In the National Basketball Association (NBA), a game seven is the final game of a best-of-seven series in the NBA playoffs. Based on the playoffs format arrangement, it is played in the venue of the team holding home-court advantage for the series. The necessity of a game seven is not known until the outcome of game six is determined, assuming that a series reaches that far. In other words, game seven is the only one in a series that is not guaranteed more than one game in advance. Due to the decisive nature of game sevens, they are often "played more conservatively" and receive more media and fan attention.[1]

The NBA Finals has always employed a best-of-seven series format. The Conference (or Division) Finals have used this format since 1958;[2] the Conference or Division semifinals since 1968;[3] and the First Round since 2003.[4][5] During the 1947 and 1948 playoffs, in which teams from different divisions met each other in the opening rounds, the first-place teams from each division played a best-of-seven series against each other before one advanced to the league finals. The other teams in the playoffs competed against each other in three best-of-three series to determine the other spot in the finals.[6]

Since the inception of the NBA, 160 game sevens have been played. Of those, only six went into overtime, and one into double overtime. 43 game sevens have been won by the road team.[7] Every active NBA franchise has played in at least one game seven. There have been thirteen NBA playoff seasons in which no game seven was played: 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1967, 1972, 1983, 1985, 1989, 1991, and 1999. The 1994, 2014, 2016, and 2026 postseasons hold the record for most game sevens played, with five. In 1979, 1981, 1988, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2018, 2020, and 2025, four game sevens were played. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks both hold the record for most game sevens played in a single postseason, having played three game sevens in 1988 and 1994, respectively, the maximum possible at that time.

Key

OTOvertime (the number in front indicates the number of overtime periods played, if there were more than one)
Indicates a game seven that was won by the road team
Year (X)Indicates the number of game sevens played in that year's postseason
Each year is linked to an article about that particular NBA season
Indicates a game seven that was hosted at a neutral site
§Indicates the team that lost a game seven after coming back from an 0–3 series deficit
Team (#)Indicates team and the number of game sevens played by that team at that point
^Indicates game seven in the NBA Finals

