Ranking Every 2013 NBA Playoff Series

With the 2013 NBA Finals in the books, it's time to break down which playoff series were the best ones.

Many of the matchups were physical, grind-it-out encounters marked by tough defense and a healthy amount of hatred. Others were high-flying, high-scoring affairs that kept fans on the edge of their seats every night.

So how did we determine which one was best?

We put together a rating system that factors in the competitive closeness of a series mixed with the overall intensity and compelling nature of the games. 

Who came out on top of our rankings?

Our Rating System

Putting a number or a rating on the quality of a given series doesn't completely do it justice, but we do our best with a comprehensive formula. Our rating system seeks to simultaneously quantify the statistical closeness and competitiveness of a series as well as its energy and intensity.

Here are the factors that we account for, along with their explanation and points scale.

No. of Games:  Accounts for the number of games that were played in a series. One point for each game. (Maximum points per series: 7)

Second-Half Comebacks: Accounts for the number of times a team overcame a second-half deficit to win or force overtime, whether the comeback occurred in the third or fourth quarter. (Maximum points per series: 7) 

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: Gives an extra point if the second-half comeback occurred in the fourth quarter. (Maximum points per series: 7)

Single-Digit Margins: Accounts for the number of games in which the final score was decided by a single-digit margin. (Maximum points per series: 7)

One-possession Games: Gives an extra point if the margin was within three points or less. We decided to exclude the extremely rare four-point play possibility. Maximum points per series: 7

Number of Overtimes: Accounts for the total amount of overtimes played in a series. For example, if there were two overtime games, but one of the games went to double overtime, we count three overtimes. (Maximum points per series: unlimited)

Rivalry & Animosity: Takes into account the franchise rivalries, player rivalries and the level of hatred between the two clubs. Factors in inter-divisional matchups, game-to-game "chippy" play and animosity. (Scored on a 0 to 10 scale) 

Excitement and Intensity: Takes into account the level of excitement throughout the series. We factor in comebacks that fell just short, exciting plays and overall intensity. (Scored on a 0-10 scale)

We added up all the points to determine our rankings. The lowest series point total was eight points, while our best series earned 32 points. Read on to find out which series were duds and which ones exploded!

*If total scores of series are tied, the series with a higher excitement rating gets ranked higher. If they have the same excitement rating, the later-round series gets ranked higher.

15. Miami Heat Def. Milwaukee Bucks, 4-0 (First Round)

No. of Games: 4

Second-Half Comebacks: 1

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 0

Single-Digit Games: 0

One-Possession Games: 0

Overtimes: 0

Rivalry/Animosity: 2

Excitement: 1

TOTAL POINTS: 8

Jim Boylan's Milwaukee Bucks stayed competitive early in their four games with the Miami Heat, but in each game, LeBron James and Co. went on a devastating run to put things out of reach.

Miami's defense suffocated Milwaukee, forcing countless untimely turnovers and making life difficult for Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. Jennings shot under 30 percent, including 21 percent from long distance.

No one expected this to be much of a series (except Jennings), and there wasn't any suspense at all. The Bucks offered little resistance as a speed bump in Miami's path.

14. San Antonio Spurs Def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-0 (First Round)

No. of Games: 4

Second-Half Comebacks: 0

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 0

Single-Digit Games: 0

One-Possession Games: 0

Overtimes: 0

Rivalry/Animosity: 5

Excitement: 1

TOTAL POINTS: 10

Over the past decade-plus, the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers have enjoyed some classic duels.

This was not one of them. Not by a long shot.

Without Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles lacked the firepower to match Gregg Popovich's well-oiled machine. In four short games, his Spurs outscored the Lakers 416-341, or an average of 104 to 85. Injuries to Steve Nash and Steve Blake late in the series made it even easier on San Antonio.

For the Spurs, it was the beginning of their run to the Western Conference title. For Los Angeles, it was the final blow of their painful campaign.

