Buzzer Beater: Top 10 NBA Moments That Will Leave You on the Edge of Your Seat

Basketball is a game of skill, strategy, and heart-pounding excitement. Nothing captures this essence more than a buzzer-beating shot, a moment where the fate of the game rests on a single shot. In the annals of NBA history, there have been countless buzzer-beaters that have left fans on the edge of their seats and etched themselves into the sport’s lore. Here are 10 of the most iconic and thrilling buzzer-beaters that will leave you breathless:

10. Reggie Miller’s Defiance Against the Knicks (1995 Playoffs)

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Reggie Miller silenced a hostile Madison Square Garden crowd with a clutch three-pointer over Anthony Mason. With just 1.8 seconds remaining on the clock, Miller pulled up from behind the arc and drained the shot, sending the Pacers to a crucial victory.

9. Robert Horry’s Last-Second Dagger (2002 Western Conference Finals)

Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals was a see-saw battle between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers. With time winding down and the score tied, Robert Horry calmly received a pass from Kobe Bryant and launched a three-pointer that found the bottom of the net as the buzzer sounded. This shot gave the Lakers a pivotal win and shifted the momentum of the series.

8. LeBron James’ Miraculous Shot (2018 Eastern Conference Finals)

In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James pulled off an astounding buzzer-beater against the Boston Celtics. With just two seconds remaining and the Pacers clinging to a one-point lead, James received a desperation pass and launched a wild, arching shot from beyond half-court that miraculously dropped through the hoop.

7. Michael Jordan’s Iconic Shot Over Craig Ehlo (1989 Playoffs)

In the first round of the 1989 Playoffs, Michael Jordan faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a legendary buzzer-beater. With the Bulls trailing by one point, Jordan drove to the basket and lofted a shot over the outstretched arms of Craig Ehlo. The ball hung on the rim for an eternity before falling through, giving the Bulls a thrilling victory and solidifying Jordan’s status as a clutch performer.

6. John Stockton’s Overtime Winner (1998 Western Conference Finals)

Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals between the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers went into overtime. With the score tied, John Stockton received the ball and drove past Kobe Bryant. As time expired, Stockton pulled up and drained a remarkable jumper, giving the Jazz a crucial win.

5. Ray Allen’s Game-Tying Shot (2013 NBA Finals)

In Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat trailed the San Antonio Spurs by three points with just seconds remaining. Ray Allen received a pass from LeBron James and released a three-pointer that found the net with less than a second on the clock. This shot forced the game into overtime, where the Heat ultimately prevailed.

4. Kawhi Leonard’s "Shot Heard ‘Round the World" (2019 Eastern Conference Finals)

In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Toronto Raptors faced elimination against the Philadelphia 76ers. With four seconds remaining and the score tied, Kawhi Leonard received a pass and launched a dramatic fadeaway shot. The ball banked in and propelled the Raptors to the NBA Finals, where they would ultimately win their first championship.

3. Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Explosion (2006 Regular Season)

Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 was capped off by a clutch buzzer-beater. With the Lakers trailing by one point, Bryant received the ball and dribbled towards the basket. As the clock ticked down, he pulled up and drained a game-winning shot over the outstretched arms of two Raptors defenders.

2. Stephen Curry’s Half-Court Miracle (2016 Western Conference Finals)

In Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, Stephen Curry pulled off one of the most remarkable buzzer-beaters in NBA history. With the Oklahoma City Thunder leading by one point with just a few seconds remaining, Curry received the ball far behind the three-point line. Without hesitation, he launched an audacious shot that soared through the air and found the net as time expired. This shot gave the Warriors a crucial win and helped them advance to the NBA Finals, where they would ultimately win their first championship.

1. Magic Johnson’s Legendary Finger Roll (1987 NBA Finals)

In Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson produced one of the most iconic buzzer-beaters in NBA history. With the Los Angeles Lakers trailing the Boston Celtics by one point, Johnson received the ball and dribbled towards the basket. With the clock ticking down, he faked a pass, spun around, and flipped the ball over the outstretched arms of Dennis Johnson for the game-winning score. This shot gave the Lakers a pivotal win and helped them complete their sweep of the Celtics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: What is the most famous buzzer-beater in NBA history?
A: Magic Johnson’s finger roll in the 1987 NBA Finals is widely considered the most famous and iconic buzzer-beater in NBA history.

Q: Who holds the record for the most buzzer-beating game-winners in NBA history?
A: John Stockton holds the record for the most buzzer-beating game-winners in NBA history, with 5.

Q: What is the longest buzzer-beater in NBA history?
A: LeBron James’ buzzer-beating three-pointer from half-court against the Pacers in 2018 is the longest buzzer-beater in NBA history.

Q: What is the most recent buzzer-beater to win an NBA championship?
A: Kawhi Leonard’s fadeaway shot in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals against the 76ers is the most recent buzzer-beater to win an NBA championship.