All-time game sevens

YearPlayoff roundDateVenueWinnerResultLoserRef.
SemifinalsApril 6, 1948St. Louis ArenaPhiladelphia Warriors (1)85–46*St. Louis Bombers (1)[8]
FinalsApril 21, 1951Edgerton Park ArenaRochester Royals (1)79–75^New York Knicks (1) §[9]
FinalsApril 25, 1952Minneapolis AuditoriumMinneapolis Lakers (1)82–65^New York Knicks (2)[10]
FinalsApril 12, 1954Minneapolis Lakers (2)87–80^Syracuse Nationals (1)[11]
FinalsApril 10, 1955Onondaga War MemorialSyracuse Nationals (2)92–91^Fort Wayne Pistons (1)[12]
FinalsApril 13, 1957Boston GardenBoston Celtics (1)125–123 (2OT)^St. Louis Hawks (1)[13]
Division finalsApril 1, 1959Boston Celtics (2)130–125Syracuse Nationals (3)[14]
Division finalsMarch 26, 1960Kiel AuditoriumSt. Louis Hawks (2)97–86Minneapolis Lakers (3)[15]
FinalsApril 9, 1960Boston GardenBoston Celtics (3)122–103^St. Louis Hawks (3)[15]
Division finalsApril 1, 1961Kiel AuditoriumSt. Louis Hawks (4)105–103Los Angeles Lakers (4)[16]
Division finalsApril 5, 1962Boston GardenBoston Celtics (4)109–107Philadelphia Warriors (2)[17]
FinalsApril 18, 1962Boston Celtics (5)110–107 (OT)^Los Angeles Lakers (5)[17]
Division finalsApril 10, 1963Boston Celtics (6)142–131Cincinnati Royals (2)[18]
April 11, 1963Los Angeles Memorial Sports ArenaLos Angeles Lakers (6)115–100St. Louis Hawks (5)[18]
Division finalsApril 16, 1964Cow PalaceSan Francisco Warriors (3)105–95St. Louis Hawks (6)[19]
Division finalsApril 15, 1965Boston GardenBoston Celtics (7)110–109Philadelphia 76ers (4)[20]
Division finalsApril 15, 1966Los Angeles Memorial Sports ArenaLos Angeles Lakers (7)130–121St. Louis Hawks (7)[21]
FinalsApril 28, 1966Boston GardenBoston Celtics (8)95–93^Los Angeles Lakers (8)[21]
Division finalsApril 19, 1968The SpectrumBoston Celtics (9)100–96*Philadelphia 76ers (5)[22]
FinalsMay 5, 1969The ForumBoston Celtics (10)108–106*^Los Angeles Lakers (9)[23]
Division semifinalsApril 6, 1970Madison Square GardenNew York Knicks (3)127–114Baltimore Bullets (1)[24]
April 9, 1970The ForumLos Angeles Lakers (10)129–94Phoenix Suns (1)[24]
FinalsMay 8, 1970Madison Square GardenNew York Knicks (4)113–99^Los Angeles Lakers (11)[24]
Conference semifinalsApril 4, 1971Baltimore Civic CenterBaltimore Bullets (2)128–120Philadelphia 76ers (6)[25]
April 6, 1971The ForumLos Angeles Lakers (12)109–98Chicago Bulls (1)[25]
Conference finalsApril 19, 1971Madison Square GardenBaltimore Bullets (3)93–91*New York Knicks (5)[25]
Conference semifinalsApril 15, 1973The ForumLos Angeles Lakers (13)95–92Chicago Bulls (2)[26]
Conference finalsApril 29, 1973Boston GardenNew York Knicks (6)94–78*Boston Celtics (11)[26]
Conference semifinalsApril 12, 1974Madison Square GardenNew York Knicks (7)91–81Capital Bullets (4)[27]
April 13, 1974Chicago StadiumChicago Bulls (3)96–94Detroit Pistons (2)[27]
FinalsMay 12, 1974Milwaukee ArenaBoston Celtics (12)102–87*^Milwaukee Bucks (1)[27]
Conference semifinalsApril 25, 1975Capital CentreWashington Bullets (5)115–96Buffalo Braves (1)[28]
Conference finalsMay 14, 1975Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum ArenaGolden State Warriors (4)83–79Chicago Bulls (4)[28]
Conference semifinalsApril 29, 1976Coliseum at RichfieldCleveland Cavaliers (1)87–85Washington Bullets (6)[29]
Conference finalsMay 16, 1976Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum ArenaPhoenix Suns (2)94–86*Golden State Warriors (5)[29]
Conference semifinalsMay 1, 1977The SpectrumPhiladelphia 76ers (7)83–77Boston Celtics (13)[30]
May 4, 1977The ForumLos Angeles Lakers (14)97–84Golden State Warriors (6)[31]
Conference semifinalsMay 3, 1978McNichols Sports ArenaDenver Nuggets (1)116–110Milwaukee Bucks (2)[31]
