
The NBA has been the premier professional sports league in the United States for many decades. Its players and moments have become iconic to fans, inspiring countless tributes, discussions, and lasting memories. For this reason, it’s essential to recognize and honor the most memorable and significant moments throughout NBA history.
This article pays homage to some of the greatest plays, teams, and figures that have endured the test of time and become legendary in basketball culture. From triple-doubles to buzzer beaters, come explore, remember, and celebrate the most iconic NBA moments.
The Block (LeBron James, 2015)
The 2015 NBA Finals was a clash of titans, with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors both vying for their first championship. Led by LeBron James, the Cavs were looking to bring a title to Cleveland after over 50 years of waiting. The Warriors had an impressive young core in Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Game 7 was a nail-biter – with just two minutes left on the clock and the Warriors holding onto a slim lead, it seemed like they would take home the trophy. But then came one of basketball’s most iconic plays. With seven seconds remaining and the score tied at 89-89, LeBron James chased down Chris Bosh’s long inbounds pass and blocked Andre Iguodala’s shot – sending it into double overtime!
LeBron James’ performance that night was nothing short of legendary; he scored 45 points while grabbing 15 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists – carrying his team to victory single handedly. This moment is remembered as one of NBA history’s greatest moments; ESPN announcer Mike Breen captured its magnitude perfectly when he exclaimed “Oh my goodness!” It has been immortalized in Nike commercials too – truly cementing its place in sports lore.
This play also marked an important transition for LeBron James himself; from being labeled as a “choker” who couldn’t perform under pressure to becoming an against-the-odds clutch performer who could rise up when needed most.
Background on the Moment
Heading into the 2015 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors were locked in a battle for their first-ever championship. For LeBron James, this was an opportunity to add another chapter to his legendary career. The Warriors had something to prove too – that their young core of Curry, Thompson, and Green could compete with the best of them. The atmosphere was electric as these two teams fought for glory.

The game ebbed and flowed like a tide; each team traded blows until there were just seven seconds left on the clock with the score tied. That’s when Andre Iguodala looked to make history with a game-winning shot – only for LeBron James to step up and swat it away like a fly! This crucial block shifted momentum away from Golden State towards Cleveland, setting up one of the most iconic moments in basketball history.
Impact of the Moment
The immediate impact of LeBron James’ block was clear: the Cavaliers seized control and won the game in double overtime, claiming their first NBA title. For LeBron James, this was a moment of redemption – a reminder that he could have been facing Kobe Bryant in an NBA Finals showdown. It also had a huge effect on the league, as his decision to join the Cavaliers catapulted basketball into public consciousness and skyrocketed its popularity.
In years to come, LeBron James’ block will remain one of the most iconic moments ever seen in professional basketball. It speaks volumes about his character; it’s proof that even someone with his size, skill and athleticism can be clutch when it counts most. For Cleveland, it marked not only their first championship but also ushered in an era dominated by King James himself. As for Golden State? This served as a stark reminder of how close they were to winning their very own title.
No matter what your opinion is on this momentous occasion, one thing is certain: this will go down as one of the greatest feats ever witnessed in NBA history!
The Shot (Michael Jordan, 1998)
The 1998 NBA Finals was a titanic clash between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz that went all seven games. The Bulls were chasing their sixth championship, while the Jazz sought their first. Game 6 had come down to the wire with both teams tied at 86 and 18.9 seconds left on the clock – when Michael Jordan took control of destiny. He drove to the free throw line, a defender bearing down on him like an avalanche, before unleashing a shot that would go down in history.

