Milwaukee, WI: A dramatic buzzer-beating shot by Khris Middleton propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a thrilling 112-111 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
Game Recap
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the contest. The Suns held a slim advantage heading into the fourth quarter, but the Bucks rallied to tie the game with just over two minutes remaining.
With the clock winding down, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo drove to the basket but was fouled by Suns center Deandre Ayton. Antetokounmpo missed the free throw, giving the Suns a chance to win the game.
However, with just seconds remaining, Middleton grabbed the rebound and launched a deep three-pointer from the right wing. The ball soared through the air and swished through the net as time expired, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Key Stats
Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
Giannis Antetokounmpo | 42 | 12 | 5 |
Khris Middleton | 29 | 7 | 5 |
Devin Booker | 28 | 6 | 6 |
Deandre Ayton | 20 | 10 | 2 |
Player Performances
Antetokounmpo was a force throughout the game, dominating the paint with his size and athleticism. He scored 42 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists.
Middleton played a crucial role in the Bucks’ victory, scoring 29 points and hitting the game-winning shot. He also contributed 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
For the Suns, Booker led the way with 28 points, while Ayton added 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Bucks’ late rally.
Impact of the Win
The Bucks’ victory evens the NBA Finals series at 2-2. They will now head back to Milwaukee for Game 5, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 21.
If the Bucks can win Game 5, they will have a chance to close out the series at home in Game 6. The Suns, on the other hand, will be looking to regain home-court advantage and force a Game 7.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who hit the game-winning shot for the Bucks?
A: Khris Middleton
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: 112-111
Q: When is Game 5 of the NBA Finals?
A: Thursday, July 21
Q: Where will Game 5 be played?
A: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Q: What is the significance of the Bucks’ victory?
A: It evens the NBA Finals series at 2-2 and gives the Bucks a chance to close out the series at home.
References:
Damian Lillard’s Buzzer Beater
On March 29, 2023, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard cemented his legacy with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to lift his team to a dramatic victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the game tied at 108-108 and the clock winding down, Lillard received the ball at the top of the key and calmly rose for a step-back jumper. The ball arced perfectly towards the basket and swished through the net as the final buzzer sounded, sending the Moda Center into a frenzy. Lillard’s heroics capped off a dominant performance in which he scored 40 points and dished out 10 assists, leading the Blazers to an improbable victory. The shot not only secured a crucial win but also served as a testament to Lillard’s unwavering determination and his place among the NBA’s elite.
Paul Pierce’s Buzzer Beater
On April 27, 2002, Paul Pierce made one of the most iconic buzzer-beater shots in NBA playoff history. With the Boston Celtics trailing the Philadelphia 76ers by one point with only 0.4 seconds remaining in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Pierce received an inbounds pass and launched a turnaround jumper from the right elbow. The shot banked off the backboard and fell through the hoop as time expired, giving the Celtics a 101-100 victory. Pierce’s buzzer beater is widely regarded as one of the most clutch plays in Celtics history and helped propel the team to the NBA Finals that year.
Michael Jordan’s Buzzer Beater
On June 14, 1998, in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan delivered one of the most iconic plays in sports history. With less than 10 seconds remaining, Jordan received the ball near the free-throw line and drove towards the basket. As he did, he was met by Utah Jazz defenders Bryon Russell and Shandon Anderson. Undeterred, Jordan used a series of crossovers to create space and fired a jump shot that soared over Russell’s outstretched hand and into the net as the buzzer sounded, giving the Chicago Bulls their sixth NBA championship.
LeBron James’ Buzzer-Beater Heroics
In a thrilling NBA game, LeBron James delivered a game-winning buzzer-beater shot to secure a remarkable victory for his team. With the clock winding down and the score tied, James received the ball at the top of the key. He drove to the left corner, drew a foul, and calmly sank the game-winning free throw. The crowd erupted in a thunderous ovation as James’ team celebrated an unforgettable triumph. This buzzer-beater moment showcased LeBron’s clutch performance and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Buzzer-Beating Moments in NBA History
Buzzer-beating shots are some of the most iconic and memorable moments in NBA history. They can decide games, championships, and even careers. Here are a few of the most famous buzzer beaters in NBA history:
- 1989 NBA Finals, Game 5: With the series tied 2-2, Michael Jordan hit a 60-foot buzzer-beater to give the Chicago Bulls a 101-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- 2009 NBA Playoffs, Game 3: LeBron James hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 105-104 win over the Orlando Magic.
- 2013 NBA Playoffs, Game 6: Kawhi Leonard hit a buzzer-beating jump shot to give the San Antonio Spurs a 111-109 win over the Miami Heat.
- 2016 NBA Finals, Game 7: Kyrie Irving hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 93-89 win over the Golden State Warriors.
- 2022 NBA Playoffs, Game 6: Keita Bates-Diop hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the San Antonio Spurs a 116-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Buzzer Beater in NBA Playoffs
A buzzer beater in the NBA playoffs is a shot made at the end of a quarter or game that results in a win or a tie. These shots are often dramatic and can have a significant impact on the outcome of a series. Some of the most famous buzzer beaters in NBA history include:
- Michael Jordan’s shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs
- Derek Fisher’s shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2004 playoffs
- Kobe Bryant’s shot against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 playoffs
Buzzer beaters can be made from anywhere on the court, but they are often made from beyond the three-point line. This is because a three-pointer is worth three points, which can be the difference between a win and a loss.
Buzzer beaters can also be made on the free throw line. This is less common, but it has happened in some of the most famous buzzer beater moments in NBA history.
Buzzer beaters are one of the most exciting moments in basketball. They can change the outcome of a game or even a series, and they can be the difference between a player becoming a legend or just another footnote in history.
Buzzer Beater by Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, the legendary Lakers star, etched his name in NBA history with an unforgettable buzzer beater on March 28, 2009. In a thrilling game against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers were trailing by 2 points with just 3.9 seconds remaining. Bryant received the inbound pass and, with lightning speed, dribbled the ball towards the basket. As time expired, he released a fadeaway jumper that swished through the hoop, giving the Lakers a 110-108 victory. The shot sent the crowd into a frenzy and will forever be remembered as one of Bryant’s most iconic moments.
Buzzer-Beater in Game 7
In the intense world of sport, a buzzer-beater in game 7 holds a special significance. It is a dramatic and unforgettable moment when a team breaks the tension and emerges victorious with a shot taken just before the game clock expires. The buzzer-beater not only seals the game but often determines the fate of a championship or a season. It is a moment etched in the annals of sports history, leaving an enduring legacy for both the victors and the vanquished.
Buzzer Beater to Win a Championship
A buzzer beater to win a championship is one of the most thrilling and memorable moments in sports. It is a shot taken at the end of a game that allows the team to win the championship. It is usually made in the final seconds of the game and often goes down to the wire.
One of the most famous buzzer beaters was made by Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals. With the Bulls down by one point with just seconds remaining, Jordan hit a jumper over Bryon Russell to give the Bulls their sixth championship.
Another famous buzzer beater was made by Derek Fisher in the 2010 NBA Western Conference Finals. With the Lakers down by three points with just seconds remaining, Fisher hit a three-pointer over Matt Barnes to give the Lakers the series win.
Buzzer beaters to win a championship are rare and special moments. They are the ultimate way to win a game and they can create lasting memories for fans.