13. Indiana Pacers Def. Atlanta Hawks, 4-2 (First Round)

No. of Games: 6

Second-Half Comebacks: 0

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 0

Single-Digit Games: 1

One-Possession Games: 0

Overtimes: 0

Rivalry/Animosity: 3

Excitement: 5

TOTAL POINTS: 15

Even though this first-round showdown went six games, it lacked the game-to-game competitiveness and excitement that we saw from most other early-round matchups.

The Indiana Pacers walloped the Atlanta Hawks in the first pair of games, and then the Hawks delivered a couple thrashings of their own. Once they knotted things up 2-2, Pacers power forward David West took over and led Indiana to Game 5 and Game 6 triumphs.

The defense we saw from Indiana, along with the versatility and playmaking of Paul George, was the beginning of an impressive playoff run that saw George blossom into an elite star.

If a couple of these games were closer, the series wouldn't have rated this low. 

12. Memphis Grizzlies Def. Los Angeles Clippers, 4-2 (First Round)

No. of Games: 6

Second-Half Comebacks: 1

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 0

Single-Digit Games: 1

One-Possession Games: 1

Overtimes: 0

Rivalry/Animosity: 7

Excitement: 5

TOTAL POINTS: 21

We anticipated a competitive, physical and entertaining series between No. 4 seed Los Angeles Clippers and No. 5 seed Memphis Grizzlies.

It was physical, for sure. But we ended up getting an uglier version of their 2012 playoff encounter.

I'm not just talking about the "grit 'n' grind" style of play from the Grizzlies. I'm talking about atrocious defense from the Clippers that led to four straight double-digit losses to end the series. Not to mention all the extracurricular activity from both clubs.

Even though there was a buzzer-beater in Game 2, and Memphis battled from an 0-2 deficit to win, this series rated in the lower half of the playoffs. That's a testament to how quickly the Grizzlies dispatched Vinny Del Negro's squad.

11. Indiana Pacers Def. New York Knicks, 4-2 (Conf. Semis)

No. of Games: 6

Second-Half Comebacks: 0

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 0

Single-Digit Games: 2

One-Possession Games: 0

Overtimes: 0

Rivalry/Animosity: 9

Excitement: 8

TOTAL POINTS: 25

Not since the 1990s had Indiana tangled with New York in the playoffs. The Pacers' highly-anticipated showdown with the Knicks offered a chance to meet the Miami Heat in the next round.

Fans reminisced of the Reggie Miller vs. Patrick Ewing days, but this series showcased different types of stars. Paul George's defense and versatility controlled the series, while Carmelo Anthony's playmaking tried but failed to keep New York afloat.

There weren't any last-minute heroics or game-winning shots. However, this series oozed with atmosphere as both squads aimed to earn a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

10. San Antonio Spurs Def. Memphis Grizzlies, 4-0 (Conf. Finals)

No. of Games: 4

Second-Half Comebacks: 2

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 2

Single-Digit Games: 3

One-Possession Games: 2

Overtimes: 2

Rivalry/Animosity: 5

Excitement: 6

TOTAL POINTS: 26

This was about as exciting a sweep as you'll find in the NBA. 

In the Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs came out on top in four consecutive games, but they had to work for it. Three of the contests were decided by single-digit margins, and two went to overtime.

The Memphis Grizzlies had just toppled Kevin Durant's Oklahoma City Thunder, and were playing in their first conference finals ever. Unfortunately, Zach Randolph struggled for much of the series and the club couldn't make enough plays in crunch time.

Both clubs competed hard in all four games, but Tony Parker's brilliance prevented the series from going further than four.

9. Miami Heat Def. Chicago Bulls, 4-1 (Conf. Semis)

No. of Games: 5

Second-Half Comebacks: 2

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 2

Single-Digit Games: 2

One-Possession Games: 1

Overtimes: 0

Rivalry/Animosity: 8

Excitement: 6

TOTAL POINTS: 26

You can call it being chippy or intense, but let's not sugarcoat it: the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls hate each other.

They didn't shake hands before the games, and they were more than willing to push and shove after the whistle blew. This second-round series was an exhibition of animosity. 

