There's something electric about witnessing a game-winning shot in the NBA. The sheer tension when the clock ticks down to mere seconds and the ball is in the hands of a superstar is unmatched. Think about Michael Jordan’s iconic final shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. With just 5.2 seconds left on the clock, Jordan made a move that left Byron Russell off-balance and then he rose, hitting that perfect jumper to clinch the title for the Chicago Bulls. His 45th point in that game underscored why he’s often hailed as the greatest of all time.
Another unforgettable moment came from Ray Allen during Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals. The Miami Heat were trailing the San Antonio Spurs 95-92 with only 19.4 seconds left. LeBron James missed a three-pointer, but Chris Bosh grabbed the offensive rebound and passed it out to Allen. With almost no time to set up, Allen took a step back to the three-point line and nailed the shot, tying the game. The Heat went on to win in overtime and ultimately clinched the series in Game 7. Allen’s shot had a probability of just 5% according to advanced analytics, highlighting the improbability and the sheer brilliance of the moment.
Lillard Time has also given us some unforgettable shots. In the 2019 playoffs, Damian Lillard ended the Oklahoma City Thunder’s postseason hopes with a 37-foot step-back three-pointer as time expired. Lillard’s shot sent shockwaves through the NBA community. It wasn't just about the 50 points he scored that night, but also about the audacity and confidence to take such a high-risk shot. Many analysts still discuss how Lillard’s effective field goal percentage in clutch moments makes him one of the most deadly players in crunch time.
Kawhi Leonard’s buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals is another example of pure drama. With the game tied at 90, Leonard dribbled to the corner and launched a high-arcing shot over Joel Embiid. The ball took four bounces on the rim before finally dropping in. That shot not only sent Toronto to the Eastern Conference Finals but also became the defining moment of their championship run. Leonard’s shot had a 31-degree arc and lasted 3.65 seconds from release to the final bounce, making it one of the lengthiest and most dramatic game-winners in NBA history.
Steph Curry’s three-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2016 regular season is another shot etched in memory. With 0.6 seconds left in overtime, Curry casually dribbled up the court and pulled up from 38 feet, draining the shot and sealing a win for the Golden State Warriors. That shot was Curry's 12th three-pointer of the game, tying an NBA record at the time. His efficiency with a true shooting percentage of 67% during that season was otherworldly, making moments like this more than just memorable—they were expected.
If you look back even further, Reggie Miller’s clutch performance in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks stands out. Known as one of the greatest sharpshooters in NBA history, Miller scored eight points in the final 8.9 seconds, including two three-pointers, to give the Indiana Pacers an improbable win. His ability to perform under immense pressure is still one of the most talked-about feats in NBA lore. Miller's effective field goal percentage in that game was an astounding 75%, astonishing for any player, let alone in such a high-pressure situation.
In terms of sheer surprise, Derek Fisher’s buzzer-beater in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals might take the cake. With the Los Angeles Lakers trailing the San Antonio Spurs by one and only 0.4 seconds left, Fisher caught an inbounds pass and released a jumper in what seemed like an impossible timeframe. Yet, it swished through, giving the Lakers an improbable victory. Fisher's shot had a release time measured at 0.14 seconds, the fastest recorded in NBA playoff history up to that point.
One can't forget about Jerry West's 60-foot heave in Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals. Although there was no three-point line back then, West's shot at the buzzer tied the game at 102 and sent it to overtime. West often referred to as “Mr. Clutch,” showed why he earned the nickname. That particular shot had a success probability of merely 1%, according to modern statistical analysis. Even though the Lakers eventually lost the game, West’s heave remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.
The magic of these shots is enhanced by their unexpected nature and the high stakes involved. Today, with technological advancements, fans can relive these moments in better clarity and with more statistical context. Each of these shots not only defined a game but also cemented the legacy of the players involved. If you love the thrill of the game and cherish those heart-stopping moments, you might want to check out arena plus, a platform where sports analysis meets real-time excitement.