Q: What is a "Hail Mary" pass in basketball?
A: A "Hail Mary" pass in basketball is a last-second, desperation pass that is typically thrown from a long distance in an attempt to score before time expires.

Damian Lillard’s Buzzer Beater Game 6

In a thrilling Game 6 of the 2019 Western Conference Semi-Finals, Damian Lillard etched his name into NBA lore with an unforgettable buzzer-beating three-pointer.

With the game tied at 115-115 and just 0.9 seconds remaining, Lillard received an inbounds pass and stepped back from the left wing. Despite being heavily guarded by Paul George, Lillard launched a deep shot that soared over the outstretched hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder defender. The ball swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the Moda Center crowd into a frenzy.

Lillard’s heroic shot propelled the Portland Trail Blazers to a 118-115 victory, eliminating the Thunder and advancing to the Western Conference Finals. It remains one of the most iconic moments in franchise history and a testament to Lillard’s unparalleled clutch performance and determination.

Paul Pierce’s Iconic Buzzer-Beater in Game 7

Background:

In the 2008 NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a pivotal Game 7 matchup. With the Cavs leading by four points with 10.9 seconds remaining, the Celtics’ hopes seemed bleak.

The Shot:

Enter Paul Pierce. The Celtics’ star guard received the inbound pass and immediately drove hard to the basket. As LeBron James and other Cavs defenders converged on him, Pierce leaped into the air and unleashed a desperation shot from the left corner. The ball arched through the air in slow motion, hitting the rim and bouncing up and down for an agonizing moment before finally falling through the net as the buzzer sounded.

Aftermath:

Pierce’s buzzer-beater sent the TD Garden crowd into a frenzy and stunned the Cavs. The Celtics went on to win the series and eventually capture their 17th NBA championship. The shot became one of the most iconic and memorable moments in NBA history, forever etching Paul Pierce’s name into Celtics lore.

Michael Jordan’s Iconic Buzzer Beater Shot

On May 7, 1989, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Jordan delivered an unforgettable moment in NBA history. With the game tied 100-100 and only seconds remaining, Jordan received a pass at the top of the key.

Jordan dribbled toward the basket, creating separation from defender Craig Ehlo. As the clock ticked down, he launched a soaring jump shot from the free-throw line. The ball traveled through the air and swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, giving the Bulls a 101-100 victory.

Jordan’s buzzer beater became an iconic moment in sports history. Known simply as "The Shot," it is widely considered one of the most famous plays in NBA history and a testament to Jordan’s incredible skill and determination.

LeBron James Buzzer Beater Playoff Moments

LeBron James has had a plethora of memorable buzzer-beater shots in the playoffs throughout his illustrious career, leading to several iconic victories for his teams:

• 2007 Eastern Conference Finals: In Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons, a young LeBron hit a game-winning three-pointer over Richard Hamilton to secure the win for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• 2012 Eastern Conference Finals: With the Boston Celtics clinging to a one-point lead in Game 6, LeBron drained a clutch jump shot over Paul Pierce to give the Miami Heat the victory and a berth in the NBA Finals.
• 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Facing elimination in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron hit a game-tying three-pointer with seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime and eventually leading the Heat to a series victory.
• 2016 NBA Finals: Trailing the Golden State Warriors 3-1, LeBron delivered a masterful performance in Game 5, hitting a game-winning three-pointer as time expired to keep the Cleveland Cavaliers’ hopes alive.
• 2020 NBA Playoffs: In the first round against the Brooklyn Nets, LeBron hit a game-winning three-pointer with 0.2 seconds left on the clock, giving the Los Angeles Lakers a crucial victory in their series.

Milwaukee Bucks Buzzer Beater History

The Milwaukee Bucks have had a rich history of unforgettable buzzer-beaters, etched into the annals of the NBA. Here are some of the most iconic moments:

• Terry Cummings (1988): In a playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Cummings drained a 15-foot jumper with just 1.3 seconds remaining, giving the Bucks a 115-114 victory.
• Sidney Moncrief (1989): Moncrief hit a running one-hander as time expired against the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, sealing a 119-118 win.
• Michael Redd (2006): Redd sent the Bradley Center into a frenzy with his game-winning three-pointer against the Indiana Pacers with just 0.7 seconds on the clock. The shot gave the Bucks a 104-102 victory.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019): In a crucial Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Toronto Raptors, Antetokounmpo banked in a game-winner from the free throw line with just 0.9 seconds left. The Bucks won 108-102.
• Brook Lopez (2021): Lopez hit a fadeaway jumper over DeAndre Ayton as the clock expired in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, giving the Bucks a 109-103 victory and tying the series 2-2.

