5. Magic Johnson’s Sky Hook (Game 4 of 1987 NBA Finals)
It was another Finals between the greatest rivalry in NBA history, the Boston Celtics versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were battling in this game back and forth and neither team could take a big lead. With just twelve seconds left in the game Larry Bird hit a huge three-pointer to give the Boston Celtics a one point lead, but Magic Johnson was prepared. On the next play Magic Johnson drove past Kevin McHale into the paint and hit a game-winning sky hook to seal the victory. The Los Angeles Lakers would win in six games and Magic Johnson would go onto win his fourth NBA Championship.
4. The “Flu Game” (Game 5 of 1997 NBA Finals)
In game five of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan was extremely ill and at first it seemed like he might not be able to play. But Jordan was determined and extremely courageous as he always is in tough situations. Michael Jordan ended the game with thirty-eight points which willed his team to an important victory. The Chicago Bulls would go on to with the Championship in six games and win their fifth Championship.
3. Wilt Chamberlain Scores 100 Points
Wilt Chamberlain has countless great statistical achievements. Chamberlain averaged over fifty points per game one season, grabbed fifty-five rebounds in one game, and his team won thirty-three straight games. But no statistic that Chamberlain ever recorded is more impressive and historical as his one hundred point game. This game is easily the greatest single game performance in any sport in history.
2. Michael Jordan Hits “The Shot” (Game 6 of 1998 NBA Finals)
In game six of the 1998 NBA Finals Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looked to beat the Utah Jazz 4-2 and capture their sixth NBA Championship. It was Michael Jordan’s last game as a member of the Chicago Bulls and he showed up huge. Michael Jordan ended the game with a very important forty-five points and possibly the biggest and most symbolic game winner in NBA history. Michael Jordan had won his sixth and last NBA Championship.
1. LeBron James Wins NBA Championship For “The Land” (Game 7 of 2016 NBA Finals)
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers were facing arguably the greatest team in NBA history. The Golden State Warriors ended the regular season with a 73-9 record (Best of all-time) and they were the defending Champions. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves losing the series 3-1. Almost every NBA fan counted the Cavaliers out because no one, in NBA history, had ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. But LeBron James and Kyrie Irving played sensational basketball as they both scored forty-one points in game five, LeBron scored forty-one in game six, and LeBron James recorded a triple double and “The Block” in game seven while Kyrie scored the Championship winning, step-back three-pointer on Stephen Curry. With tears running down LeBron James’ face it was a fantastic moment because LeBron finally won a Championship for his hometown team who he dramatically abandoned earlier in his career.
