The Top 10 NBA Playoff series of the 21st century

The heavyweight matchup in the Western Conference finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder has inspired me to list the best NBA playoff series since 2000. There are multiple incredible matchups over the years, including epic rivalries and moments that have turned into the greatest moments in NBA History. So many matchups to choose from, but here is the list of my top 10. Celtics vs Heat 2023 This series nearly saw the greatest playoff series comeback in NBA history from the Boston Celtics after they fell behind 3-0. The eighth-seeded Heat absolutely stunned the Celtics in the first three games, and they pretty much booked themselves into the finals, but then the Celtics started to come back as they dominated the next two matchups. Then Game Six was the best of the series, ending with an unreal tip-in from Derrick White, to be topped off by Jimmy Butler leading a dominant performance by the Heat to make the finals. Nuggets vs Jazz 2020 One of the more entertaining matchups, mainly due to epic performances from Jamal Murray and Donovan Mitchell. A few different storylines in this one, but started with Donovan Mitchell 57-point performance to secure a Game 1 victory. Then Game 4 had an epic matchup with both Murray and Mitchell getting to the 50 point mark as the Jazz took a 3-1 lead. Game 6 had another battle between the guards as Murray scored another 50 to lead the Nuggets to a win. Then Game 7 ended up with a missed game winner from Mike Conley to advanced the Nuggets. Lakers vs Celtics 2010 A heavyweight matchup between the biggest rivals in the NBA. A rematch of the 2008 finals, where the Lakers wanted to get their payback. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol led the way for the Lakers, with some epic moments from the Celtics big names. Ron Artest hit the dagger in Game 7 as the big moment of the series. Old school physicality throughout, ending in an epic game seven matchup. Bucks vs Nets 2021 The iconic shot in game seven with Kevin Durant's toe on the line, with that moment encapsulating the entire series. A seven-game series involving Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton. Durant was playing some of his best basketball with an injury-riddled Harden and Irving, including an all-time performance in game five. Game 7 was the perfect ending, with an overtime classic as Antetokounmpo and Middleton led the way for the Bucks to close this one out despite Durant's efforts with a near 50-point game. Thunder vs Pacers 2025 The most recent finals series, many thought, wasn't going to be a close one, but it turned into an instant classic. Game 1 starts with the Pacers' comeback win, including a game-winner from Haliburton that shocked the world. Then the Thunder bounced back in Game four with their own fourth quarter comeback win, led by their superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jalen Williams' heroics in Game 5 with a 40-point game, then an unreal bounce back from the Pacers, all led to a do-or-die matchup in game seven. After a devastating Haliburton injury in Game 7, the Pacers fought their hardest, but the Thunder ended up being too good at the end of an amazing series. Bulls vs Celtics 2009 Another seven-game series, this time it was a real David vs Goliath matchup, a first-round matchup that nearly saw the seventh seed take out the second seed. Rookie Derrick Rose led the young Bulls against the reigning Champions, which included an unreal playoff debut performance. Multiple games went to overtime. Game 6 going into triple overtime and Game 4 hitting double overtime. Game 6 showed epic performances from Ray Allen with 51 points, and John Salmons with his own 35. An unexpected series that turned into a phenomenal series. Warriors vs Thunder 2016 Going into the playoffs, everyone knew these two teams would most likely face off in the Western Conference finals, and many believed the Warriors would come out on top after their regular season dominance. This series was remarkable with the Thunder stunning the Warriors, going up 3-1 in the series, but then the Warriors completed a comeback led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Thompson's heroics in Game 6 were legendary. The atmosphere at every game was unreal, and this series set up a long time rivalry. Lakers vs Kings 2002 A very controversial series, many fans believe the NBA rigged it to force a Game 7, but this series was an ultra-competitive matchup with unreal moments in many games. The Kings really took it to the Shaq and Kobe Lakers, but the better team was able to hold on. Unreal moments with Robert Horry's classic game-winner after being down 2-1, Mike Bibby's winner in Game 5, then an overtime classic in Game 7. Two opposite teams, an epic clash of styles, along with the controversy, this series ranks among the best. Cavs vs Warriors 2016 The remarkable series between two powerhouses of recent years, with the greatest finals comeback performance we have ever seen, and the best Game 7 of all time. Featuring a team that has the greatest regular-season record of all-time. Lebron James vs Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love vs Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The games leading up to seven are the reason why it isn't number one, but this series did not disappoint. Game 7 was an instant classic and could be classified as the greatest game ever. The Lebron James block and Kyrie Irving shot pair as the best moments in finals history, and this was definitely an iconic series. Miami vs Spurs 2013 No wonder this classic series involving the Heatles and the mighty Spurs has been crowned the best playoff series since 2000 and is also up there for the best playoff series ever. Headlined by two all-time greats in Lebron James and Tim Duncan, followed by names like Dwayne Wade, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Bosh and Manu Ginobili. A chess match between two of the greatest coaches of all time, with Gregg Popovich and Erik Spoelstra. The moments in this series, beginning with Tony Parker's Game 1 dagger, and no one could forget the Game 6 Ray Allen shot to keep the Heat's season alive. It all topped off with an unreal Lebron James closeout performance to seal the championship. An all-time classic series that went the distance and will never be forgotten.

The Top 10 NBA Playoff series of the 21st century

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6Thunder vs Pacers 2025

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