The 50 Best Series in NBA Playoff History

Check out all the classics from over 60 years of postseason basketball.

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Complex Original

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In 1947 fans were treated to their first taste of postseason basketball. More than 60 years later, the NBA playoffs—despite the lengthy eight-week span—are still one of the most intriguing postseasons in all of sports. Whether it's a No. 8 seed upsetting a No. 1 seed like the Warriors beating the Mavs in 2007, or the league's powerhouses meeting in the Finals like the epic Lakers vs. Celtics battles of the '80s, the NBA playoffs are must-watch TV. In anticipation of more classic moments and upsets to come this postseason (scared yet, Lakers fans?!), check out the 50 Best Series in NBA Playoff History.

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50. Knicks vs Pacers (1999)

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49. Suns vs Spurs (2007)

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48. Knicks vs Rockets (1994)

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47. Pistons vs Spurs (2005)

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46. Knicks vs Heat (2000)

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45. Bulls vs Blazers (1992)

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44. Pistons vs Cavs (2006)

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43. Bulls vs Cavs (1989)

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42. Lakers vs Suns (2006)

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41. Kings vs Wolves (2004)

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40. Cavs vs Celtics (2008)

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39. Bulls vs Pistons (1990)

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38. Raptors vs 76ers (2001)

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37. Hawks vs Celtics (1988)

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36. Rockets vs Sonics (1997)

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35. Pacers vs Magic (1995)

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34. Sonics vs Jazz (1996)

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33. Magic vs Cavs (2009)

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32. Jazz vs Rockets (1995)

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31. Celtics vs Bucks (1987)

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30. Bulls vs Knicks (1993)

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29. Bulls vs Knicks (1992)

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28. Mavericks vs Heat (2006)

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27. Mavericks vs Warriors (2007)

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26. Sonics vs Nuggets (1994)

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25. Bulls vs Pacers (1998)

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24. Celtics vs Pistons (1988)

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23. Mavericks vs Heat (2011)

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22. Cavs vs Pistons (2007)

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21. Lakers vs Celtics (1987)

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20. Blazers vs 76ers (1977)

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19. Rockets vs Spurs (1995)

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18. Celtics vs Suns (1976)

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17. Rockets vs Suns (1995)

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16. Lakers vs Kings (2002)

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15. Bulls vs Jazz (1998)

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14. Celtics vs. Bulls (2009)

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13. Mavericks vs Spurs (2006)

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12. Lakers vs. Blazers (2000)

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11. Bulls vs Jazz (1997)

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10. Knicks vs. Pacers (1995)

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9. Lakers vs Celtics (2010)

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8. Lakers vs Celtics (1969)

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7. Bulls vs Suns (1993)

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6. Celtics vs. 76ers (1981)

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5. Lakers vs. Knicks (1970)

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4. Lakers vs. 76ers (1980)

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3. Lakers vs. Celtics (1985)

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2. Lakers vs. Pistons (1988)

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1. Lakers vs. Celtics (1984)

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