The Shot Heard ‘Round the World
On May 1, 2019, Damian Lillard etched his name into NBA history with an unforgettable buzzer-beating three-pointer that secured a 118-115 playoff victory for the Portland Trail Blazers over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Context
The Blazers and Thunder were locked in a fierce first-round playoff series, with the series tied at 2-2. With the game on the line in Game 5, Lillard took control.
The Play
With just 0.9 seconds remaining on the clock, Lillard received the inbound pass from the sideline. He dribbled once, pulled up from 30 feet, and released a high-arching shot as the buzzer sounded. The ball swished through the net, sending the Blazers crowd into a frenzy.
The Impact
Lillard’s buzzer-beater was one of the most iconic shots in NBA history. It not only won the game for the Blazers, but also sent shockwaves through the league.
The Legacy
Lillard’s shot cemented his status as one of the greatest clutch shooters in NBA history. It also became a symbol of the Blazers’ resilience and their ability to overcome adversity.
Breakdown of the Shot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | 30 feet |
| Time remaining | 0.9 seconds |
| Angle | Straight on |
| Height | 7 feet |
The Man Behind the Shot
Damian Lillard, known as "Dame Time," is a five-time NBA All-Star and has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic guards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How far away was Lillard from the basket?
A: 30 feet.
Q: How much time was left on the clock?
A: 0.9 seconds.
Q: What was the score of the game when Lillard shot the ball?
A: Trail Blazers 116, Thunder 115.
Q: What was Lillard’s reaction after the shot went in?
A: He sprinted off the court and was mobbed by his teammates.
Conclusion
Damian Lillard’s buzzer-beater against the Thunder remains one of the most iconic shots in NBA history. It was a testament to his incredible skill, clutch ability, and the Blazers’ unwavering spirit.
Paul Pierce’s Buzzer-Beating Shot in Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals
In Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, Paul Pierce hit a game-winning buzzer-beater to give the Celtics an 87-85 victory. With just 1.6 seconds remaining, Pierce received an inbound pass and took a wide-open three-pointer from the corner. The shot went in, sending the Celtics crowd into a frenzy and giving them a vital 2-1 lead in the series. Pierce’s shot is widely regarded as one of the most iconic buzzer-beaters in NBA history and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Celtics franchise history.
Buzzer Beater by Michael Jordan
On June 14, 1998, in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan famously hit a buzzer-beater shot over the Utah Jazz’s Bryon Russell to secure the championship victory for the Chicago Bulls. With less than 10 seconds remaining on the clock and the score tied, Jordan dribbled around Russell, faked a move, and then stepped back to hit the game-winning jump shot. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the Bulls clinched their sixth NBA title in eight years. Jordan’s buzzer-beater is considered one of the most iconic moments in NBA history and is often referred to as "The Shot."
LeBron James’ Buzzer-Beating Heroics in the NBA
LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has delivered countless unforgettable plays throughout his storied career. Among his most iconic moments are his buzzer-beating shots, electrifying crowds and shifting the momentum of games in dramatic fashion.
One of the most memorable buzzer-beaters came in Game 2 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. With only 3.3 seconds remaining on the clock and the Cavaliers trailing by one point, James rose above the Celtics defense and released a contested fadeaway jumper. The ball swished through the net as time expired, sending the Quicken Loans Arena into a frenzy and giving the Cavaliers a crucial victory.
Another unforgettable buzzer-beater occurred during the 2020 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. With the Heat leading by one point with just 1.8 seconds left, James dribbled the ball up the court and pulled up from beyond the arc. The ball soared through the air and splashed into the net, propelling the Lakers to an improbable Game 2 victory and shifting the momentum of the series.
These are just a few examples of LeBron James’s extraordinary ability to deliver clutch performances when it matters most. His buzzer-beating shots have not only captivated audiences but have also played a pivotal role in his team’s success throughout his illustrious career.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Buzzer Beater Victory in the NBA
In a thrilling NBA game, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a dramatic victory with a buzzer-beating shot. The Bucks trailed the opposing team throughout the fourth quarter but rallied late in the game.
With just seconds remaining on the clock, guard Jrue Holiday received a pass and drove towards the basket. He was met by a defender, but he managed to launch a shot that swished through the net as the buzzer sounded. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Bucks celebrated their hard-fought victory.
This buzzer-beater win was a testament to the Bucks’ determination and resilience. It also showcased the importance of never giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Buzzer Beater Heroics by Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, the legendary Lakers star, is renowned for his clutch plays, including numerous buzzer-beating shots. Throughout his career, Bryant showcased his exceptional skill and determination by sinking game-winning shots at the last possible moment. Some of his most memorable buzzer-beaters include:
- 1997 Western Conference Finals Game 4 vs. Utah Jazz: A driving layup with 5.9 seconds remaining gave the Lakers a crucial 107-106 victory.
- 2000 NBA Finals Game 4 vs. Indiana Pacers: A fadeaway jumper as time expired tied the series at 2-2.
- 2004 Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 vs. San Antonio Spurs: A 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left gave the Lakers a 87-85 win.
- 2010 Western Conference Semifinals Game 7 vs. Phoenix Suns: A driving layup with 1.4 seconds remaining sealed a 124-122 victory and a trip to the Western Conference Finals.
Bryant’s buzzer-beating heroics epitomized his "Black Mamba" mentality, characterized by his relentless pursuit of victory and ability to perform under immense pressure. His clutch shots became legendary moments in NBA history, leaving an indelible mark on the game and inspiring countless fans.
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