There’s something truly magical about game-winning buzzer-beaters in the NBA. The heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping thrill of witnessing a player take the shot that decides the fate of a game, or even an entire playoff series, is what makes basketball so captivating. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of buzzer-beaters, exploring both iconic and lesser-known game-winners that have left fans on the edge of their seats and etched unforgettable moments in NBA history.
We’ll start by taking a look at some of the most legendary game-winning shots, including some of the best NBA game winners and buzzer beaters, by players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. Then, we’ll explore other unforgettable playoff buzzer-beaters, such as Damian Lillard’s series-clinching shot and Derek Fisher’s 0.4 second miracle.
Next, we’ll analyze impactful buzzer-beaters that changed the course of NBA history, including John Stockton’s shot heard around Utah and Robert Horry’s three-pointer against the Kings. Finally, we’ll shine a light on lesser-known but memorable buzzer-beaters like Jerry West’s 60-foot miracle and Ralph Sampson’s awkward jumper.
Legendary NBA Buzzer-Beaters
Game-winning shots in the NBA are rare, occurring in just under 1.2% of games. They can decide not only a game but also a playoff series, which can help their team move on to the next round and give them better chances of reaching their title dreams. Some of the most iconic moments in NBA history feature legendary players stepping up in the clutch to deliver game-winning buzzer-beaters that have left fans in awe.
Three players, in particular, stand out for their ability to deliver in these high-pressure situations: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. Over the years, these superstars have provided some of the most electrifying game-winners in NBA history.
Let’s take a closer look at their iconic buzzer-beating moments.
Michael Jordan’s “The Shot” (1989)
Arguably the most iconic buzzer-beater in NBA history, Michael Jordan’s “The Shot” took place in Game 5 of the Bulls’ first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989. With the clock winding down, Michael Jordan launched a game-winning jump shot over the outstretched arms of Craig Ehlo, eliminating the Cavaliers from the playoffs and cementing his status as a clutch performer.
“The Shot” is an essential part of Michael Jordan’s legendary story, and it’s impossible to tell it without mentioning this incredible moment. As a six-time NBA champion, Jordan’s clutch gene was on full display throughout his illustrious career, with “The Shot” being just one of the many unforgettable moments he provided to basketball fans everywhere.
LeBron James’ Clutch Moments
LeBron James, often compared to Michael Jordan, has also demonstrated his ability to deliver game-winning shots under pressure. Throughout his career, he has made seven last-second shots, including five playoff buzzer-beaters for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
Some of LeBron’s most memorable buzzer-beaters include his game-winning three-pointer against the Indiana Pacers in the first-round playoffs in 2018 and his game-winning layup in overtime during Game 1 of the 2013 Eastern Conference finals. These clutch performances have solidified LeBron’s reputation as one of the greatest players in NBA history, capable of stepping up when it matters most and providing fans with unforgettable moments.
Kobe Bryant’s Playoff Game-Winner (2006)
Kobe Bryant, another all-time great, also has a memorable buzzer-beater to his name. The Lakers were facing a deadlock in Game 4 of their 2006 first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, with just 4.6 seconds left in overtime. The score was 97-97. Bryant, known for his ability to hit big shots, knocked down a 17-footer as the clock ran out, giving the Lakers a 98-97 victory and a 3-1 series lead.
This incredible shot not only showcased Kobe’s clutch gene, but also played a crucial role in the Lakers’ playoff run that year. They eventually won the series in six games, advancing to the Western Conference Finals and further cementing Kobe’s legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Unforgettable Playoff Buzzer-Beaters
While the legendary players we’ve discussed so far have provided some of the most iconic buzzer-beaters in NBA history, there are plenty of other unforgettable moments that have left fans speechless. Game-winners like Damian Lillard’s series-clinching shot in 2014 and Derek Fisher’s 0.4-second miracle in 2004 are prime examples of the thrilling moments that make the NBA playoffs so captivating.
In this section, we’ll explore the stories behind these remarkable shots and their impact on the players and teams involved. These buzzer-beating moments might not be as well-known as those from Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Kobe Bryant, but they still hold a special place in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.
