History

All-Time NBA Finals Game 7s

Let’s look at all the NBA Finals in NBA history that went the distance.

Mike Barner, RotoWire.com

Updated on June 21, 2025 12:28 AM

In 2016, LeBron James and the Cavs dethroned the Warriors and became the 1st team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.

For the 20th time, there will be a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.

Indiana will play at Oklahoma City on Sunday night (8 ET, ABC) in the final game of the season, with the winner getting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Home teams are 15-4 in Game 7 of the Finals, but a road team — Cleveland, over Golden State — won the most recent of those games in 2016.

Here’s a look at the previous 19 Finals that went the distance:

Cavaliers vs. Warriors – 2016 NBA Finals

The Warriors had a 3-1 series lead in the 2016 NBA Finals. The Cavaliers were able to force a Game 7, which they won to claim the title. LeBron James recorded a triple-double for Cleveland, posting 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and three blocks. Draymond Green had 32 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists in defeat for the Warriors. Cavaliers win, 4-3

Spurs vs. Heat – 2013 NBA Finals

James starred in another Game 7, this one as a member of the Heat. He posted 37 points and 12 rebounds over 45 minutes as the Heat defeated the Spurs to win the championship. Dwyane Wade also played well in that game for Miami, posting 23 points and 10 rebounds. Heat win, 4-3

Celtics vs. Lakers – 2010 NBA Finals

Down 3-2 in the 2010 NBA Finals, the Lakers won Game 6 to force a Game 7. In Game 7, Kobe Bryant finished with 23 points and 15 rebounds to help the Lakers win the title. Pau Gasol also rose to the occasion with 19 points and 18 rebounds. Lakers win, 4-3

Pistons vs. Spurs – 2005 NBA Finals

The 2005 NBA Finals were characterized by defense. Only once did a team top 100 points in a game during the series, which came in Game 4 when the Pistons scored 102 points. The Spurs won Game 7 to win the championship, and it was another low-scoring affair with a final score of 81-74. Spurs win, 4-3

Knicks vs. Rockets – 1994 NBA Finals

The Knicks had a 3-2 series lead in the 1994 NBA Finals before the Rockets won Game 6 to force Game 7. The Rockets also won Game 7, relying heavily on Hakeem Olajuwon to win the title. In Game 7, he finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Rockets win, 4-3

Pistons vs. Lakers – 1988 NBA Finals

The Lakers came back from a 3-2 series deficit to force a Game 7 against the Pistons. James Worthy dominated in Game 7 as Los Angeles won the title. Over 44 minutes, he recorded 36 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Magic Johnson also stood out with 19 points and 14 assists. Lakers win, 4-3

Lakers vs. Celtics – 1984 NBA Finals

The Celtics received several great performances in Game 7 against the Lakers as they won the 1984 NBA Finals. Larry Bird finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and two steals in the game. Robert Parish had 14 points and 16 rebounds. Additionally, Cedric Maxwell produced 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Celtics win, 4-3

More NBA Finals Game 7s