The 6 Best NBA Playoff Series of All Time

· Feb 26 - 6 minutes read

The NBA playoffs are where legends are born, teams are tested, and basketball drama reaches a level of intensity most soap operas can only dream of. With buzzer-beaters, heartbreaking losses, and top-tier performances, it’s no wonder the best NBA playoff series of all time will forever live in fans’ minds.

From ending some of the longest losing streak in NBA history to shocking underdog runs, the best of NBA playoffs have featured some seriously wild rides. Some of these series completely changed the landscape of the NBA, while others are just flat-out fun to watch (or re-watch for the 10th time). Let’s dive into the top 6 best NBA playoff series of all time.

The 6 Best NBA Playoff Series of All Time — LeBron James #6 blocks the shot of Rajon Rondo #9| J. Meric/Getty Images/AFP

Top 6 NBA Playoff Series of All Time

1. 1991 Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons

The 1991 Eastern Conference Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons wasn’t just about basketball – it was about survival. The Pistons, also known as the “Bad Boys,” had dominated the NBA for a few years, and they weren’t about to let Michael Jordan and the Bulls just waltz to the Finals. It was a gritty, physical battle with tons of hard fouls, intimidation tactics, and some classic trash talk.

For Jordan, this series represented the ultimate test. The Pistons had perfected the “Jordan Rules,” a defense designed to wear him down and limit his effectiveness. The Bulls had to learn how to fight through physicality and adversity. This moment marked a pivotal point in Jordan’s career – proving that he could slay the giant that had haunted him. It’s no wonder this series is part of the best of NBA playoffs discussion. This set the stage for the Bulls’ dynasty that was about to come.

2. 1998 Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers

In 1998, the Indiana Pacers weren’t just another Eastern Conference contender. They were the team that had the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty on the ropes. The Pacers, coming out of the best division in NBA history, led by Reggie Miller and a tough-as-nails roster, weren’t intimidated by Michael Jordan’s squad, and they showed it. They pushed the Bulls to the limit, making this series one of the most intense and memorable in playoff history.

This wasn’t just about the Bulls’ final championship run—it was about the Pacers trying to prove they were ready to take over the East. The series went to Game 7, setting the stage for an all-time classic. The Pacers gave Chicago everything they had, but MJ’s clutch shots and Pippen’s defense pushed the Bulls through to the Finals and, ultimately, their sixth title.

3. 2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors

The 2016 NBA Finals have to be near the top of any list of best NBA playoff series of all time. After setting an NBA record for wins in a season, the Warriors were ready to finish off the Cavaliers and win their second straight championship. Then came the LeBron James-led Cavs, who mounted one of the most legendary comebacks in sports history, overcoming a 3-1 deficit to win the series in seven games.

James’ Game 7 block against Andre Iguodala and Kyrie Irving’s clutch 3-pointer ensured this series would be remembered forever. The Warriors, with all their offensive firepower, couldn’t stop the Cavaliers’ energy and heart. This series also highlights the best NBA Finals performances since 2010: high drama, crazy moments, and a reversal of expectations.

4. 2000 Western Conference Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The 2000 Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and Blazers is an impossible series to forget, with a Game 7 comeback that still gets talked about today. The Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, were the heavy favorites, but the Blazers, with a veteran squad led by Rasheed Wallace, Scottie Pippen, and Steve Smith, were no pushovers.

In Game 7, Portland was up by 15 points with just under 10 minutes remaining, but the Lakers mounted a legendary comeback thanks to Bryant and O’Neal’s incredible performances. The Lakers closed out the game with an 89-84 victory, advancing to the NBA Finals. The Lakers’ resiliency in that game made this series unforgettable, and it is by far one of the best NBA playoff games of all time.

5. 2016 Western Conference Finals: Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Down 3-1 in the series, the Golden State Warriors looked finished. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, were firing on all cylinders and just one win away from securing their spot in the NBA Finals. But the Warriors weren’t about to go down that easily.

If not Steph Curry, then who? Klay Thompson delivered a scorching Game 6, hitting 11 3-pointers to keep Golden State alive. By Game 7, the Warriors had completed one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the NBA. The series highlighted the Warriors’ determination and ability to execute under pressure, cementing them as the best team to win the NBA Finals since 2010 with the best playoff record.

6. 2012 Eastern Conference Finals: Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

The 2012 Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics doesn’t always make the highlight reels, but trust me, it should. The Celtics, led by the aging trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, had been a thorn in Miami’s side in previous seasons. After taking a 3-2 lead in the series, the Celtics were ready to knock off the Heat, but it was LeBron James who would step up and put on one of the most iconic performances in playoff history.

In Game 6, James dropped 45 points to keep Miami’s hopes alive. The Heat went on to win Game 6 and then closed out the series in Game 7 to advance to the NBA Finals. From there, the Heat advanced to one of the best NBA Finals Since 2010, where they would face the Oklahoma City Thunder for the championship.