NBA Finals

Guide Note

The NBA Finals is the final round of the NBA Playoffs matching the Eastern Conference Champions against the Western Conference Champions.

On June 17, 2008, the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games to win the 2008 NBA Championship.

Fast Facts

1. First held in 1947
2. Eastern Conference Champions vs. Western Conference Champions
3. Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy awarded to winning team
4. Most championships: Boston Celtics, 17
5. Most Finals appearances: Los Angeles Lakers, 29
6. 2008 champions: Celtics over the Lakers in six games

• Game 1: Celtics win 98-88
  • Scoring Leaders: Garnett/Bryant (24)
• Game 2: Celtics win 108-102
  • Scoring Leader: Bryant (30)
  • Pierce: 28 pts, 4 reb, 8 ast
• Game 3: Lakers win 87-81
  • Scoring Leader: Bryant (36)
  • Pau Gasol: 12 reb
• Game 4: Celtics win 97-91
  • Scoring Leader: Pierce (20)
  • Celtics FT%: .821
• Game 5: Lakers win 103-98
  • Scoring Leader: Pierce (38)
  • Lakers FG%: .456
  • Bryant: 25 pts
• Game 6: Celtics win 131-92
  • Scoring Leaders: Garnett/Allen (26)
  • Celtics 3-pt%: .500
  • Five Celtics scored in double digits
  • Pierce: 17 pts, 10 ast

The top eight teams of each conference are eligible for the playoffs. Each round consists of a best four out of seven series, with the winning team moving on to the next round. At the conclusion of three rounds, the two remaining teams compete in the NBA Finals. This is also a seven game series, with the first team to win four games taking the championship and earning the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. Following the last game of the finals each year, the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award is given to the player who played the best, generally on the winning team.

1. Minneapolis Lakers, 1949-54, five titles
2. Boston Celtics, 1957-1969, 11 titles
3. Chicago Bulls, 1991-1998, six titles