Jordan finished with 45 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals – setting fire to his opponents from tip-off as he scored 10 points in the first quarter alone and 18 by halftime; notching up three three-pointers along the way for good measure! The atmosphere was electric as everyone waited with bated breath for what would happen next – then erupted into pandemonium when Jordan released his shot!
Background on the Moment
The stage was set for a legendary moment in NBA history. The Bulls and the Jazz were locked in an intense battle, with the Bulls needing a win to stay alive. With 18.9 seconds left on the clock and the score tied at 86, Michael Jordan had possession of the ball – ready to make his mark on history.
Jordan was unstoppable throughout the game, finishing with 45 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals – setting off fireworks from start to finish. He scored 10 points in just one quarter alone and hit three three-pointers that broke records!
The atmosphere was electric as Jordan rose up for his shot; anticipation filled every corner of the stadium until it erupted into cheers when he released it – sealing victory for Chicago’s beloved team!
Impact of the Moment
The impact of this moment was instantaneous and everlasting. The Bulls had won their sixth championship, and Michael Jordan had solidified his place as one of the greatest players in NBA history – so iconic that it birthed “The Shrug” meme, showing Jordan shrugging off the pressure of the moment.
22 years ago today.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 14, 2020
The ? pic.twitter.com/HvRQuuiAco
For the NBA, this marked a turning point; an apex of MJ’s greatness and commencement of modern-day basketball. It demonstrated to the world that greatness can be accomplished even when faced with adversity, motivating a generation to pursue excellence.
This remarkable moment will forever remain etched in NBA history as one of its most memorable moments.
Ray Allen’s Three-Pointer (2013)
The 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs had been a grueling back-and-forth affair, with each team taking three games each. Heading into the fourth quarter of game six, the Spurs had a 5-point lead and all the momentum. With time winding down and the Spurs up by 3, the Heat needed a miracle to keep their title hopes alive. With 5.2 seconds left on the clock, Ray Allen delivered.
With the Spurs collapsing on LeBron James, Chris Bosh threw an inbounds pass across the court to Allen, who was being defended by Danny Green. Allen rose up and fired a heavily contested three-pointer that found nothing but the net. The shot tied the game at 95-95, sending it to overtime. The Heat would eventually win the game 90-88, and the series in seven games, becoming the first team in finals history to overcome a 3-1 deficit.

The atmosphere of the game was electric. The crowd was hushed as Allen released the shot, and then erupted when it dropped. The moment has been remembered as one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, and one of the greatest clutch shots ever taken.
Background on the Moment
Game six of the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs was a pivotal game in the series, with the teams split at three games apiece. With just five seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Spurs had a 95-92 lead and the Heat needed a miracle to keep their title hopes alive.
With LeBron James being double-teamed, Chris Bosh threw an inbounds pass to Ray Allen, who was being defended by Danny Green. Allen rose up and fired a heavily contested three-pointer over Green’s outstretched arms and drained it with.9 seconds left on the clock. The shot tied the game at 95-95 and sent it to overtime.
The crowd erupted as Allen’s shot fell, and the atmosphere of the game was electric.
Impact of the Moment
Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer has been immortalized as one of the most legendary moments in NBA history. Like a bolt of lightning, it electrified the stadium and shifted all the momentum from San Antonio to Miami, allowing them to win game 90-88 and take home the championship title.
In previous meetings, the Heat and Spurs have produced some unforgettable moments…
— OutOfSightSports?™️ (@OOSSports) December 15, 2022
In Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, Ray Allen's corner three-pointer that forced overtime is an unforgettable moment!
They will square off one again this Saturday! #NBA
pic.twitter.com/cCmxTXyts7
The shot has become an iconic symbol of Miami’s success and LeBron James’ legacy. Allen was awarded Finals MVP while James won his fourth MVP award in five years – cementing himself as one of basketball’s greatest players ever. Allen’s shot has been compared to other historic shots such as Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game, Allen Iverson’s step-back against Philadelphia Warriors, and Damian Lillard’s buzzer beater against Houston Rockets.
Allen’s shot will remain forever etched into NBA history; a shining example of greatness that will continue to inspire generations for years to come. It stands tall as a testament to the power of determination and resilience – two qualities that are essential for any champion team or individual athlete striving for victory.
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game (1962)
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain wrote his name in the annals of basketball history with a performance that will never be forgotten. The Philadelphia Warriors were playing the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Chamberlain had already been having an impressive season – averaging a triple-double the previous year.
With four minutes left on the clock and trailing by 15 points, Chamberlain began to take over. He scored 28 points in those final four minutes – including an alley-oop dunk and two free throws with one second remaining – securing him 100 points and a 169-147 win for the Warriors.

The atmosphere was electric as fans realized what was happening; they cheered wildly as he approached his century mark, culminating when the buzzer sounded to signify his feat. His teammates had been feeding him passes continuously to get him there, making it all the more special.
Today, Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game is still remembered as one of basketball’s most iconic moments; it stands as both highest point total ever scored in an NBA game (60 years later) and highest scoring performance ever during regular season (surpassing Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game). This remarkable achievement only further cemented Chamberlain’s legacy among individual accolades which have long overshadowed any team accomplishments.
Background on the Moment
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game is an iconic moment in NBA history, one that had a buildup of intense anticipation. His impressive season and triple-double from the previous year had fans on the edge of their seats.
The Knicks held a slim lead heading into the fourth quarter, but Chamberlain unleashed a scoring barrage like no other – his teammates feeding him the ball consistently to help him reach his feat with two free throws and just one second left on the clock. It was an incredible performance that secured victory for the Warriors 169-147, making it one of basketball’s most memorable moments ever.
Impact of the Moment
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game has left an indelible imprint on the NBA. It is remembered as a shining star in basketball history, enshrined in books such as Bill Simmons’ The Book of Basketball.

