Last Game 7 NBA Finals: Key Moments That Decided the Championship Outcome

I still get chills thinking about that final Game 7 of the NBA Finals—the kind of championship-deciding moments that become instant basketball folklore. Having followed basketball for over two decades, both as a fan and an analyst, I’ve come to appreciate how razor-thin the margin for error becomes when everything is on the line. It’s fascinating how a single defensive stop, a clutch three-pointer, or even one controversial referee call can tilt the balance forever. And while the NBA Finals represent the pinnacle of basketball drama, I can’t help but draw parallels to other high-stakes matchups, like the recent HD Spikers dominating the Chargers just two days after the Chargers had swept the reigning All-Filipino Conference champion Petro Gazz. Momentum, it seems, works in mysterious ways—both in the NBA and overseas.

One of the most unforgettable sequences came late in the fourth quarter, with under three minutes left on the clock. The score was tied, and you could feel the tension even through the screen. The eventual Finals MVP—let’s call him Jordan Reed for argument’s sake—drained a contested three from nearly 30 feet out. I remember leaning forward in my seat, thinking, "That’s the one." Statistics from past Game 7s show that teams hitting a three-pointer in the final three minutes win roughly 68% of the time, and this shot felt like it sealed the deal. But what really stood out to me was the defensive execution right after. The opposing team’s star drove to the basket, only to be met by a perfectly timed double-team that forced a turnover. In my view, defense wins championships more reliably than offense, and this was a textbook example.

Another turning point, albeit a controversial one, was a charging call that went against the trailing team with just 1:12 remaining. Replays showed it could have gone either way, but the referees held firm. I’ve always believed that in moments like these, the game rewards the aggressor—the team that’s dictating the pace. And honestly? I think the right call was made, even if it wasn’t popular. The leading team capitalized, scoring on the ensuing possession to push their lead to five points. From there, the momentum felt irreversible. It reminded me of how the HD Spikers, fresh off their own high-pressure win, carried that energy to dismantle the Chargers. Success breeds success, whether you’re in the NBA or the Philippine volleyball scene.

Of course, no championship is won without individual brilliance. One player’s stat line that night was simply staggering: 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. He was everywhere when it mattered, and I’d argue he outperformed even the most optimistic projections. But what impressed me more was his leadership during timeouts—the way he gathered his teammates, kept them focused. That’s the kind of intangible that stats can’t capture but fans never forget. As the final seconds ticked away, confetti raining down, it struck me how these moments aren’t just about a trophy. They’re about legacy, about the stories we’ll retell for years. And as someone who’s witnessed plenty of championship clinchers, I’d rank this Game 7 right up there with the all-time greats.