After a grueling seven-game slugfest with the Brooklyn Nets, the shorthanded Bulls marched into American Airlines Arena and stole Game 1 from the Heat in the fourth quarter.

From then on, it was pretty much all Miami— with plenty of roughhousing and flopping mixed in.

8. Golden State Warriors Def. Denver Nuggets, 4-2 (First Round)

No. of Games: 6

Second-Half Comebacks: 3

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 0

Single-Digit Games: 4

One-Possession Games: 1

Overtimes: 0

Rivalry/Animosity: 4

Excitement: 8

TOTAL POINTS: 26

It wasn't our highest-rated first-round series, but the Golden State Warriors' six-game shootout with the Denver Nuggets was arguably the most exciting opening-round skirmish.

After Andre Miller's heroics took Game 1, Stephen Curry answered with three straight barrages to put the Dubs up 3-1. In Game 5, Ty Lawson and Andre Iguodala kept the Nuggets alive, but Golden State closed things out in Game 6 after thwarting a late Denver comeback.

The high-scoring nature of the matchup (average score of 107-103) made it an exciting one, and David Lee's hip injury and surprising comeback added some drama.

Years from now, this series will be remembered as the first of many entertaining playoff performances from the Splash Brothers.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder Def. Houston Rockets, 4-2 (First Round)

No. of Games: 6

Second-Half Comebacks: 1

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 0

Single-Digit Games: 5

One-Possession Games: 3

Overtimes: 0

Rivalry/Animosity: 6

Excitement: 7

TOTAL POINTS: 28

A lopsided Game 1 in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder made it seem like this series would be a laugher.

Russell Westbrook's Game 2 meniscus injury would change things. The Houston Rockets nearly took Game 3 on a comeback, and after falling in an 0-3 hole, out-dueled OKC in back-to-back games.

When James Harden sank seven triples in Game 5 at Chesapeake Energy Arena and sent the series back to Houston for a Game 6, the Thunder's commanding series lead was in serious jeopardy.

Kevin Durant's second-half exploits helped OKC finally eliminate the Rockets. He scored or assisted on 28 of the Thunder's last 39 points, earning a date with the Memphis Grizzlies.

6. San Antonio Spurs Def. Golden State Warriors, 4-2 (Conf. Semis)

No. of Games: 6

Second-Half Comebacks: 2

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 2

Single-Digit Games: 2

One-Possession Games: 2

Overtimes: 3

Rivalry/Animosity: 4

Excitement: 7

TOTAL POINTS: 28

The San Antonio Spurs' conference semifinal meeting with the Golden State Warriors had a little bit of everything.

Overtime drama in Games 1 and 4. Road wins and comebacks for both clubs. The emergence of a young star in Harrison Barnes. The Splash Brothers. The Big Three.

Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, along with breakout performers Barnes and Jarrett Jack, gave San Antonio its toughest Western Conference test. In the end, the Spurs' efficiency and balance won the series, as they quieted the Dubs on the road in Game 6.

It was an entertaining encounter pitting a veteran-led squad against a group of fearless youngsters. This time around, the elder team won.

5. Memphis Grizzlies Def. Oklahoma City Thunder, 4-1 (Conf. Semis)

No. of Games: 5

Second-Half Comebacks: 4

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 2

Single-Digit Games: 5

One-Possession Games: 2

Overtimes: 1

Rivalry/Animosity: 6

Excitement: 5

TOTAL POINTS: 31

Despite being a quick five-game series in the second round, the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. the Memphis Grizzlies scored well in our rating system.

All the games were close, and a couple of them involved fourth-quarter comebacks and final-minute drama.

It was readily apparent throughout the series that OKC and Memphis are mentally strong squads. The Grizzlies bounced back after coughing up Game 1 at the end. They held off Kevin Durant and got a couple of road wins in the process. 

Meanwhile, the Thunder did its best to operate without Russell Westbrook, and hung tough in each ballgame. It was a shame the series ended so soon.

