Sports fans are spoiled for choice as we approach an action-packed summer. All eyes will be on Germany for the return of the UEFA European Championships as Europe’s best soccer-playing nations compete for the trophy.
The Germans enjoy home advantage and aim to make it count as they play Scotland in the competition’s opening game. The locals dream of beating Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army to kick-start another successful tournament.
Winning Euro 2024 would make Germany the competition’s most successful team, with four trophies, one more than Spain.
When the drama dies down in Germany, we switch to France for the Paris Summer Olympic Games. Sports’ most famous and celebrated tournament arrives in Europe’s most passionate city for four weeks of high-quality action.
Will the French win Euro 2024 and progress to top the medal chart at Paris 2024? Only time will tell, but you can skip the line and make your predictions today at the top sportsbooks.
Study the stats, pick your teams, and secure the best odds and promotions, then wager using your smartphone or laptop.
The Euros and Olympics will attract a global audience in the billions, but another major sports fixture this summer is in no danger of being overshadowed.
The NBA finals happen between 6th and 23rd June, with the top bookies offering their best NBA finals bets and markets. Which team do you expect to prevail and declare themselves the best professional basketball team on the planet? There’s all to play for this season, and you can use your sports knowledge to target a profit.
NBA Finals Details
Are you all set for a stunning climax to the 2024 National Basketball Association season? The campaign began with a long list of potential champions and contenders for the crown.
A competitive season helped reduce the pack to just two teams who will face off in the finals for silverware and a place in the history books. Selecting your champion is quick, easy, and secure, but which team has impressed you the most this term?
The 2024 NBA finals is a best-of-seven series that could go down to the wire. Followers have enjoyed a competitive regular season and an unpredictable playoff campaign.
There have been many surprises along the way, with supposed favorites beaten by underdogs who were given little hope before the start of play.
If you’re an experienced NBA fan, you already understand you can take nothing for granted in this competition, especially in summer. Form and season stats are now irrelevant as the two remaining teams go all-out for the title.
The best way to watch the NBA finals is to secure a ticket and follow from courtside. Only the fortunate secure a ticket to the most important games of the NBA season, meaning most watch the action live on television.
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Get comfortable and watch at home alone, or invite friends and family to your watch party. If you won’t be at home during the games, you can keep pace with the play using a live-streaming app downloaded to your mobile device.
NBA fans have enjoyed some memorable finals over the years, and to set the mood for this year’s renewal, we reflect on some of the best games.
Keep reading as we walk you down memory lane. We’re sure you remember some of these games as classics.
1984: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The 1984 NBA Finals marked the first of three Finals matchups in the 1980s between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, two of the most storied franchises in NBA history.
This series is particularly memorable due to the intense rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, which began in college and continued into the NBA.
The series was a grueling seven-game affair that featured physical play, dramatic moments, and iconic performances. Game 4, known as the “Heat Game,” saw temperatures inside the Boston Garden soar, adding to the intensity.
Larry Bird’s clutch shooting and leadership were pivotal in the Celtics’ success.
Ultimately, the Celtics triumphed in seven games, capturing their 15th NBA championship and cementing the Bird-Johnson rivalry as one of the greatest in sports history.
1991: Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The 1991 NBA Finals marked the beginning of the Chicago Bulls dynasty and Michael Jordan’s ascension as the greatest player in the game.
Facing off against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers, the Bulls were making their first Finals appearance, while the Lakers were seasoned veterans with multiple championships.
Jordan’s performance in this series was nothing short of spectacular. In Game 2, he famously switched hands mid-air to make a layup, a moment that has been replayed countless times. The Bulls won the series in five games, and Jordan was named Finals MVP.
This victory not only gave Jordan his first championship but also symbolized a passing of the torch from the Magic Johnson-Larry Bird era to the Michael Jordan era.
1998: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz
The 1998 NBA Finals featured a rematch between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. This series is particularly memorable for Michael Jordan’s heroics in what would be his last Finals appearance with the Bulls.
The series went to six games, with Jordan delivering one of the most iconic moments in NBA history in Game 6. With the Bulls trailing by three points in the final minute, Jordan scored on a layup, then stole the ball from Karl Malone on the ensuing possession.
He followed this up with a legendary jump shot over Bryon Russell to give the Bulls the lead.
The Bulls won the game and the series, securing their sixth championship in eight years and cementing Jordan’s legacy as the greatest player of all time.
2000: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers
The 2000 NBA Finals were significant as they marked the first Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant era championship for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Coached by Phil Jackson, who had previously led the Bulls to six titles, the Lakers were a dominant force throughout the season.
Shaquille O’Neal was the standout performer, averaging 38 points and 16.7 rebounds per game, earning him the Finals MVP award.
Despite being 21 years old, Kobe Bryant showcased his potential with several clutch performances, including a crucial Game 4 in overtime.
The Lakers won the series in six games, beginning a dynasty that would win three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.
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