FinalsJune 7, 1978Seattle Center ColiseumWashington Bullets (7)105–99*^Seattle SuperSonics (1)[31]
Conference semifinalsApril 29, 1979Capital CentreWashington Bullets (8)100–94Atlanta Hawks (8)[32]
May 2, 1979HemisFair ArenaSan Antonio Spurs (1)111–108Philadelphia 76ers (8)[32]
Conference finalsMay 17, 1979King County Domed StadiumSeattle SuperSonics (2)114–110Phoenix Suns (3)[32]
May 18, 1979Capital CentreWashington Bullets (9)107–105San Antonio Spurs (2)[32]
Conference semifinalsApril 20, 1980King County Domed StadiumSeattle SuperSonics (3)98–94Milwaukee Bucks (3)[33]
Conference semifinalsApril 17, 1981HemisFair ArenaHouston Rockets (1)105–100*San Antonio Spurs (3)[34]
April 19, 1981The SpectrumPhiladelphia 76ers (9)99–98Milwaukee Bucks (4)[34]
Arizona Veterans Memorial ColiseumKansas City Kings (3)95–88*Phoenix Suns (4)[34]
Conference finalsMay 3, 1981Boston GardenBoston Celtics (14)91–90Philadelphia 76ers (10)[34]
Conference finalsMay 23, 1982Philadelphia 76ers (11)120–106*Boston Celtics (15)[35]
Conference semifinalsMay 13, 1984Boston Celtics (16)121–104New York Knicks (8)[36]
FinalsJune 12, 1984Boston Celtics (17)111–102^Los Angeles Lakers (15)[36]
Conference semifinalsMay 11, 1986MECCA ArenaMilwaukee Bucks (5)113–112Philadelphia 76ers (12)[37]
Conference semifinalsMay 17, 1987Boston GardenBoston Celtics (18)119–113Milwaukee Bucks (6)[38]
Conference finalsMay 30, 1987Boston Celtics (19)117–114Detroit Pistons (3)[38]
Conference semifinalsMay 21, 1988The ForumLos Angeles Lakers (16)109–98Utah Jazz (1)[39]
May 22, 1988Boston GardenBoston Celtics (20)118–116Atlanta Hawks (9)[39]
Conference finalsJune 4, 1988The ForumLos Angeles Lakers (17)117–102Dallas Mavericks (1)[39]
FinalsJune 21, 1988Los Angeles Lakers (18)108–105^Detroit Pistons (4)[39]
Conference semifinalsMay 19, 1990Memorial ColiseumPortland Trail Blazers (1)108–105 (OT)San Antonio Spurs (4)[40]
Conference finalsJune 3, 1990The Palace of Auburn HillsDetroit Pistons (5)93–74Chicago Bulls (5)[40]
Conference semifinalsMay 17, 1992Chicago StadiumChicago Bulls (6)110–81New York Knicks (9)[41]
Coliseum at RichfieldCleveland Cavaliers (2)122–104Boston Celtics (21)[41]
Conference semifinalsMay 22, 1993Seattle Center ColiseumSeattle SuperSonics (4)103–100 (OT)Houston Rockets (2)[42]
Conference finalsJune 5, 1993America West ArenaPhoenix Suns (5)123–110Seattle SuperSonics (5)[43]
Conference semifinalsMay 21, 1994The SummitHouston Rockets (3)104–94Phoenix Suns (6)[44]
Delta CenterUtah Jazz (2)91–81Denver Nuggets (2) §[45]
May 22, 1994Madison Square GardenNew York Knicks (10)87–77Chicago Bulls (7)[46]
Conference finalsJune 5, 1994New York Knicks (11)94–90Indiana Pacers (1)[47]
FinalsJune 22, 1994The SummitHouston Rockets (4)90–84^New York Knicks (12)[48]
Conference semifinalsMay 20, 1995America West ArenaHouston Rockets (5)115–114*Phoenix Suns (7)[49]
May 21, 1995Madison Square GardenIndiana Pacers (2)97–95*New York Knicks (13)[50]
Conference finalsJune 4, 1995Orlando ArenaOrlando Magic (1)105–81Indiana Pacers (3)[51]
Conference finalsJune 2, 1996KeyArena at Seattle CenterSeattle SuperSonics (6)90–86Utah Jazz (3)[52]
Conference semifinalsMay 17, 1997The SummitHouston Rockets (6)96–91Seattle SuperSonics (7)[53]
May 18, 1997Miami ArenaMiami Heat (1)101–90New York Knicks (14)[54]
Conference finalsMay 31, 1998United CenterChicago Bulls (8)88–83Indiana Pacers (4)[55]
Conference semifinalsMay 21, 2000American Airlines ArenaNew York Knicks (15)83–82*Miami Heat (2)[56]
Conference finalsJune 4, 2000Staples CenterLos Angeles Lakers (19)89–84Portland Trail Blazers (2)[57]
Conference semifinalsMay 20, 2001First Union CenterPhiladelphia 76ers (13)88–87Toronto Raptors (1)[58]
