The NBA Finals Game 7 is the ultimate stage in professional basketball, where champions are crowned and legacies are defined. As of the 2025 NBA Finals, there have been 20 NBA Finals that reached a Game 7, including this year’s series between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Whether you’re a fan, journalist, or sports historian, this article provides the complete history of every NBA Finals Game 7 and what makes these matchups so iconic.
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Total Number of NBA Finals Game 7s (1951–2025)
As of June 2025:
• 20 NBA Finals have reached Game 7
• That’s approximately 24% of all Finals in NBA history
• First Game 7: 1951
• Most recent before 2025: 2016 (Cavaliers vs. Warriors)
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Full List of NBA Finals Game 7s
Year Winner Runner-Up Notable Moment
1951 Rochester Royals New York Knicks First ever Finals Game 7
1952 Minneapolis Lakers New York Knicks Back-to-back Game 7 appearances for Knicks
1954 Minneapolis Lakers Syracuse Nationals Pre-shot clock era
1955 Syracuse Nationals Fort Wayne Pistons Syracuse’s only title
1957 Boston Celtics St. Louis Hawks Double OT thriller
1960 Boston Celtics St. Louis Hawks Russell’s dominance
1962 Boston Celtics Los Angeles Lakers Another OT classic
1966 Boston Celtics Los Angeles Lakers Final win of the Celtics’ 1960s dynasty
1969 Boston Celtics Los Angeles Lakers Bill Russell’s final game
1970 New York Knicks Los Angeles Lakers Willis Reed’s legendary return
1974 Boston Celtics Milwaukee Bucks Kareem’s loss in a classic duel
1978 Washington Bullets Seattle SuperSonics Unsung title run
1984 Boston Celtics Los Angeles Lakers Bird vs. Magic Game 7
1988 Los Angeles Lakers Detroit Pistons Lakers repeat title
1994 Houston Rockets New York Knicks Hakeem vs. Ewing showdown
2005 San Antonio Spurs Detroit Pistons Duncan’s legacy sealed
2010 Los Angeles Lakers Boston Celtics Kobe Bryant’s 5th title
2013 Miami Heat San Antonio Spurs After Ray Allen’s Game 6 miracle
2016 Cleveland Cavaliers Golden State Warriors LeBron’s iconic block and comeback
2025 TBD (Pacers or Thunder) TBD First Game 7 in nine years
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Why NBA Finals Game 7s Are So Special
- High Stakes, No Second Chances
Game 7 is the ultimate pressure test. It’s win or go home. No team gets another opportunity. Every possession matters.
- Rare Moments of Greatness
Only 20 of 82 NBA Finals have gone the full distance, making each one a significant historical event.
- Legacy-Defining Performances
Finals Game 7s have produced iconic plays and unforgettable performances—Bill Russell’s dominance, Willis Reed’s bravery, and LeBron James’ block in 2016.
- The Home Court Edge
Historically, home teams win over 70% of Game 7s. In the NBA Finals, this trend holds true, giving teams like Oklahoma City in 2025 a potential edge.
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2025 NBA Finals Game 7: What You Need to Know
• Matchup: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
• Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
• TV Broadcast: ABC
The Indiana Pacers are seeking their first NBA title in franchise history, while the Oklahoma City Thunder aim to bring a championship home after years of rebuilding since their Seattle SuperSonics days.
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Final Thoughts
NBA Finals Game 7s represent the height of basketball competition. They are rare, emotionally charged, and culturally significant. With 2025 marking the 20th time the Finals have reached Game 7, fans around the world will once again witness history.
Key Takeaways:
• There have been 20 NBA Finals Game 7s as of 2025.
• The most recent prior to 2025 was in 2016 (Cavs vs. Warriors).
• The Boston Celtics have appeared in more Finals Game 7s than any other team.
• Game 7s are among the most viewed and discussed moments in sports history.
