In the thrilling world of the NBA, buzzer-beating shots hold a special place, etching themselves into the annals of basketball history. One such unforgettable moment occurred on May 4, 2019, when Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers sank a miraculous three-point shot as time expired, propelling his team to a nail-biting victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Context
With the series tied 1-1, the Blazers and Thunder were locked in a fierce battle in Game 3. The contest had been a seesaw affair, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. As the clock ticked down, the Thunder held a narrow two-point advantage.
The Shot
With just 0.9 seconds remaining on the clock, Lillard found himself in possession of the ball near half-court. Undeterred by the pressure, he dribbled the ball to his left and launched a one-legged three-point attempt. The capacity crowd at the Moda Center fell silent as the ball soared through the air.
The Outcome
In what felt like an eternity, the ball dipped and swished through the net as the buzzer sounded. The Moda Center erupted in a deafening roar as the Blazers had miraculously snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Impact
Lillard’s buzzer-beater was not just a game-winner but a defining moment in his career. It cemented his status as one of the league’s elite shooters and helped propel the Blazers to the Western Conference Finals. The shot also had a profound impact on the city of Portland, which had been yearning for playoff success for decades.
Table of Key Statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Game Date | May 4, 2019 |
| Time Remaining | 0.9 seconds |
| Distance of Shot | 37 feet |
| Score Before Shot | Thunder 114, Blazers 112 |
| Score After Shot | Blazers 115, Thunder 114 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Was Lillard’s shot the longest buzzer-beater in NBA history?
A: No, the longest buzzer-beater in NBA history is considered to be a 61-foot shot by Baron Davis in 2009.
Q: How many buzzer-beaters has Damian Lillard made in his career?
A: Lillard has made 20 buzzer-beaters in his NBA career, including the one against the Thunder in 2019.
Q: What team did Lillard play for when he made the buzzer-beater?
A: Lillard made the buzzer-beater while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Q: Who was the Thunder’s head coach at the time of the buzzer-beater?
A: Billy Donovan was the Thunder’s head coach at the time of the buzzer-beater.
Q: What was the significance of Lillard’s buzzer-beater?
A: Lillard’s buzzer-beater was significant because it gave the Blazers a 2-1 lead in the series and ultimately helped them advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Paul Pierce’s Buzzer-Beater in the 2008 NBA Playoffs
In Game 5 of the 2008 Eastern Conference semifinals between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Paul Pierce hit a dramatic buzzer-beating three-pointer to secure a 104-103 victory for the Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena. With just 5.9 seconds remaining on the clock, Pierce received the ball from Rajon Rondo and drove towards the basket. As he was being closely guarded by LeBron James, Pierce pulled up from behind the three-point line and released a shot that swished through the hoop just as the buzzer sounded. The shot sent the Celtics fans into a frenzy and helped the Celtics take a 3-2 lead in the series. Pierce’s buzzer-beater remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA playoff history.
Michael Jordan’s Buzzer Beaters in the NBA
Michael Jordan was known throughout his NBA career for his incredible shot-making ability, including his propensity for making game-winning buzzer-beating shots. Here are some of his most memorable buzzer-beaters:
- Against the Cleveland Cavaliers (1989): Jordan hit a 15-foot jumper as time expired to give the Chicago Bulls a 101-100 victory.
- Against the Indiana Pacers (1998): In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Jordan made a 17-foot jumper at the buzzer to tie the series 1-1.
- Against the Utah Jazz (1998): In Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Jordan’s clutch 20-foot jumper with 5.2 seconds left gave the Bulls their sixth NBA championship.
- Against the Atlanta Hawks (2001): In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jordan hit a 25-foot shot with 0.5 seconds remaining to tie the series 0-1.
- Against the Philadelphia 76ers (2001): In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jordan made a 19-foot jumper as time expired to give the Wizards a 1-1 tie.
These are just a few examples of Michael Jordan’s remarkable buzzer-beaters. His ability to make such shots in high-pressure situations helped contribute to his legendary status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Buzzer Beater in the NBA by LeBron James
LeBron James, one of the greatest players in NBA history, has delivered countless memorable moments throughout his career. Among these was an iconic buzzer-beating shot that secured a thrilling victory for his team.
In Game 5 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers, the Heat trailed by one point with only seconds remaining. James received the ball and drove towards the basket. Despite being tightly defended, he managed to evade several defenders and launch a fadeaway jumper just before the buzzer sounded. The ball soared through the air and splashed through the net, giving the Heat a narrow victory.
The buzzer-beater was a testament to James’s skill, determination, and competitive spirit. It ignited a frenzy among the Heat fans and helped pave the way for their eventual NBA championship that season. The shot remains one of the most iconic and memorable plays in LeBron James’s illustrious career.
Buzzer Beater by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
In a thrilling NBA game, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a dramatic victory with a buzzer-beating shot. Facing a tight score against a formidable opponent, the Bucks’ star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, took possession of the ball with seconds remaining on the clock.
With the crowd on edge, Antetokounmpo drove towards the basket, skillfully maneuvering past defenders. As time ticked down, he launched a soaring shot from just beyond the free-throw line. The ball soared through the air with impeccable accuracy, swishing through the net as the buzzer sounded.
The arena erupted in a deafening roar as the Bucks celebrated their hard-fought triumph. Antetokounmpo’s game-winning buzzer beater not only sealed the victory but also ignited a surge of excitement and pandemonium among the fans.
Kobe Bryant’s Iconic Buzzer Beater
Kobe Bryant, the legendary NBA superstar, etched his name in basketball history with a series of buzzer-beating shots. One of the most iconic of these shots came in the 2010-2011 regular season game against the Miami Heat.
With just seconds remaining on the clock and the Lakers trailing by one point, Bryant received the ball in the corner. He dribbled towards the basket, using a series of behind-the-back dribbles to create space. As the clock ticked down, Bryant pulled up and launched a fadeaway jumper that arched perfectly into the net as the buzzer sounded.
The Lakers erupted in celebration, while the Heat were left stunned. The buzzer-beater gave the Lakers a 99-98 victory and became one of the most memorable moments in Bryant’s illustrious career. It showcased his incredible skill, determination, and the clutch gene that made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
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