Reflect on some memorable Game 7 moments in NBA history.
The 2026 NBA Playoffs are well underway, with one Conference Semifinal heading to a decisive Game 7. This follows three series in the Eastern Conference that reached this stage earlier. After their own Game 7 victories in the First Round, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons will compete in the 159th Game 7 in NBA history this Sunday night (8 ET, Prime Video).
This Sunday will witness the fourth Game 7 of the current playoffs, marking the first consecutive seasons since 2005 and 2006 with at least four such games. The matchup between the Cavs and Pistons is also significant, as it’s only the fourth instance in NBA history— and the first in a decade— that both teams are coming off a Game 7 from the previous round, reminiscent of the 2016 East Semifinals between the Heat and Raptors, the 2001 East Finals with the Bucks and 76ers, and the 1979 East Finals with the Spurs and Bullets.
The Pistons aim for their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2008 and recently played their first Game 7 in two decades against the Orlando Magic. Led by Cade Cunningham with 32 points and 12 assists, the Pistons enter Sunday with a Game 7 record of 6-5, including an impressive 5-0 at home.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers seek to return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018. They have won five consecutive Game 7s following their first-round win over the Toronto Raptors, powered by Jarrett Allen’s 22 points and 19 rebounds. The Cavaliers’ all-time record in Game 7s stands at 7-2, with two wins and two losses on the road.
Game 7: Fun Facts
Jayson Tatum delivered an incredible Game 7 performance, scoring 51 points to advance Boston to the Eastern Conference finals.
Here are some intriguing details about Game 7s in NBA history:
- There have been a total of 158 Game 7s in the NBA.
- Home teams hold an impressive record of 117 wins to 41 losses (.741) in Game 7s.
- All current NBA franchises have participated in at least one Game 7.
- The NBA Finals have seen 20 Game 7s, with home teams winning 16 of them. The most recent occurred last season, with the Oklahoma City Thunder defeating the Indiana Pacers.
- The inaugural Game 7 took place on April 6, 1948, when the Philadelphia Warriors triumphed over the St. Louis Bombers 85-46 in the Semifinals.
- Bill Russell boasted an undefeated record in 10 Game 7s, the most for any player.
- Jayson Tatum set the record for most points in a Game 7 with 51 against the 76ers in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
For a complete list of other historical records, team performances, and player achievements in Game 7s, please refer to the detailed tables below.
Records and Achievements
Teams and players have made significant marks in Game 7s, including:
- The Boston Celtics have the highest number of Game 7s played, with 38 total—accounting for nearly 24% of all Game 7s in NBA history.
- The Los Angeles Lakers hold a record of 16-8 in Game 7s, showing a stark contrast in their home (15-1) and away (1-7) performances.
- In addition to Ray Allen playing 11 Game 7s, several other players have notable appearances, including Al Horford, Paul Pierce, and Bill Russell with 10 each.
- Doc Rivers leads all coaches with 16 Game 7s coached, followed by Pat Riley with 11 and Larry Brown with 10.
Statistical data is supported by the Elias Sports Bureau, the official statistician of the NBA. All statistics referenced are current through the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
