Ranking the NBA Finals of the 2000's

In anticipation of this year's NBA Finals, I thought it would be an opportune time to rank the NBA Finals of the 2000's from the best series to the worst series. The rankings are based on the competitiveness and entertainment value of the series.

1. 2000 - Lakers over Pacers in 6 games: This was an unheralded great series as it pitted 2 outstanding teams against each other with both teams playing at a high level. This was 1 of only 2 NBA Finals matchups of the decade that had the #1 seed from each conference. (Boston-LA 2008 was the other.) While this series did have a couple of blowouts, it is the greatness of Games 4 & 6 that earn it the #1 ranking. Indiana tied Game 4 in the final minute of regulation on a 3 pointer by Sam Perkins, but could not pull out the victory in overtime despite Shaq fouling out. Reggie Miller missed a potential game-winning 3 pointer in the final seconds and fell into a 3-1 series hole. After Indiana ran to a blowout victory in Game 5, they pushed the Lakers in Game 6 in a back and forth battle that was one of the best games that I have witnessed. The Lakers ultimately won the game and the NBA title in a well played series.

2. 2008 - Celtics over Lakers in 6 games: The Celtics and Lakers renewed their 1980's rivalry in a much anticipated series that was characterized by big leads and big comebacks. In Game 2 the Lakers cut a 24-point 4th quarter Celtics lead to 2 before Boston made plays in the final minute to seal the win for a 2-0 series lead. After winning Game 3 the Lakers looked poised to tie the series, holding a 24-point lead in the 3rd quarter of Game 4. All of a sudden the Celtics stormed back and ended up handing the Lakers a devastating loss. Game 5 also saw the Lakers run out to an early 19-point lead that was erased by Boston. The Lakers regained a 14-point lead in the 4th quarter only to see the Celtics come back to tie the score, although the Lakers persevered to win and force the series back to Boston. Boston blew the doors off the Lakers in Game 6 and the Lakers never mounted a comeback, losing meekly 131-92. Paul Pierce was tremendous in this series, displaying his great all around ability: scoring, creating for teammates, rebounding, great on-the-ball defense.

3. 2005 - Spurs over Pistons in 7 games: While this was the only series of the decade to go the full seven games, the first four games were blowout victories by the home team. Game 5 finally provided some drama with Robert Horry hitting a memorable 3-pointer in the final seconds of overtime to give the Spurs a 1-point victory. Games 6 and 7 were very entertaining affairs with the lead changing hands countless times throughout. The Spurs ultimately prevailed in Game 7 however, behind Finals MVP Tim Duncan's 25 points and Manu Ginobli's 23 points as Detroit was denied back-to-back championships.

4. 2003 - Spurs over Nets in 6 games: The Spurs and Nets played a competitive, though not particularly pretty, series. The games were low-scoring with only instance of a team reaching 100 points in a game. Tim Duncan had a great series including a dominant Game 6 effort with 22 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks.

5. 2006 - Heat over Mavericks in 6 games: This was a decent series but it gets demerits because of the terrible officiating of the series. Miami's championship is probably the most tainted title in NBA history because of the special treatment that Dwayne Wade was given by the officials. The foul call that Wade received in the final seconds of Game 5 from Bennett Salvatore singlehandedly and unfairly took the victory away from Dallas. Keep in mind that this was only one of many questionable foul calls made throughout the series. Wade shot a staggering 97 free throws in the series. He averaged over 16 free throws per game!

6. 2004 - Pistons over Lakers in 5 games:

7. 2001 - Lakers over 76ers in 5 games:

8. 2002 - Lakers over Nets in 4 games:

9. 2007 - Spurs over Cavaliers in 4 games: This Cavs team was the worst team to make the NBA Finals in my 17 years of following the NBA.