Damian Lillard’s Series-Clinching Shot (2014)
Damian Lillard’s incredible series-clinching shot against the Houston Rockets in 2014 is one of the most unforgettable shots in recent NBA history. With just 0.9 seconds left on the clock, Lillard pulled off a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to win the series against the heavily favored Rockets. This epic game-winner not only sealed the deal for the Portland Trail Blazers to advance to the second round after a 14-year drought, but also solidified Lillard’s reputation as one of the league’s most clutch performers.
Since then, Lillard has continued to build on his legacy, hitting another playoff buzzer-beater in 2019 to eliminate the Oklahoma City Thunder. With two game-winners under his belt, Lillard is tied for third in NBA history for the most playoff buzzer-beaters, proving that he’s not afraid to step up when the game is on the line.
Derek Fisher’s 0.4 Second Miracle (2004)
Derek Fisher’s miraculous game-winning shot in the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals is another moment that has etched itself into NBA history. With only 0.4 seconds left on the clock and the Lakers trailing by one point, Fisher caught the inbound pass, spun around, and drained a game-winning jumper from the corner to give the Lakers a 74-73 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
This incredible shot not only demonstrated Fisher’s ability to perform under pressure, but also had a significant impact on the Lakers’ playoff success that year. The Lakers went on to win the series and reach the NBA Finals, with Fisher’s 0.4-second miracle standing as one of the most legendary buzzer-beaters the league has ever seen.
Impactful Buzzer-Beaters That Changed NBA History
Some game-winning buzzer-beaters have had a significant impact on the course of NBA history, altering the legacies of franchises and shaping the careers of the players who made them. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at two such shots: John Stockton’s shot heard around Utah in 1997 and Robert Horry’s three-pointer against the Sacramento Kings in 2002.
These buzzer-beaters not only provided unforgettable moments for fans, but also had lasting effects on the teams and players involved. Let’s dive into the stories behind these impactful shots and explore how they changed the course of NBA history.
John Stockton’s Shot Heard Around Utah (1997)
In 1997, John Stockton delivered one of the most iconic shots in Utah Jazz history. With the score tied in the final seconds of Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, Stockton drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer, defeating the Houston Rockets 103-100 and sending the Jazz to their first-ever NBA Finals.
The impact of Stockton’s buzzer-beater was monumental, both for the Utah Jazz franchise and for Stockton’s own legacy as one of the best point guards in NBA history. Although the Jazz would ultimately fall short in the Finals, Stockton’s shot heard around Utah remains a defining moment in the team’s history and a testament to his clutch abilities.
Robert Horry’s Three-Pointer vs. Kings (2002)
Robert Horry’s game-winning three-pointer against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals is another shot that altered the course of NBA history. With the series tied 2-2, Horry’s buzzer-beater leveled the series and ultimately helped the Los Angeles Lakers secure their third straight NBA title.
The shot also had a significant impact on the Sacramento Kings’ legacy. Despite having a talented roster and high hopes for a championship, the Kings were unable to overcome the Lakers in the series, and Horry’s three-pointer remains a painful reminder of what could have been for the franchise.
Record-Breaking Buzzer-Beater Performances
While some players have only experienced the thrill of hitting a game-winning buzzer-beater once in their careers, others have made it a habit, delivering multiple clutch shots that have left fans in awe.
In this section, we’ll discuss the record-breaking buzzer-beater performances of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Joe Johnson, who have all made multiple game-winning shots throughout their careers. These players have not only provided some of the most memorable moments in NBA history, but also demonstrated their ability to stay cool under pressure and consistently hit shots when it matters most.
Michael Jordan’s Nine Buzzer-Beaters
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, holds the record for the most game-winning buzzer-beaters in NBA history, with a staggering nine shots that have left fans speechless. These clutch moments, which include “The Shot” against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989, showcase Jordan’s skill to stay cool under pressure and his determination to win at all costs.
From his six NBA championships to his numerous individual accolades, Jordan’s nine game-winning buzzer-beaters are just one aspect of his illustrious career that has solidified his status as the greatest of all time.
Tied for Second: Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson
Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson, two other prolific scorers in NBA history, are tied for second place in terms of game-winning buzzer-beaters, with eight apiece. Throughout their careers, both players have demonstrated an uncanny ability to hit clutch shots when their teams needed them most.
