The 25 Most Iconic NBA Finals Moments (Video)

They've been playing since Halloween, they're tired, battered, some of them are "old" their knee joints are as worn down as our nation's groupies when the season (finally) ends. And yet they're exactly where they want to be, a handful of wins away from a parade filled with cliches about how they're "already thinking of next year."

Maybe LeBron and Wade can team up for some moments worthy of immortalization on their quest for back-to-back Larry O'Brien's. Or, maybe Tim Duncan can solidify his place as one of the greatest players of all time with another ring in the twilight moments of his career. Can anyone "rise up" on the worldwide stage where analysts are brimming with storylines? If the Heat win the coverage will no doubt surround whether or not King James can dethrone "His Airness" and if the Heat lose the coverage will no doubt surround whether LeBron is "truly great" (wait, who are the Spurs again?)

What you don't have to wait for are the ultimate moments of Finals history because they have already been etched in our memories. Images of Steve Kerr's game winner or Willis Reed limping out of the tunnel. Whether they brought you joy or anger we still appreciate these once in a lifetime moments because of what they meant. Check out the 25 Most Iconic NBA Finals Moments (that could be harnessed by the limited power of YouTube).

Date: 6/17/2008, Game 6
Teams: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

In a postgame interview after Garnett and Boston beat the Lakers to win the 2008 title, Garnett wigged out and yelled: "Anything is possible!" It's still better than another pointless postgame interview about how the other team was "tough" but we were just "determined." That garbage gets old after awhile.

Date: 6/14/2000, Game 4
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers

With (eventual Finals MVP) Shaq fouled out, Kobe took over and reached his climax (Ayo!) with this shot to give LA a commanding 3-1 lead. Mamba was just 21 years old when he made this shot, probably the greatest play of his Finals career.

Date: 6/19/1994, Game 6
Teams: Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks

John Starks had a chance to take the series with a trey that could have capped the game 87-86. Instead, series MVP (and overall beast) Hakeem Olajuwon blocked his shot to set up a climactic Game 7. Houston won that game 90-84.

Date: 5/31/1984, Game 2
Teams: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Henderson's theft of James Worthy's inbounds pass led to a game-tying layup and eventual overtime win for the Celtics. Johnny Most's call on this play wasn't quite as famous but this play has (no doubt) gotten Gerald Henderson a lot of free drinks.

Date: 6/14/1990, Game 5
Teams: Detroit Pistons vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Vinnie Johnson scored seven of the final nine points for the "Bad Boys" and nailed this jumper with 00.7 seconds left to break a 90-90 tie and ice the series. This is the shot that earned Johnson the a new nickname in "007." Vinnie finished the game with 16 crucial points off the bench.

Date: 6/20/1993, Game 6
Teams: Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns

Down 98-96, Paxson nailed a three-pointer with 3.9 seconds left to complete the Bulls' first three-peat and top a solid Suns team in a true Finals battle. The fourth quarter was a struggle for the two-time defending champ Bulls; a quarter where the dynasty only scored a dozen points. In fact, Paxson's long range field goal were the only points a player not named "Michael Jordan" scored in the final frame.

Date: 4/29/1970, Game 3
Teams: New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

This shot sent the game into overtime, though the Knicks won the game anyway. The Hall of Famer sunk this prayer in a no hope situation for his Lakers. Luckily for them the refs let Wilt's suspect inbounds pass slide.

Date: 6/4/1976, Game 5
Teams: Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns

In what is said to be the greatest basketball game ever played, Phoenix's Gar Heard hit this turn-around jumper to tie the game at 112, sending a Finals game into triple OT for the first time ever. This came after fans "rioted" after falsely believing their hometown Celtics had won (Boston even went back to their locker room). Instead, there was a second left when Phoenix's Paul Westphal called a timeout resulting in a technical foul (a free throw) followed by the Suns getting the ball at half court to set up this play. Not only did this all delay the inevitable (Boston won Game 5 after all the madness) but the Celts also won the series.

Date: 5/10/1974, Game 6
Teams: Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Kareem's trademark shot tickled the twine with two seconds left to give Milwaukee a 102-101 double overtime win. Two days later they lost Game 7 by 15 points. It was great to see the 'Horse' knockout punch executed in the Finals.

Date: 6/19/2005, Game 5
Teams: San Antonio Spurs vs. Detroit Pistons

The ever-so-clutch Horry knocked down this shot in OT to give the Spurs a 3-2 lead in the series. Nothing to see here, just Big Shot Rob doing what Big Shot Rob does.

Date: 5/5/1981, Game 1
Teams: Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets

With the Celtics down 87-84 late in Game 1 of the 1981 Finals, Larry Bird followed up his miss with a quick board and putback. He finished the game with 18 points, 21 rebounds and nine assists. Beantown eventually hoisted the trophy after six games. Follow up every shot, kids.

