Ranking the Best NBA Finals of the Last 10 Years After Thrilling Knicks-Spurs Series

The 2026 NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs delivered a five-game odyssey that captivated fans with constant drama and close margins. Every game was decided by 10 points or fewer, and two contests finished by a single point, highlighting the tight competition. The article ranks the Finals of the last decade, starting with 2017 and excluding 2016, as it evaluates watchability and historical significance. It places the 2018 Cavaliers-Warriors series at the bottom of the decade, swept in four games despite near-MVP-level talent. The 2017 LeBron-led clash against Golden State receives similar critique for uneven drama, with only a few tight moments. The 2024 Celtics-Mavericks Finals earns some respect for narrative potential, though its own balance of excitement remains debated. The Knicks-Spurs showdown is framed as a candidate for the era's best Finals, a rare stretch of consistently thrilling finishes. The piece notes the emotional highs and strategic adjustments that kept viewers engaged from tip-off to the final horn. By aggregating these contests, the author offers a verdict on watchability that reflects recent trends in the game.