Bradley CenterMilwaukee Bucks (7)104–95Charlotte Hornets (1)[59]
Conference finalsJune 3, 2001First Union CenterPhiladelphia 76ers (14)108–91Milwaukee Bucks (8)[60]
Conference finalsJune 2, 2002ARCO ArenaLos Angeles Lakers (20)112–106 (OT)*Sacramento Kings (4)[61]
First roundMay 4, 2003American Airlines CenterDallas Mavericks (2)107–95Portland Trail Blazers (3) §[62]
The Palace of Auburn HillsDetroit Pistons (6)108–93Orlando Magic (2)[63]
Conference semifinalsMay 17, 2003American Airlines CenterDallas Mavericks (3)112–99Sacramento Kings (5)[64]
First roundMay 4, 2004American Airlines ArenaMiami Heat (3)85–77New Orleans Hornets (1)[65]
Conference semifinalsMay 19, 2004Target CenterMinnesota Timberwolves (1)83–80Sacramento Kings (6)[66]
May 20, 2004The Palace of Auburn HillsDetroit Pistons (7)90–69New Jersey Nets (1)[67]
First roundMay 7, 2005FleetCenterIndiana Pacers (5)97–70*Boston Celtics (22)[68]
American Airlines CenterDallas Mavericks (4)116–76Houston Rockets (7)[69]
Conference finalsJune 6, 2005American Airlines ArenaDetroit Pistons (8)88–82*Miami Heat (4)[70]
FinalsJune 23, 2005SBC CenterSan Antonio Spurs (5)81–74^Detroit Pistons (9)[71]
First roundMay 6, 2006US Airways CenterPhoenix Suns (8)121–90Los Angeles Lakers (21)[72]
Conference semifinalsMay 21, 2006The Palace of Auburn HillsDetroit Pistons (10)79–61Cleveland Cavaliers (3)[73]
May 22, 2006AT&T CenterDallas Mavericks (5)119–111 (OT)*San Antonio Spurs (6)[74]
US Airways CenterPhoenix Suns (9)127–107Los Angeles Clippers (2)[75]
First roundMay 5, 2007Toyota CenterUtah Jazz (4)103–99*Houston Rockets (8)[76]
First roundMay 4, 2008TD Banknorth GardenBoston Celtics (23)99–65Atlanta Hawks (10)[77]
Conference semifinalsMay 18, 2008Boston Celtics (24)97–92Cleveland Cavaliers (4)[78]
May 19, 2008New Orleans ArenaSan Antonio Spurs (7)91–82*New Orleans Hornets (2)[79]
First roundMay 2, 2009TD Banknorth GardenBoston Celtics (25)109–99Chicago Bulls (9)[80]
May 3, 2009Philips ArenaAtlanta Hawks (11)91–78Miami Heat (5)[81]
Conference semifinalsMay 17, 2009Staples CenterLos Angeles Lakers (22)89–70Houston Rockets (9)[82]
TD Banknorth GardenOrlando Magic (3)101–82*Boston Celtics (26)[83]
First roundMay 2, 2010Philips ArenaAtlanta Hawks (12)95–74Milwaukee Bucks (9)[84]
FinalsJune 17, 2010Staples CenterLos Angeles Lakers (23)83–79^Boston Celtics (27)[85]
Conference semifinalsMay 15, 2011Oklahoma City ArenaOklahoma City Thunder (8)105–90Memphis Grizzlies (1)[86]
First roundMay 12, 2012Staples CenterLos Angeles Lakers (24)96–87Denver Nuggets (3)[87]
May 13, 2012FedExForumLos Angeles Clippers (3)82–72*Memphis Grizzlies (2)[88]
Conference semifinalsMay 26, 2012TD GardenBoston Celtics (28)85–75Philadelphia 76ers (15)[89]
Conference finalsJune 9, 2012American Airlines ArenaMiami Heat (6)101–88Boston Celtics (29)[90]
First roundMay 4, 2013Barclays CenterChicago Bulls (10)99–93*Brooklyn Nets (2)[91]
Conference finalsJune 3, 2013American Airlines ArenaMiami Heat (7)align=center bgcolor=| 99–76Indiana Pacers (6)[92]
FinalsJune 20, 2013Miami Heat (8)95–88^San Antonio Spurs (8)[93]
First roundMay 3, 2014Bankers Life FieldhouseIndiana Pacers (7)92–80Atlanta Hawks (13)[94]
Chesapeake Energy ArenaOklahoma City Thunder (9)120–109Memphis Grizzlies (3)[95]
Staples CenterLos Angeles Clippers (4)126–121Golden State Warriors (7)[96]
May 4, 2014Air Canada CentreBrooklyn Nets (3)104–103*Toronto Raptors (2)[97]
AT&T CenterSan Antonio Spurs (9)119–96Dallas Mavericks (6)[98]
First roundMay 2, 2015Staples CenterLos Angeles Clippers (5)111–109San Antonio Spurs (10)[99]
Conference semifinalsMay 17, 2015Toyota CenterHouston Rockets (10)113–100Los Angeles Clippers (6)[100]