Date: 6/6/1984, Game 4
Teams: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

This takedown in the second quarter led to some spats in the series. Cedric Maxwell put his hands around his own neck to symbolize James Worthy "choking" after missing two free throws. One of the greatest all-time games had one of the greatest all-time fouls. McHale definitely woud've been suspended if he were playing today.

Date: 6/19/1988, Game 6
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons

After already scoring 14 straight, Isiah Thomas put up another nine points in the 3rd quarter after suffering a badly sprained ankle to keep Detroit in arms reach of their first title. Unfortunately for Motown, a Bill Laimbeer foul in the fourth sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the charity stripe where he knocked down two shots to put the finishing touches on a 103-102 L.A. victory. Gritty effort comes up just short from a guy everyone thinks is an asshole. That deserves a spot on our list.

Date: 4/10/1962, Game 3
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

This play capped a 117-115 victory for the Lakers that gave them a 2-1 series advantage. The Celtics won in seven, however, after Frank Selvy (of Los Angeles) missed an open 12-footer in the final game that would've put the trophy on the other side of the country. We're willing to bet that not one person reading this saw Jerry West's steal of Sam Jones inbound pass live. But that's why we're here.

Date: 6/5/1991, Game 2
Teams: Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Part of a big Game 2 for Jordan in which he put up 33 points, 13 assists, seven boards, two steals, and a block, this layup is beyond comprehension. After losing Game 1 to the Lakers by one point, MJ carried his team to a 107-86 blowout win to even the series. The Bulls would win three straight after this one to net MJ his first ring.

Date: 6/13/1997, Game 6
Teams: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz

Facing a double-team, MJ dished to a wide open Steve Kerr to hit this shot with five seconds left to give Chicago an 88-86 lead. You can tell your kids you were alive to see Jordan pass up the big shot. And if you weren't alive, you could just lie to them.

Date: 4/18/1962, Game 7
Teams: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Cousy dribbled out the final few seconds to give the series to the Celtics with a 110-107 overtime win after overcoming a 3-2 series deficit. Most intense dribbling ever in the era of shitty quality video.

Date: 6/6/2001, Game 1
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Iverson's three pointer in OT gave the 76ers a permanent lead and allowed them to steal Game 1 in the Staples Center. The high point of the series for Philly was Allen Iverson's ultimate disregard for Tyronn Lue's body. However, the Sixers proceeded to lose the next four in a row.

Date: 6/3/1992, Game 1
Teams: Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers

In the midst of setting a Finals record for most points in a half with 35, MJ hit his sixth three-pointer which resulted in him turning to the announcers and shrugging as if he had no idea he was good. Chicago blew out Portland 122-89 and eventually took the series in six.

Date: 5/11/1980, Game 4
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Thirty-three years later and this move still doesn't make sense. Dr. J defied gravity like he was from an alien race. This layup gave the Sixers the momentum to even the series at two games apiece. Unfortunately they lost in six games.

Date: 6/11/1997, Game 5
Teams: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz

Jordan was suffering from a fever (or possibly food poisoning or a hangover), he was still able to help Chi-Town take a tight Game 5 and give the Bulls a 3-2 series edge. His three-pointer with 25 seconds left gave them the lead for good and essentially made employees who take sick days everywhere look bad.

Date: 6/9/1987, Game 4
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

The Lakers held a 2-1 lead in the series but found themselves down 106-105 in the final seconds of Game 4. That's until Magic takes the inbounds and with the passing lanes blocked off, he dug into the old fella's bag of tricks. After celebrating the win, Kareem should've jacked him in the face for stealing his move.

Date: 5/16/1980, Game 6
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers

With their starting center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hurt, coach Paul Westhead decided to start rookie Magic Johnson at center. During the game, Magic played all five positions and scored 42 along with 15 rebounds to lead his team to a series-clinching win. We didn't want to make this about individual games but in this case we'll make an exception. The first-year player took it upon his shoulders and lived up to his nickname.

Date: 4/8/1970, Game 7
Teams: New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Willis Reed came down the Garden tunnel to enter Game 7 despite a torn muscle in his thigh that took him out of Game 6. The crowd went nuts, the Knicks won 113-99 to put the Walter A. Brown Trophy in the league's biggest market. Some could argue that his four points meant nothing in a game they won by 14 but one can't argue the impact it had on his team. Plus, Walt Frazier's 36 points, 19 assists, and seven boards didn't hurt matters.

Date: 6/14/1998, Game 6
Teams: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz

With the game hanging in the balance, Jordan steals the ball from Karl Malone, trailing 86-85. He then proceeds to size Bryon Russell up pushes off crosses him up and hit a wide open jumper, leaving the Jazz and their crowd in utter disbelief. The perfect end to a perfect career. Yes, we're going to act like his comeback with the Wizards is nonexistent.