beat Heat, 4-1 (2023)

A series that leaned heavily in favor of the Nuggets, not offering much excitement after the Heat’s Game 2 win.

8. Celtics beat Mavericks, 4-1 (2024)

The Celtics, a powerhouse team, easily beat the Mavericks, leading to minimal drama throughout the series.

7. Lakers beat Heat, 4-2 (2020)

The bubble championship created unique circumstances, as the Lakers won their title without any fans present.

6. Warriors beat Cavaliers, 4-1 (2017)

Following their loss in 2016, the Warriors fortified their team, returning stronger and proving to win decisively.

5. Raptors beat Warriors, 4-2 (2019)

Injuries curtailed what could have been an exceptional series, though Kawhi Leonard’s performance stood out.

4. Warriors beat Celtics, 4-2 (2022)

Despite speculation around the decline of the Warriors, Stephen Curry led a remarkable series to capture the Finals MVP title.

3. Bucks beat Suns, 4-2 (2021)

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance, including a memorable Game 6, brought the Bucks their first championship in decades.

2. Thunder vs. Pacers, TBD (2025)

Initially perceived as an easy win for the Thunder, this Finals has unexpectedly turned into a thrilling showdown.

1. Cavaliers beat Warriors, 4-3 (2016)

James’s iconic performance in this historic comeback remains a defining moment in NBA history. His determination led to not only a remarkable victory against a dominating Warriors team but to the Cavaliers’ first championship win ever.

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