First roundMay 1, 2016American Airlines ArenaMiami Heat (9)106–73Charlotte Hornets (2)[101]
Air Canada CentreToronto Raptors (3)89–84Indiana Pacers (8)[102]
Conference semifinalsMay 15, 2016Toronto Raptors (4)116–89Miami Heat (10)[103]
Conference finalsMay 30, 2016Oracle ArenaGolden State Warriors (8)align=center bgcolor=| 96–88Oklahoma City Thunder (10)[104]
FinalsJune 19, 2016Cleveland Cavaliers (5)93–89*^Golden State Warriors (9)[105]
First roundApril 30, 2017Staples CenterUtah Jazz (5)104–91*Los Angeles Clippers (7)[106]
Conference semifinalsMay 15, 2017TD GardenBoston Celtics (30)align=center bgcolor=|115–105Washington Wizards (10)[107]
First roundApril 28, 2018Boston Celtics (31)align=center bgcolor=|112–96Milwaukee Bucks (10)[108]
April 29, 2018Quicken Loans ArenaCleveland Cavaliers (6)align=center bgcolor=|105–101Indiana Pacers (9)[109]
Conference finalsMay 27, 2018TD GardenCleveland Cavaliers (7)87–79*Boston Celtics (32)[110]
May 28, 2018Toyota CenterGolden State Warriors (10)101–92*Houston Rockets (11)[111]
First roundApril 27, 2019Pepsi CenterDenver Nuggets (4)align=center bgcolor=|90–86San Antonio Spurs (11)[112]
Conference semifinalsMay 12, 2019Portland Trail Blazers (4)100–96*Denver Nuggets (5)[113]
Scotiabank ArenaToronto Raptors (5)align=center bgcolor=|92–90Philadelphia 76ers (16)[114]
First roundSeptember 1, 2020ESPN Wide World of Sports ComplexDenver Nuggets (6)align=center bgcolor=|80–78Utah Jazz (6)[115]
September 2, 2020Houston Rockets (12)align=center bgcolor=|104–102Oklahoma City Thunder (11)[116]
Conference semifinalsSeptember 11, 2020Boston Celtics (33)92–87*Toronto Raptors (6)[117]
September 15, 2020Denver Nuggets (7)104–89*Los Angeles Clippers (8)[118]
First roundJune 6, 2021Staples CenterLos Angeles Clippers (9)align=center bgcolor=|126–111Dallas Mavericks (7)[119]
Conference semifinalsJune 19, 2021Barclays CenterMilwaukee Bucks (11)115–111 (OT)*Brooklyn Nets (4)[120]
June 20, 2021Wells Fargo CenterAtlanta Hawks (14)103–96*Philadelphia 76ers (17)- align=center|[121]
Conference semifinalsMay 15, 2022TD GardenBoston Celtics (34)align=center bgcolor=|109–81Milwaukee Bucks (12)[122]
Footprint CenterDallas Mavericks (8)123–90*Phoenix Suns (10)[123]
Conference finalsMay 29, 2022FTX ArenaBoston Celtics (35)100–96*Miami Heat (11)[124]
First roundApril 30, 2023Golden 1 CenterGolden State Warriors (11)120–100*Sacramento Kings (7)[125]
Conference semifinalsMay 14, 2023TD GardenBoston Celtics (36)112–88Philadelphia 76ers (18)[126]
Conference finalsMay 29, 2023Miami Heat (12)103–84*Boston Celtics (37) §[127]
First roundMay 5, 2024Rocket Mortgage FieldHouseCleveland Cavaliers (8)106–94Orlando Magic (4)[128]
Conference semifinalsMay 19, 2024Madison Square GardenIndiana Pacers (10)130–109*New York Knicks (16)[129]
Ball ArenaMinnesota Timberwolves (2)98–90*Denver Nuggets (8)[130]
First roundMay 3, 2025Denver Nuggets (9)120–101Los Angeles Clippers (10)[131]
May 4, 2025Toyota CenterGolden State Warriors (12)103–89*Houston Rockets (13)[132]
Conference semifinalsMay 18, 2025Paycom CenterOklahoma City Thunder (12)125–93Denver Nuggets (10)[133]
FinalsJune 22, 2025Oklahoma City Thunder (13)103–91^Indiana Pacers (11)[134]
First roundMay 2, 2026TD GardenPhiladelphia 76ers (19)109–100*Boston Celtics (38)[135]
May 3, 2026Little Caesars ArenaDetroit Pistons (11)116–94Orlando Magic (5)[136]
Rocket ArenaCleveland Cavaliers (9)114–102Toronto Raptors (7)[137]
Conference semifinalsMay 17, 2026Little Caesars ArenaCleveland Cavaliers (10)125–94*Detroit Pistons (12)[138]
Conference finalsMay 30, 2026Paycom CenterSan Antonio Spurs (12)111–103*Oklahoma City Thunder (14)[139]

