Top 5 Game 7s In Sports History [VIDEO]

The world of sports continuously provides fans around the globe with exciting and entertaining moments across multiple levels of athletics. With thrilling World Series contests, epic NBA finals match-ups and grueling hockey games, sports provide people a release from the everyday hustle and bustle of work, school and whatever else can sometimes stand in the way of full relaxation and stress release.

Following an epic Game 6 in the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, the two basketball powers now prepare what should be a classic Game 7 to determine who will become the 2012-2013 NBA Champions. Miami won the league championship last season by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder while the veteran Spurs have won 4 championships over the last 15 seasons, setting up a championship finale that could potentially be one of the best NBA games in recent memory.

With Game 7's on the mind, here's a look at the Top 5 Game 7 contests in sports history. With many to choose from, we think we've got it down to a pretty solid 5 contests.

5. 1997 World Series - Florida Marlins defeat Cleveland Indians 3-2

Taking part in one of the best World Series' in baseball history, the Cleveland Indians and Florida Marlins found themselves in a tight Game 7 battle during the 1997 World Series. Cleveland - who hasn't won a title since 1948 - held a 2-1 lead heading into the ninth inning but after the Marlins were able to tie the game in bottom half, the game went to extra innings. In the 11^th inning, Edgar Renteria sent South Beach into a frenzy as his single scored Craig Counsell to give Florida their first MLB championship.

4. 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals - Boston Celtics defeat Cleveland Cavaliers

With a trip to the conference finals on the line, Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics battled LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in what turned out to be an entertaining Game 7. Finishing with 41 points on 13-of-23 shooting in 44 minutes of action while LeBron poured in a game-high 45 points on 14-of-29 shooting in a total of 47 minutes, Boston stayed in front of the Cavaliers down the stretch. Pulling away late in the game thanks to clutch free throw shooting, Pierce and the C's knocked out the Cavaliers, eventually defeating the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA championship.

3. 2003 ALCS - New York Yankees defeat Boston Red Sox

Trailing 5-3 in the 8^th inning with 1 out, New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada came through with a big bloop single off Boston Red Sox starter Pedro Martinez, scoring 2 runs to tie the game at 5. Boston blew an early 4-0 lead and as the game shifted into extra innings, both pitching staffs received loads of work. The game finally came to an end in the bottom of the 11^th inning when New York third baseman Aaron Boone sent a shot into the left field seats off Tim Wakefield, sending the Yankees back to the World Series.

2. 1994 Stanley Cup - New York Rangers defeat Vancouver Canucks 3-2

Game 7 of the 1994 NHL Stanley Cup Finals is easily one of the best championship games in the history of sports. New York built a 2-0 lead in the first period and led 3-1 in the third frame. Following a goal from Trevor Linden to bring the Canucks to within 1, the Ranger defense tightened up and didn't allow Vancouver to put anymore tallies on the board. The championship for the New York Rangers was their first in 54 years, prompting the fans at Madison Square Garden to start chants of '1940' after their beloved Rangers finally hoisted the Stanley Cup.

1. 2001 World Series - Arizona Diamondback defeat New York Yankees 3-2

Looking to win the club's first World Series championship, the Arizona Diamondbacks capped off the series finale with a classic ninth inning performance. Trailing 2-1 in the bottom half of the inning and facing the greatest closer of all-time in Mariano Rivera, the D'Backs tied the game with one out after Tony Womack singled to tie the game at 2. With the bases loaded moments later, Luis Gonzalez dropped a bloop single over the top of the infield to bring in the winning run. The hit by Gonzalez capped off one of the best World Series championships in the history of baseball.