As the NBA playoffs unfold, we've seen numerous surprises this season, including the possibility of a No. 6 seed making a run for the championship. However, history shows that some of the most remarkable playoff journeys have come from much lower seeds. Notably, only two No. 8 seeds have ever reached the NBA Finals, and their stories are legendary.

1999 New York Knicks: The First No. 8 Seed to the Finals

The 1998-99 New York Knicks made history as the first No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals. Despite finishing the regular season with a modest record just above .500, the Knicks, under head coach Jeff Van Gundy, displayed grit and determination throughout the playoffs. In the first round, they faced the top-seeded Miami Heat. In a thrilling Game 5, Allan Houston's last-second shot propelled the Knicks to an upset, marking just the second time in NBA history that an No. 8 seed defeated a No. 1 seed in a playoff series.

Following their historic first-round victory, the Knicks swept the Atlanta Hawks in the second round, thanks to a formidable defense led by Marcus Camby. Their run continued in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, where they overcame the loss of star center Patrick Ewing to clinch the series and advance to the Finals. Unfortunately, their remarkable journey ended there as they faced the San Antonio Spurs, losing the championship series in five games.

2023 Miami Heat: Another No. 8 Seed Breaks Barriers

Fast forward nearly 25 years, and the 2022-23 Miami Heat replicated this incredible feat as they became the second No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals. Led by the inspiring performances of Jimmy Butler and the strategic acumen of head coach Erik Spoelstra, Miami's playoff journey was nothing short of extraordinary. After a disappointing regular season and an early loss in the play-in tournament, the Heat rallied to secure the No. 8 seed.

In a shocking upset, Miami defeated the first-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, with Butler delivering standout performances, including a remarkable 56-point game. They continued their momentum by overcoming the New York Knicks and then took a demanding 3-0 lead against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. After a resilient fight from Boston, the Heat managed to emerge victorious in a tense Game 7, with Caleb Martin stepping up alongside Butler.

Despite their impressive playoff run, the Heat ultimately fell to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals, losing the series in five games. Nevertheless, their journey solidified their place as one of the greatest underdog stories in NBA history.

These historic runs by the Knicks and Heat illustrate that in basketball, anything is possible, and the playoffs are always ripe for surprises. As teams continue to vie for the championship, these stories remind fans of the thrill and unpredictability that define the NBA postseason.