This defining moment stands tall as the highest point total ever scored in a single NBA game and also holds the record for the highest-scoring performance ever in the regular season, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game from 2006. Chamberlain’s individual accomplishments have long outshone any team accolades, and his 100-point game only further solidified his place among basketball royalty.
Malice at the Palace (2004)
The Malice at the Palace was a legendary moment in NBA history. It happened during the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals between Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, with both teams vying for their respective first championship since 2000 and 2003 respectively. The atmosphere was electric as Walt Frazier’s performance in Game 7 of 1970 NBA Finals – 36 points, 19 assists, and 7 rebounds – echoed through the stadium. Isiah Thomas also stepped up to the plate by scoring 25 points in the third quarter of the Pistons’ Game 6 loss to the Pacers.

The game was tied at 86 when Ben Wallace fouled Ron Artest hard, prompting a fan to throw a drink at him, which caused Artest to rush into the stands. This sparked an all-out brawl between players and fans that lasted several minutes before it ended with multiple people being ejected from the arena. This altercation between Wallace and Artest ignited what is now known as Malice at Palace; chaos ensued among crowd members and players on court alike.
Background on the Moment
The altercation between Ben Wallace and Ron Artest that sparked the Malice at the Palace began when a fan threw a cup towards Artest after he was fouled hard by Wallace. As play stopped, Artest rushed into the stands and threw punches at the fan. Other players followed suit, resulting in an all-out brawl.
But what about Kevin McHale’s hard foul on Kobe Bryant? How did it bring the Celtics back to life? The immediate reaction of both crowd and players was chaos: screaming fans, flying fists, referees desperately trying to restore order. This altercation set the tone for not only this game, but also for the entire series.
Impact of the Moment
The Malice at the Palace shook up the game, series, and NBA. The Pacers had been in control of the series until this brawl gave the Pistons a much-needed boost to win both the game and series – ultimately leading them to their first ever championship title.

The league took drastic measures in response; security protocols were tightened and player-fan interactions were heavily monitored. San Antonio even filed a protest with the NBA claiming that it had an unfair influence on the outcome of events – but it was denied.
Metta World World. Peace later expressed his gratitude for being part of such an iconic moment in history, saying “It was one of the defining moments of my career.” The Malice at the Palace will forever be remembered as one of the most memorable moments in NBA history.
Kobe’s 81-Point Game (2006)
Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game on January 22nd, 2006 is a moment that will live forever in NBA history. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors were neck-and-neck with the score tied at 89-89 when Kobe Bryant scored his 81st point to secure victory for the Lakers. This was an unprecedented feat – no other player had ever achieved such a high scoring game before. In recognition of this incredible performance, Kobe was awarded the Finals MVP trophy, making him only the fourth player in NBA history to receive it during regular season play.

