While most of the focus in the sports betting world is shifted to – what should be – an exhilarating Belmont Stakes betting race, let’s keep our focus on the NBA as the Finals rapidly approach and look back at the Top 5 memorable NBA Finals moments:

Willis Reed Plays On One Leg

NBA Finals Odds: 1970 – Game 7

Willis Reed had a torn thigh muscle but his team needed him badly. Facing the Los Angeles Lakers, the Knicks were slapped around badly in Game 6 and they were in need of some divine intervention. That came in the form of Reed, who showed up ready to play for Game 7. He was barely moving, but after taking a couple of painkillers, he somehow got on the court and scored the team’s first couple of baskets. That was enough to spark his squad as they went on to win the game and series.

Air Jordan, Ground Russell

NBA Finals Odds: 1998 – Game 6

It’s arguably the signature shot/play of Michael Jordan’s career. With his team trailing by three with less than two minutes to go, Jordan hits a shot, then on defense, stripped Karl Malone in the post. Then Jordan calmly moved up court and, as the clock died down, crossed over Bryon Russell, essentially broke his ankles and hit the game-winning shot.

Jerry West’s 60-Foot Shot

NBA Finals Odds: 1970 – Game 3

The Los Angeles Lakers just gave up the go-ahead basket with only three seconds remaining and had no timeouts to use on the in-bounds play. No problem – Jerry West just ran the 60-foot-jumper play, which is always money in the bank, right? West hurled up a shot from 60 feet and it miraculously went in. Unfortunately, there were no three-point shots back then so it only counted for two points and the Knicks eventually won in overtime.

Dr. J’s Swoop

NBA Finals Odds: 1980 – Game 4

If Michael Jordan’s series clinching shot over Bryon Russell isn’t the most famous shot in NBA Finals history, Dr. Julius Erving’s swooping up-and-under definitely is. Dr. J drove the baseline and, with the ball in one hand, faked a layup on one side of the basket, pulled it back behind the backboard and emerged on the other side to make the shot. Simply incredible and arguably his most famous highlight.

John Paxson…For Three

NBA Finals Odds: 1993 – Game 6

The Chicago Bulls were aiming for a three-peat and John Paxson was aiming for a three-pointer to clinch it. With the Bulls up 3-2 in the series, they wanted to avoid a road trip Game 7 in Phoenix. With 14 seconds left, the Bulls worked the ball around to Paxson, who calmly nailed the game-clinching, series-clinching, three-peat clinching shot.