All-time standings

TeamGames playedWinsLossesWin–loss %
Boston Celtics382711
Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers24168
Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers19712
New York Knicks1679
Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder1486
Tri-Cities Blackhawks/ Milwaukee/St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks1459
San Diego/Houston Rockets1376
Philadelphia/San Francisco/Golden State Warriors1275
Miami Heat1275
Fort Wayne/Detroit Pistons1266
San Antonio Spurs1257
Indiana Pacers1147
Milwaukee Bucks1239
Cleveland Cavaliers1082
Chicago Packers/Zephyrs、Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets/Washington Wizards1064
Denver Rockets/Nuggets1055
Chicago Bulls1046
Buffalo Braves/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers1046
Phoenix Suns1046
Dallas Mavericks853
Toronto Raptors734
Rochester/Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City-Omaha/Kansas City/Sacramento Kings725
Utah Jazz633
Orlando Magic523
Portland Trail Blazers422
New York/New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets413
Memphis Grizzlies303
Minnesota Timberwolves220
Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets202
New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans202
St. Louis Bombers (defunct)101

Note: Teams that have never played a game seven are excluded. Every active NBA franchise has played at least one Game 7.[140] Franchise names prior to joining NBA are not shown.

Reoccurring game seven matchups

(*) – Number of overtime periods played in the seventh game.

CountMatchupRecordYears Played
9Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers/Syracuse NationalsCeltics, 6–31959, 1965, 1968, 1977, 1981, 1982, 2012, 2023, 2026
5Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles LakersCeltics, 4–11962*, 1966, 1969, 1984, 2010
4Atlanta/St. Louis Hawks vs. Boston CelticsCeltics, 4–01957**, 1960, 1988, 2008
4St. Louis Hawks vs. Los Angeles/Minneapolis LakersTie, 2–21960, 1961, 1963, 1966
4Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee BucksCeltics, 4–01974, 1987, 2018, 2022
3New York Knicks vs. Baltimore/Capital/Washington BulletsKnicks, 2–11970, 1971, 1974
3Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers76ers, 2–11981, 1986, 2001
3Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland CavaliersCavaliers, 2–11992, 2008, 2018
3Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder/Seattle SuperSonicsRockets, 2–11993*, 1997, 2020
3Indiana Pacers vs. New York KnicksPacers, 2–11994, 1995, 2024
3Boston Celtics vs. Miami HeatHeat, 2–12012, 2022, 2023
2Los Angeles/Minneapolis Lakers vs. New York KnicksTie, 1–11952, 1970
2Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix SunsTie, 1–11970, 2006
2Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles LakersLakers, 2–01971, 1973
2Boston Celtics vs. New York KnicksTie, 1–11973, 1984
2Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit PistonsTie, 1–11974, 1990
2Seattle SuperSonics vs. Phoenix SunsTie, 1–11979, 1993
2Chicago Bulls vs. New York KnicksTie, 1–11992, 1994
2Denver Nuggets vs. Utah JazzTie, 1–11994, 2020
2Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix SunsRockets, 2–01994, 1995
2Miami Heat vs. New York KnicksTie, 1–11997, 2000
2Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto RaptorsTie, 1–12001, 2019
2Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando MagicPistons, 2–02003, 2026
2Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio SpursTie, 1–12006*, 2014
2Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit PistonsTie, 1–12006, 2026
2Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City ThunderThunder, 2–02011, 2014
2Golden State Warriors vs. Houston RocketsWarriors, 2–02018, 2025
2Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles ClippersNuggets, 2–02020, 2025

Notes

  • The home-and-away format in every round of the playoffs is the 2–2–1–1–1 format (the team with the better regular season record plays on their home court in games one, two, five and seven). The format of the finals from 1985 to 2013 used the 2–3–2 format (the team with the better regular season record plays on their home court in games one, two, six and seven).[141] In the past, there have been several other formats used in the playoffs.
  • Won as the designated road team at a neutral-site game.