The defining moment of this remarkable comeback came from an alley-oop between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. With 2:31 left on the clock and their lead hanging by a thread, Kobe drove to the free throw line where he threw up a lob pass that Shaq slammed home – sending fans into raptures! From there out, it was all downhill for the Raptors as they eventually lost 122-104.
Reggie Miller put up an admirable fight for Toronto with 31 points while Paul Pierce contributed 9 points and Klay Thompson added 8 more. However, John Starks’ missed pair of free throws allowed Reggie Miller to get the rebound and draw a foul which ultimately sealed victory for the Lakers – capping off one of the most memorable moments in basketball history!
Background on the Moment
The buildup to this game was like a storm brewing, with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers ready to unleash their fury on the Raptors. The atmosphere of the arena cracked with anticipation as fans waited for something extraordinary to happen.
Kobe’s 81-point performance left everyone in awe – could one man really do this? He shot an incredible 28-46 from the field, 7-13 from beyond the arc, and 18-20 from free throws – a feat that had never been seen before in NBA history.
In honor of Kobe’s birthday, here’s his iconic 81 point game ? pic.twitter.com/eQ9aYdL7MQ
— Athlete Swag (@AthleteSwag) August 23, 2021
The Lakers were unstoppable on offense, shooting 53.2% from the field and outrebounding their opponents by 14 boards. It was clear they wanted it more than anyone else that night.
Impact of the Moment
Kobe’s 81-point performance against the Raptors is an iconic moment in NBA history. His performance not only gave the Lakers a win, but it also kept their playoff hopes alive and showed that Kobe could succeed without Shaquille O’Neal. This moment marked the end of Kobe’s rivalry with Allen Iverson, who had won Game 1 of the Finals for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kobe’s 81-point game reminded us of the NBA’s first three-peat since Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics days. Had John Starks’ shot gone in with 8.9 seconds left, it would have been a series-clinching shot for the New York Knicks – instead, Paxson’s four pass play closed out the series.
Kobe’s 81-point performance serves as a reminder of what could have been if he and LeBron faced off in an all-time matchup during the NBA Finals – Klay Thompson said after the game “I should have had at least 13…”! Kobe’s 81 points will forever remain one of basketball’s most legendary moments.
Michael Jordan Flu Game (1997)
The 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz was a clash of titans. On one side, you had Michael Jordan leading the Bulls, who had already won five championships in seven years. Opposing them were Karl Malone and John Stockton’s Jazz, determined to finally break through and win their first title.
Heading into Game 5 with the series tied at 2-2, Jordan was reportedly suffering from flu-like symptoms – but he still decided to suit up for the game. The Bulls star rose to the occasion like never before, scoring 38 points on 13-27 shooting from the field and 11-12 from free throws, plus seven rebounds and five assists. His performance was truly remarkable given his condition – capped off by a game winning layup with 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter followed by a crucial defensive stop that sealed victory for Chicago 90-88.

Jordan’s “Flu Game” quickly became one of NBA history’s most iconic moments; an unforgettable display of courage under pressure that will live on forever in basketball lore.
Background on the Moment
The “Flu Game” was one of the most legendary moments in NBA history. Before tip-off, the Bulls and Jazz were neck-and-neck, with the series tied 2-2. Michael Jordan was feeling under the weather, but he decided to take his chances anyway. The United Center buzzed with excitement as fans hoped for a heroic performance from their star player.
Jordan started off slow, unable to find his footing on the court, and left the Bulls trailing at halftime by 12 points. But in the second half, it was like a switch had been flipped – Jordan’s performance skyrocketed and Chicago began clawing back into contention. In an electrifying fourth quarter, Jordan scored 15 points including a game-winning layup with 40 seconds left on the clock; he also made a crucial defensive stop on Utah’s inbounds pass to seal victory for his team.
22 years ago today, Michael Jordan gave us the "Flu Game."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 11, 2019
And Stuart Scott called it like only he can ? pic.twitter.com/mE4q0APma0
The “Flu Game” saw Jordan finish with 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals – an impressive feat considering how ill he felt before tipoff! This moment will be remembered forever as one of basketball’s greatest triumphs against all odds.
Impact of the Moment
The “Flu Game” was a legendary moment in NBA history, one that solidified Michael Jordan’s place as an all-time great. His performance was nothing short of miraculous and it propelled the Bulls to take a 3-2 lead in the series. It also sent a powerful message to the Jazz and the rest of the league – that MJ was still king.
The impact of this game extended far beyond its boundaries. The Bulls went on to win their sixth championship, with Jordan being named Finals MVP for an unprecedented fifth time. This iconic moment has been compared to other classic games such as Magic Johnson’s baby hook in 1980, LeBron James’ block in 2015 and Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game from 2006 – but none quite match up to what MJ did during his “Flu Game”.
It serves as a reminder of just how special Michael Jordan is; his ability to perform under pressure when it mattered most is unparalleled by any other player before or since him. The “Flu Game” will forever be remembered as one of basketball’s greatest moments, cementing Michael Jordan’s legacy as one of sport’s true icons.
Magic Johnson’s Baby Hook (1980)
The 1980 NBA Finals saw the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics clash in a titanic tussle between two of basketball’s greatest teams. Game 6 was an absolute thriller, with the Celtics leading by 16 points at halftime, only for the game to be tied up at 106-106 in the fourth quarter. With just seconds left on the clock and his team down by one point, 20 year old Magic Johnson stepped up to take an inbounds pass from teammate Norm Nixon – and then he did something legendary.
Magic Johnson put on a show that night; 42 points (14-for-14 from free throws), 15 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block – it was nothing short of superhuman. He sent shockwaves through the stadium when he unleashed his iconic “junior, junior sky hook” shot to give his team a series-clinching lead of 107-106.