Kobe’s memorable buzzer-beaters, such as his game-winning three-pointer against the Miami Heat in 2009, have contributed to the Lakers’ playoff success and his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Joe Johnson, on the other hand, has made a name for himself as a clutch performer with game-winners for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns. Both players have left a lasting impact on the game and will be remembered for their record-breaking buzzer-beater performances.
Lesser-Known but Memorable Buzzer-Beaters
While the legendary players and moments we’ve discussed so far have left indelible marks on NBA history, there are also lesser-known game-winning shots that deserve to be recognized. These buzzer-beaters may not have been as iconic or widely celebrated, but they still provided unforgettable moments for the players, teams, and fans involved.
In this section, we’ll highlight two such buzzer-beaters: Jerry West’s 60-foot miracle in the 1970 NBA Finals and Ralph Sampson’s awkward jumper in the 1986 Western Conference Finals. These shots may not be as well-known as some of the others we’ve discussed, but they still hold a special place in the annals of NBA history.
Jerry West’s 60-Foot Miracle (1970)
In Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals, Jerry West, also known as “Mr. Clutch,” pulled off an incredible 60-foot shot that forced the game into overtime. With time running out. West received an inbound pass from Wilt Chamberlain, dribbled twice, and launched a 60-foot rainbow shot that found its mark, sending the game into an extra period.
Although the Los Angeles Lakers would ultimately lose the series to the New York Knicks, West’s miraculous shot remains one of the most unforgettable moments in NBA history. His ability to hit such an improbable shot under immense pressure is a testament to his talent and clutch gene.
Ralph Sampson’s Awkward Jumper (1986)
Another lesser-known but memorable buzzer-beater occurred in the 1986 Western Conference Finals when Ralph Sampson hit an improbable shot for the Houston Rockets. With the score tied in the final seconds, Sampson managed to catch an inbound pass, turn around, and launch an awkward jumper that found its mark, giving the Rockets a 114-112 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and sending them to the NBA Finals.
Sampson’s shot was a major turning point for the Rockets, as it allowed them to advance to the Finals and further solidified his reputation as a talented and clutch player. While this buzzer-beater may not be as famous as some of the others we’ve discussed, it still remains an unforgettable moment in NBA history.
Summary
From iconic shots by legendary players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant to lesser-known but equally thrilling moments by Jerry West and Ralph Samps
on, game-winning buzzer-beaters have provided some of the most unforgettable moments in NBA history. These incredible shots not only showcase the skill, determination, and clutch abilities of the players who made them, but also have a lasting impact on the franchises and fans who witnessed them.
As basketball fans, we can only hope to see more of these awe-inspiring moments in the future, as they remind us of the magic and excitement that make the NBA such a captivating spectacle. So, the next time you find yourself on the edge of your seat as the game clock ticks down, remember the legendary buzzer-beaters we’ve discussed here and appreciate the thrill of witnessing history in the making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has an NBA championship ever been won on a buzzer beater?
Yes, an NBA championship was won on a buzzer beater when Jerry West made the game-winning layup in Game 3 of the 1962 NBA Finals. His incredible shot helped the Lakers win the game, but it wasn’t enough to get them the title that year.
What was the best buzzer beater ever?
Kyrie Irving’s 3-pointer against the Golden State Warriors in 2016 for the Cleveland Cavaliers may just be the most iconic buzzer-beater of all time. With the score tied at 89 and 4.7 seconds left on the clock, Irving nailed the jump shot from 31 feet to lead his team to a thrilling win over one of the best teams in history.
How many game-winning buzzer beaters in the NBA?
If you’re a fan of NBA drama, then you’ll love the 820 game-winning buzzer beaters that have taken place since Basketball-Reference.com started keeping track – that’s about 1.2% of all games! It’s a thrilling way to finish a game and is sure to bring some excitement to your next game night.
Sources
1. sports.betmgm.com – Most Buzzer Beaters in NBA History
2. bleacherreport.com – Ranking the Top 10 Buzzer-Beaters in NBA Playoff History
3. sportingnews.com – Top five NBA Playoff buzzer-beaters: Ranking all-time best clutch shots, including Michael Jordan and Kawhi Leonard
4. sportskeeda.com – Who has the most game-winning buzzer-beaters in NBA history?
5. stacker.com – Only 6 players have made multiple game-winning buzzer beaters in the NBA playoffs. Who’s made the most?