4. New York Knicks Def. Boston Celtics, 4-2 (First Round)

No. of Games: 6

Second-Half Comebacks: 3

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 2

Single-Digit Games: 4

One-Possession Games: 1

Overtimes: 1

Rivalry/Animosity: 8

Excitement: 6

TOTAL POINTS: 31

While the quality of basketball wasn't pretty the first few games, this turned into an intense series, one that you normally don't see between a No. 2 and No. 7 seed.

The New York Knicks stifled the Boston Celtics for the first three games, and then Doc Rivers' crew stayed alive with an overtime triumph in Game 4. Boston kept the momentum going with a gutsy win in Madison Square Garden in Game 5.

Suddenly, Carmelo Anthony and Co. faced a Game 6 on the road. Fortunately for Knicks fans, their defense was able to take advantage of the Celtics' deficiencies and hold them to 80 points in the series-clinching win.

Despite J.R. Smith's implosion and Boston's momentum swing, New York was able to escape an embarrassing fate.

3. Chicago Bulls Def. Brooklyn Nets, 4-3 (First Round)

No. of Games: 7

Second-Half Comebacks: 1

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 1

Single-Digit Games: 5

One-Possession Games: 3

Overtimes: 3

Rivalry/Animosity: 3

Excitement: 8

TOTAL POINTS: 31

The most closely-contested first-round series featured P.J. Carlesimo's talented Brooklyn Nets and Tom Thibodeau's undermanned Chicago Bulls.

After a convincing Game 1 win, Brook Lopez and Co. dropped three straight to Chicago, including a triple-overtime marathon in Game 4. That contest was Nate Robinson's coming-out party of the playoffs, as he scored 34 points, 27 of them in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The Nets battled back to force a Game 7, but the Bulls stole the show at Barclays Center in impressive fashion. They clinched the series on the road without the help of Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng.

This wasn't a rivalry grudge matchup with chippy play or animosity. But if there are a couple more series like this between these teams in the near future, it could soon become a rivalry.

2. Miami Heat Def. Indiana Pacers, 4-3 (Conf. Finals)

No. of Games: 7

Second-Half Comebacks: 3

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 1

Single-Digit Games: 3

One-Possession Games: 1

Overtimes: 1

Rivalry/Animosity: 7

Excitement: 9

TOTAL POINTS: 32

The Indiana Pacers' war with the Miami Heat was easily the most compelling series leading up to the NBA Finals.

After a gut-wrenching loss in Game 1 due to LeBron James' buzzer-beater, Paul George and the Pacers bounced back with a gritty win. They ensured Miami would be pushed to the limit.

It was literally a back-and-forth matchup, as neither team could win two straight games. Roy Hibbert controlled much of the series, but LeBron James propelled his squad when it needed him most.

When Frank Vogel's bunch pushed the Heat to a seventh game, LeBron and Dwyane Wade supplied a vintage dynamic duo performance to clinch their third straight Eastern Conference title.

1. Miami Heat Def. San Antonio Spurs, 4-3 (NBA Finals)

No. of Games: 7

Second-Half Comebacks: 2

Fourth-Quarter Comebacks: 2

Single-Digit Games: 3

One-Possession Games: 1

Overtimes: 1

Rivalry/Animosity: 6

Excitement: 10

TOTAL POINTS: 32

In one of the best NBA Finals of the last couple decades, LeBron James' Miami Heat out-dueled the San Antonio Spurs.

The series featured four double-digit blowouts, but it scored a 10 in the excitement category due to its incredibly compelling finish in Games 6 and 7.

During Games 1 through 5, Danny Green emerged as a seemingly unstoppable perimeter machine while the clubs took turns punishing each other.

Game 6 will go down as one of the best playoff games in league history, as Miami came back not once, but twice in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Ray Allen's off-balance triple with five seconds remaining was an instant-classic moment.

The rubber match was incredibly riveting as well, with 11 ties and seven lead changes. In the end, King James' shot-making won the series and earned him back-to-back titles.

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