The crowd erupted into rapturous applause as if they were witnessing history unfold before their eyes – which they were! This moment marked Magic Johnson’s first championship title and set him off on a path towards becoming one of basketball’s all time greats.
Background on the Moment
The 1980 NBA Finals was a powder keg of anticipation, ready to explode with the matchup between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Game 6 of the Finals was an intense battle, with the Celtics leading at halftime and the Lakers clawing their way back in the fourth quarter. With only seconds remaining on the clock, Norm Nixon tossed an inbounds pass to Magic Johnson who stepped up to take his shot – a perfectly timed baby hook that sent shockwaves through basketball history.
Magic Johnson’s performance in this game was nothing short of extraordinary; he scored 42 points (14-for-14 from free throws), 15 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block – all culminating in his legendary “junior junior skyhook” shot that sealed victory for Los Angeles.
34 YEARS AGO, Magic Johnson sent em home with a baby hook.
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) June 9, 2021
Unstoppable move.pic.twitter.com/Pqv1IiEFu5
The atmosphere inside The Forum was electric as fans watched on with bated breath; when Magic Johnson’s shot went through it unleashed a wave of elation from both players and spectators alike. This moment marked not only Magic Johnson’s first championship title, but also set him up for many more iconic performances throughout his career – cementing himself as one of basketball’s greatest ever players.
Impact of the Moment
Magic Johnson’s iconic “junior, junior sky hook” shot in the 1980 NBA Finals was like a thunderbolt that shook the basketball world. Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley both matched or exceeded Magic’s performance since 1986, proving his greatness.
The shot marked the beginning of Magic Johnson’s reign as one of the greatest players in history – winning five championships and multiple MVP awards. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players who look to him as an example of how to seize greatness when it matters most. The iconic moment is a reminder that Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers are forever intertwined with basketball greatness.
Michael Jordan: “I’m Back” (1995)
On March 18, 1995, Michael Jordan – the man who had been sidelined for 4.5 months – made history with a series-winning jumper over Craig Ehlo as the buzzer sounded. The atmosphere was electric; Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant were all in attendance, adding to the anticipation of the night. Despite missing his first two shots, Jordan’s confidence never wavered and when he was double-teamed by the Bulls with three seconds left on the clock, it set him up perfectly for a free throw line shot that would seal their first series victory since his departure from the team.

The crowd erupted into pandemonium as soon as Jordan released his shot; mobbed by teammates and showered with cheers and applause from fans alike. Walter Brown even said that if Jordan couldn’t choose himself for crowning glory then he’d give it to Wilkins! It was an unforgettable moment in NBA history that will live long in people’s memories.
Background on the Moment
The context of the game was a high-stakes situation for the Bulls, who had to win in order to avoid elimination from the playoffs. At the helm of their team was Michael Jordan, who had returned to the NBA after 4.5 months away. The atmosphere before tipoff was electric – like a thunderstorm waiting to strike – as fans were eager to see how Jordan would perform in his first game back.
Jordan started off slow, missing his first two shots, but as time went on he began to heat up like an engine revving its engine. In the fourth quarter with three seconds left on the clock, Ehlo found himself double teamed by Bulls players and it opened up an opportunity for Jordan’s series-winning jumper from the free throw line that sent shockwaves through everyone watching.