References

Specific

  1. ^ McCallum, Jack (May 24, 2004). "It's That Time Again: Everything changes when you get to Game 7. The air is different. The noise is different. And there's so much weight". Sports Illustrated. Archived September 13, 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  2. ^ Newmann, Peter (May 30, 2007). "Jazz–Spurs research notes". ESPN. Archived January 17, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  3. ^ Hickok, Ralph (February 18, 2009). "NBA 1967–68 Season". HickokSports.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  4. ^ Abrams, Jonathan & Beck, Howard (May 2, 2009). "An Unforgettable Series, and They've Only Just Begun". The New York Times. Archived January 17, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  5. ^ Anderson, Corrie and Rob Reheuser, et al (2006). Sporting News Official 2006–2007 NBA Guide. Sporting News Books. ISBN 0-89204-854-9.
  6. ^ Rosen, Charley (2008). The First Tip-Off: The Incredible Story of the Birth of the NBA. Mc-Graw Hill. pp. 211–212. ISBN 0-07-148785-9.
  7. ^ "NBA serves up rare Game 7 feast". USA Today. May 21, 2006. Archived October 24, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  8. ^ "1948 BAA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  9. ^ "1951 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived October 8, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  10. ^ "1952 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived November 28, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  11. ^ "1954 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived January 1, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  12. ^ "1955 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived October 12, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  13. ^ "1957 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  14. ^ "1959 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  15. ^ "1960 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  16. ^ "1961 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  17. ^ "NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived August 3, 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  18. ^ "1963 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived September 21, 2006 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  19. ^ "1964 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived September 18, 2006 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  20. ^ "1965 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  21. ^ "1966 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  22. ^ "1968 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 6, 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  23. ^ "1969 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  24. ^ "1970 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2008. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  25. ^ "1971 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived October 29, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  26. ^ "1973 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 20, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  27. ^ "1974 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 23, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  28. ^ "1975 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  29. ^ "1976 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  30. ^ "1977 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  31. ^ "1978 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 24, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  32. ^ "1979 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived April 11, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  33. ^ "1980 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  34. ^ "1981 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  35. ^ "1982 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  36. ^ "1984 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  37. ^ "1986 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 17, 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  38. ^ "1987 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived October 18, 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  39. ^ "1988 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  40. ^ "1990 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived August 7, 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  41. ^ "1992 NBA Playoff Summary". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 17, 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  42. ^ "Boxscore – Seattle vs. Houston". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 17, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  43. ^ "Boxscore – Phoenix vs. Seattle". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  44. ^ "Boxscore – Houston vs. Phoenix". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  45. ^ "Boxscore – Utah vs. Denver". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 23, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  46. ^ "Boxscore – New York vs. Chicago". basketball-reference.com. Archived November 8, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  47. ^ "Boxscore – New York vs. Indiana". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  48. ^ "Boxscore – Houston vs. New York". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  49. ^ "Boxscore – Houston at Phoenix". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  50. ^ "Boxscore – Indiana at New York". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  51. ^ "Boxscore – Orlando vs. Indiana". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  52. ^ "Boxscore – Seattle vs. Utah". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  53. ^ "Boxscore – Houston vs. Seattle". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  54. ^ "Boxscore – Miami vs. New York". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  55. ^ "Boxscore – Chicago vs. Indiana". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  56. ^ "Boxscore – New York at Miami". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  57. ^ "Boxscore – L.A. Lakers vs. Portland". basketball-reference.com. Archived January 11, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  58. ^ "Boxscore – Philadelphia vs. Toronto". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  59. ^ "Boxscore – Milwaukee vs. Charlotte". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  60. ^ "Boxscore – Philadelphia vs. Milwaukee". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  61. ^ "Boxscore – L.A. Lakers at Sacramento". basketball-reference.com. Archived August 12, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  62. ^ "Boxscore – Dallas vs. Portland". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  63. ^ "Boxscore – Detroit vs. Orlando". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  64. ^ "Boxscore – Dallas vs. Sacramento". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  65. ^ "Boxscore – Miami vs. New Orleans". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  66. ^ "Boxscore – Minnesota vs. Sacramento". basketball-reference.com. Archived April 4, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  67. ^ "Boxscore – Detroit vs. New Jersey". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 23, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  68. ^ "Boxscore – Indiana at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  69. ^ "Boxscore – Dallas vs. Houston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  70. ^ "Boxscore – Detroit at Miami". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  71. ^ "Boxscore – San Antonio vs. Detroit". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  72. ^ "Boxscore – Phoenix vs. L.A. Lakers". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  73. ^ "Boxscore – Detroit vs. Cleveland". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  74. ^ "Boxscore – Dallas at San Antonio". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 17, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  75. ^ "Boxscore – Phoenix vs. L.A. Clippers". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  76. ^ "Boxscore – Utah at Houston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  77. ^ "Boxscore – Boston vs. Atlanta". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  78. ^ "Boxscore – Boston vs. Cleveland". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2008. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  79. ^ "Boxscore – San Antonio at New Orleans". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2008.
