The NBA playoffs are a stage where legends are made, dreams are shattered, and history is written. With its high stakes, intense rivalries, and clutch performances, the postseason has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in basketball history.
From buzzer-beaters to game-winning shots, from stunning upsets to epic comebacks, the NBA playoffs have provided fans with a lifetime of memories. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 10 most memorable moments in NBA playoff history.
Michael Jordan’s “The Shot” – 1989 Eastern Conference First Round
In the closing moments of Game 5 of the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Jordan delivered one of the most iconic shots in NBA history. With the game tied at 100 and just seconds remaining on the clock, Jordan received an inbound pass and made a move towards the foul line.
As he soared through the air, he elevated over Craig Ehlo and released a mid-range jump shot at the buzzer. The ball swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sealing a 101-100 victory for the Bulls and sending the Cleveland crowd into stunned silence. Jordan’s game-winning shot, forever known as “The Shot,” solidified his status as a clutch performer and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Magic Johnson’s “Baby Hook” – 1987 NBA Finals
In Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, Magic Johnson delivered a clutch performance for the ages. With the Lakers trailing 107-106 and just seconds remaining in the game, Johnson drove to the basket against Celtics center Robert Parish. As he approached the hoop, Johnson executed a graceful skyhook, floating the ball over Parish’s outstretched arms and into the basket.
The “Baby Hook” gave the Lakers a 108-107 lead with just two seconds left on the clock, ultimately securing a crucial victory on their way to winning the NBA championship. Johnson’s clutch shot exemplified his unparalleled basketball IQ, skill, and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
“The Flu Game” – Michael Jordan’s Heroics in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals
In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan delivered one of the most legendary performances of his career despite battling flu-like symptoms. With the series tied at 2-2, the Bulls desperately needed a win on the road to regain control of the series. Despite feeling weak and fatigued, Jordan put the team on his back and delivered a Herculean effort on both ends of the court.
He scored a game-high 38 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the closing minutes of the game, to lead the Bulls to a gritty 90-88 victory. Jordan’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity earned him the nickname “The Flu Game” and solidified his reputation as the ultimate competitor.
“The Memorial Day Miracle” – Sean Elliott’s Clutch Shot in the 1999 Western Conference Finals
In Game 2 of the 1999 Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers, Sean Elliott delivered a miracle shot that would go down in NBA history. With the Spurs trailing 85-83 and just 9.9 seconds remaining on the clock, Elliott received an inbound pass near the corner.
Despite being closely guarded by Blazers defender Rasheed Wallace, Elliott managed to step back and launch a contested three-pointer from the corner. The ball sailed through the air and found the bottom of the net with 2.7 seconds left, giving the Spurs an improbable 86-85 lead. “The Memorial Day Miracle” propelled the Spurs to victory and became one of the most memorable moments in franchise history.
LeBron James’ Game 6 Performance in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals
In Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics, LeBron James delivered a performance for the ages to stave off elimination and keep the Heat’s championship hopes alive. With the Heat trailing 3-2 in the series and facing a must-win game on their home court, James rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
He erupted for 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, single-handedly carrying the Heat to a dominant 98-79 victory. James’ stellar performance not only forced a decisive Game 7 but also showcased his ability to perform under pressure and carry his team when it mattered most.
Robert Horry’s Game-Winning Three-Pointer in Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals
In Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, Robert Horry delivered a clutch three-pointer that would go down in NBA lore. With the Lakers trailing 99-97 and just seconds remaining in the game, Kobe Bryant drove to the basket but was met by a wall of defenders. Bryant kicked the ball out to an open Horry, who calmly knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the key with 2.1 seconds left on the clock.
Horry’s game-winning shot gave the Lakers a dramatic 100-99 victory and tied the series at 2-2, ultimately shifting the momentum in their favor on their way to winning the NBA championship. Horry’s knack for hitting big shots earned him the nickname “Big Shot Rob” and solidified his reputation as one of the most clutch performers in NBA history.
“The Steal” – John Havlicek’s Game-Saving Theft in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals
In Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, John Havlicek delivered one of the most memorable defensive plays in NBA history. With the Celtics clinging to a narrow 110-109 lead and just five seconds remaining in the game, the 76ers inbounded the ball in an attempt to score the game-winning basket.
However, Havlicek, known for his tenacity and hustle, intercepted the inbound pass near the Celtics’ basket, sealing the victory for Boston and sending them to the NBA Finals. Havlicek’s clutch steal, forever known as “The Steal,” epitomized his defensive prowess and helped solidify the Celtics’ dynasty of the 1960s.
Damian Lillard’s Series-Winning Buzzer-Beater in Game 5 of the 2019 Western Conference First Round
In Game 5 of the 2019 Western Conference First Round between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Damian Lillard delivered a jaw-dropping, series-winning buzzer-beater that instantly became one of the most iconic moments in NBA playoff history. With the game tied at 115 and just seconds remaining on the clock, Lillard dribbled near the half-court line, calmly sizing up his defender.
With the clock winding down, Lillard launched a deep, step-back three-pointer over Thunder defender Paul George, burying the shot as time expired. The buzzer-beater gave the Trail Blazers a thrilling 118-115 victory and clinched the series 4-1, sending the Moda Center crowd into a frenzy and etching Lillard’s name into NBA playoff lore.
Allen Iverson’s “Step Over” – 2001 NBA Finals, Game 1
In Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers, Allen Iverson delivered a memorable performance that would be forever immortalized by one iconic moment. With the game tied at 107 and just over a minute remaining in overtime, Iverson dribbled the ball near the top of the key, sizing up Lakers guard Tyronn Lue. Iverson executed a crossover dribble, creating separation from Lue, and drained a jumper to give the 76ers a lead they would not relinquish.
Following the clutch basket, Iverson famously stepped over a fallen Lue in a moment of triumph, symbolizing his dominance and swagger on the grandest stage of basketball. The 76ers went on to win Game 1, but ultimately fell to the Lakers in the series.
Ray Allen’s Clutch Three-Pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals
In Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs, Ray Allen delivered one of the most clutch shots in NBA history to save the Heat’s championship hopes. With the Heat trailing 95-92 and just seconds remaining in regulation, LeBron James missed a game-tying three-pointer, but Chris Bosh managed to grab the offensive rebound. Bosh kicked the ball out to Allen, who was stationed beyond the three-point line in the corner.
Without hesitation, Allen drilled a game-tying three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left on the clock, sending the game into overtime. The Heat went on to win Game 6 in overtime and ultimately clinched the series in Game 7, thanks in large part to Allen’s heroics. His clutch three-pointer will forever be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2013 NBA Finals and his illustrious career.
Author: Josh Clark
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Josh Clark is a car fanatic and founder of The Bearded Bunch. Give him a free Saturday, and he'll spend the entire day working on his truck and loving every minute of it.
Josh grew up with a dad that also loves cars, so his obsession was woven into his genetics. From maintenance tips to classic cars, Josh covers a number of topics that any gearhead can appreciate.