The immediate reaction was pandemonium; teammates mobbed him and cheers erupted from every corner of the stadium while people jumped out of their seats in excitement! Statistically speaking, Jordan put up 20 points and 8 assists in this historic game while leading his team to victory with a score of 90-86 over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Impact of the Moment
The “I’m back” moment from Michael Jordan became a meme due to its iconic and dramatic nature. In 1995, Jordan announced his return to professional basketball with a succinct press release simply stating “I’m back,” after a brief retirement.
The internet has since embraced this moment, using the phrase and images of Jordan to represent triumphant returns or comebacks in various contexts, often with a humorous twist. The meme has been adapted and used in countless situations, showcasing the enduring impact of this iconic moment in sports history.
Kawhi Leonard Gets the Bounce (2019)
The 2019 NBA Finals between the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors was a highly-anticipated event, like an electric storm brewing in the sky. With the game tied at 90-90 and only four seconds left on the clock, Kawhi Leonard got the ball from Manu Ginobili and made a covered fadeaway from the corner as time expired. His shot was nothing short of legendary – it secured the Raptors their first championship in franchise history, ending the Warriors’ run of dominance.
WHAT A SHOT.
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 13, 2019
WHAT A BOUNCE.
KAWHI. LEONARD. FOR. THE. WIN.
(via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/bzzCaPQVhr
Leonard’s shot cemented his legacy as one of basketball’s greatest players; he became just one of two players to make a game-winning block in double overtime since 2006, and only LeBron James had done so before him. The atmosphere when Leonard’s shot went in was unforgettable – fans rushed onto court with joyous celebration while broadcaster Chick Hearn exclaimed “Rock The Baby!” This moment will remain etched into NBA history for years to come.
Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning buzzer beater not only gave Toronto its first ever championship title, but also reminded us that no matter how much basketball changes over time, there are still moments that can’t be contained by any team or player. It is truly an iconic moment for both Leonard himself and all those who witnessed it live or through broadcast media alike.
The Greatest Game Ever Played (1976)
The sixth game of the 1976 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz was a legendary showdown. Could two Celtics legends, Bill Russell and Tom Heinsohn, create an iconic moment in NBA history? The atmosphere was electric as they surged ahead with Russell’s 19 points and 32 rebounds, plus Heinsohn’s 37 points and 23 rebounds – a testament to their resilience and spirit.
Game two provided another thrilling climax. Trailing by 15 points in the third quarter, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Eddie House led an epic 22-5 run that stunned LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh – culminating in a single point victory for the Celtics in double overtime. This cemented their place as one of basketball’s greatest teams ever.
Jerry West’s Half-Court Shot (1970)
The 1970 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks was an iconic moment in NBA history. With the championship on the line, Jerry West launched a 60-foot shot from beyond half court and sent the game into overtime. The result? A Lakers victory – their first championship since moving to Los Angeles.
“Old Days”Legendary Announcer Bob Wolf makes the Call on Jerry West’s Memorable
— Tom's Old Days (@sigg20) August 27, 2022
Half Court Shot in Game 3 of the 1970 Knicks-Lakers NBA Finals in Los Angeles.Knicks won in OT.#Lakers #LosAngeles #Knicks #nyc #NBA #1970s
pic.twitter.com/UXHzZyunQn
The Staples Center was electric when West released his shot; everyone was on their feet, anticipation palpable in the air. Then, joyous disbelief as it hit the bottom of the net – a moment of sheer jubilation! Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan all referenced this iconic play when they faced similar buzzer-beating shots in their own careers.
The immediate reaction to West’s shot was one of amazement: players from both teams embraced each other with emotion that could be felt throughout the arena. This moment has been immortalized ever since; Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder have all paid tribute to it over years – an unforgettable part of NBA history!
Summary
The moments on this list, from The Block to Jerry West’s Hail Mary shot, all hold a special place in NBA history, and have in their own distinctive way become intertwined with the legacy of the game. As we look back, it’s remarkable to realize what defining moments the stars of the NBA have made in creating powerhouse brands, inspiring resilience, and fostering iconic rivalries.
LeBron James’ famous block, Michael Jordan’s legendary jump shot, Wilt Chamberlain’s almighty 100-point score, Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer and Maurice Lucas’ stalling tactics in the “Malice at the Palace” are some of the unforgettable highlights from this era. But perhaps most noteworthy is how these moments have provided a motivating force beyond just the thrill of victory; they continue to show us the power of skill, drive, and determination to accomplish anything – and succeeding against tremendous odds.
Throughout the years, these momentous events have helped to define the image of the NBA and undoubtedly played a role in making it one of the popular leagues of today, for both athletes and fans alike. It’s clear that every hero has their own epic story, and the NBA heroes of the past and present keep adding new chapters every season. Their trademark moments are ones to remember and serve as inspiration to the up and coming stars of tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most iconic photo in the NBA?
Since its introduction in 1987, the iconic silhouette of Michael Jordan captured in mid-air has become an indelible image of sports culture and serves as a symbol of excellence to aspiring basketball players.
It has been featured on countless products, from apparel to video games, and has become a recognizable symbol of the Jordan Brand. The Jumpman logo is a testament to the legacy of Michael Jordan and his impact on the world of basketball.
Who has the most clutch moments in NBA history?
Michael Jordan is often referred to as one of the greatest NBA players in history and arguably the most clutch. He won six championships, including a game-winning shot to clinch his final title in 1998. His impressive performances during crucial moments solidifies his place as the one with the most clutch moments in NBA history.