  80. ^ "Boxscore – Boston vs Chicago". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
  81. ^ "Boxscore – Atlanta vs. Miami". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
  82. ^ "Boxscore – Los Angeles vs. Houston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 17, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 24, 2009.
  83. ^ "Boxscore – Orlando at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 24, 2009.
  84. ^ "Boxscore – Milwaukee at Atlanta". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 15, 2010.
  85. ^ "Boxscore – Boston at Los Angeles". basketball-reference.com. Archived June 21, 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 23, 2010.
  86. ^ "Boxscore – Memphis at Oklahoma City". basketball-reference.com. Archived November 8, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
  87. ^ "Boxscore – Denver at Los Angeles". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  88. ^ "Boxscore – L.A. Clippers at Memphis". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
  89. ^ "Boxscore – Philadelphia at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  90. ^ "Boxscore – Boston at Miami". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
  91. ^ "Boxscore – Chicago at Brooklyn". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  92. ^ "Boxscore – Indiana at Miami". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  93. ^ "Boxscore – San Antonio at Miami". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  94. ^ "Boxscore – Atlanta at Indiana". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  95. ^ "Boxscore – Memphis at Oklahoma City". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 20, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  96. ^ "Boxscore – Golden State at Los Angeles". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  97. ^ "Boxscore – Brooklyn at Toronto". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  98. ^ "Boxscore – Dallas at San Antonio". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  99. ^ "Boxscore – San Antonio at Los Angeles". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
  100. ^ "Boxscore – Los Angeles at Houston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
  101. ^ "Boxscore – Charlotte at Miami". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  102. ^ "Boxscore – Indiana at Toronto". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  103. ^ "Boxscore – Miami at Toronto". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  104. ^ "Boxscore – Oklahoma City at Golden State". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  105. ^ "Boxscore – Cleveland at Golden State". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 13, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  106. ^ "Boxscore – Utah at Los Angeles". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  107. ^ "Boxscore – Washington at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  108. ^ "Boxscore – Milwaukee at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  109. ^ "Boxscore – Indiana at Cleveland". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  110. ^ "Boxscore – Cleveland at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  111. ^ "Boxscore – Houston at Golden State". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  112. ^ "Boxscore – San Antonio at Denver". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  113. ^ "Boxscore – Portland at Denver". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
  114. ^ "Boxscore – Philadelphia at Toronto". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
  115. ^ "Boxscore – Utah at Denver". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  116. ^ "Boxscore – Oklahoma City at Houston". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  117. ^ "Boxscore – Boston at Toronto". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  118. ^ "Boxscore – Denver at Los Angeles Clippers". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  119. ^ "Boxscore – Dallas at Los Angeles Clippers". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  120. ^ "Boxscore – Milwaukee at Brooklyn". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  121. ^ "Boxscore – Atlanta at Philadelphia". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  122. ^ "Boxscore – Milwaukee at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  123. ^ "Boxscore – Dallas at Phoenix". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  124. ^ "Boxscore – Boston at Miami". basketball-reference.com. Archived July 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  125. ^ "Boxscore – Golden State at Sacramento". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 23, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  126. ^ "Boxscore – Philadelphia at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Archived June 5, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  127. ^ "Boxscore – Miami at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 30, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  128. ^ "Boxscore – Orlando at Cleveland". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 11, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  129. ^ "Boxscore – Indiana at New York". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  130. ^ "Boxscore – Minnesota at Denver". basketball-reference.com. Archived May 28, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  131. ^ "Boxscore – LA Clippers at Denver". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  132. ^ "Boxscore – Golden State at Houston". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  133. ^ "Boxscore – Denver at Oklahoma City". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  134. ^ "Boxscore – Indiana at Oklahoma City". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  135. ^ "Boxscore – Philadelphia at Boston". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  136. ^ "Boxscore – Orlando at Detroit". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  137. ^ "Boxscore – Toronto at Cleveland". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  138. ^ "Boxscore – Cleveland at Detroit". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  139. ^ "Boxscore – San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  140. ^ https://www.nba.com/news/facts-know-game-7-nba-history
  141. ^ Ryan, Bob (June 23, 2005). "Time to turn back clock on format". The Boston Globe

General