While the NCAA Tournament has the thrill of a one-and-done postseason tournament, the NBA’s best-of-seven format has produced numerous, thrilling, grind-it-out series over the years that are equally exciting.
Before LeBron James won a pair of titles with the Miami Heat, his Cleveland Cavs were stopped by Boston’s “Big Three” in a pair of classic matchups in 2008 and again in 2010. Then when he formed his own three-man posse in Miami, he had to go through the Celtics in 2011 and again in 2012—which was a seven-game masterpiece that needed an epic 45-point, 15-rebound performance from James in Game 6 just to bring the series back to Miami for a Game 7 the Heat would ultimately win.
These are the kinds of classic series the NBA has in mind when the playoffs roll around. Here are four of the top possible playoff scenarios that would be instant classics this year:
4. L.A. Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Truth be told, this would be higher on the list if it weren’t so unlikely to happen. The fourth-seeded Clippers—should they get past Portland in the first round—would most likely have to defeat 73–9 Golden State in the second round for this rematch of last year’s incredible seven-game first-round set to happen. Meanwhile, the Spurs would have to down the Grizzlies in round one and then most likely outlast a dangerous Thunder squad in conference semis.
But it would be worth it. In case you forgot, both teams are coached by men who’ve won NBA titles before and last year’s unforgettable series was decided on a Game 7, last-second runner in the lane by Chris Paul.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs
James has been to the NBA Finals five straight years, and should he make it a sixth—with San Antonio being the foe—it would mark his fourth time to go up against Gregg Popovich and the hard-working Spurs. Lest we forget, James improbably led an undermanned Cavs squad to the Finals in 2007, only to be swept by San Antonio.