Kobe Bryant Buzzer-Beater Highlights

Kobe Bryant was renowned for his clutch performances and thrilling buzzer-beating shots throughout his illustrious career. Here are some of his most iconic highlights:

• 2000 Western Conference Finals, Game 4 (vs. Portland Trail Blazers): Bryant hit a game-winning jumper over Jermaine O’Neal as time expired to give the Lakers a 3-1 series lead.
• 2006 Western Conference Semifinals, Game 5 (vs. Phoenix Suns): In a tied game with only seconds remaining, Bryant drained a fadeaway jumper over Shawn Marion to secure a crucial victory.
• 2009 NBA Finals, Game 4 (vs. Orlando Magic): With the Lakers trailing by two points, Bryant hit a 3-pointer over Dwight Howard, his defender, to send the game into overtime and eventually win the series.
• 2010 Western Conference Finals, Game 7 (vs. Phoenix Suns): In a back-and-forth affair, Bryant hit a game-winning 3-pointer over Grant Hill in the final seconds to send the Lakers to the NBA Finals.
• 2012 NBA Finals, Game 2 (vs. Oklahoma City Thunder): Despite being double-teamed, Bryant rose up and hit a game-winning fadeaway jumper over Russell Westbrook with 0.7 seconds remaining, giving the Lakers a 2-0 series lead.

NBA Buzzer Beater Compilation

Witness the most thrilling moments in NBA history with this compilation of incredible buzzer-beating shots. From game-winning 3-pointers to last-second layups, these clips showcase the extraordinary skill and dramatic tension that make basketball the captivating sport it is. Relive the excitement as some of the greatest players to ever play the game deliver unforgettable shots that have etched themselves into NBA lore.

Top Buzzer Beaters in NBA History

In the annals of the NBA, buzzer-beating shots have etched themselves into the lore of the game. These heart-stopping plays often decide the outcome of crucial contests and leave a lasting impression on fans. Here are some of the most iconic buzzer beaters in NBA history:

• Michael Jordan vs. Utah Jazz, Game 6 of the NBA Finals (1998): The iconic "Last Shot" that clinched the Chicago Bulls’ sixth NBA championship.
• Kobe Bryant vs. Orlando Magic (2009): Bryant’s 3-pointer at the buzzer sealed a wild come-from-behind victory for the Lakers.
• Russell Westbrook vs. Los Angeles Clippers (2014): Westbrook’s step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer secured a thrilling win for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
• Damon Lillard vs. Houston Rockets (2014): Lillard’s unforgettable 3-pointer at the buzzer in the playoffs sent the series to overtime.
• Kawhi Leonard vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals (2019): Leonard’s epic "The Klaw" shot at the buzzer sent the Toronto Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals.
• LeBron James vs. Golden State Warriors, Game 5 of the NBA Finals (2016): James’ clutch block on Andre Iguodala followed by a driving layup at the buzzer won the game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• George Mikan vs. Fort Wayne Pistons (1950): Mikan’s free throw at the buzzer gave the Minneapolis Lakers their first NBA championship.
• Bob Cousy vs. New York Knicks (1954): Cousy’s running layup at the buzzer won the game for the Boston Celtics and clinched the Eastern Division title.

Most Buzzer Beaters in NBA Playoffs

1. John Stockton (10)

• Stockton holds the record for most buzzer beaters in NBA playoff history with 10.

2. Michael Jordan (8)

• Jordan is second on the list with 8 buzzer beaters in the playoffs.

3. Lebron James (7)

• James has made 7 buzzer-beating shots in the playoffs, including the iconic "The Shot" against the Orlando Magic in 2009.

4. Jerry West (6)

• West, known as "Mr. Clutch," has made 6 buzzer-beaters in the playoffs.

5. Robert Horry (5)

• Horry, known for his clutch performances, has made 5 buzzer-beaters in the playoffs.

NBA Buzzer Beater Game Winners

In the thrilling world of basketball, buzzer beaters are iconic moments that can decide the fate of a game in the most dramatic fashion. Throughout NBA history, countless players have etched their names into legend with stunning buzzer-beating shots.

These shots come in various forms, from fadeaway jumpers to driving layups. Some occur at the end of regulation, while others extend games into overtime. Regardless of the circumstances, buzzer beaters evoke a sense of euphoria for the victorious team and heartbreak for the vanquished.

Notable examples include Michael Jordan’s iconic "The Shot" over Bryon Russell to win the 1998 NBA Finals, Ray Allen’s three-pointer to save the 2013 NBA Finals for the Miami Heat, and LeBron James’ buzzer-beating jumper to clinch the 2016 NBA Championship for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Buzzer beaters continue to captivate basketball fans and cement the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport.

Buzzer Beater Shots in NBA Finals

In the thrilling world of NBA Finals, buzzer beater shots hold a special place in history. These dramatic shots, taken just as the game clock expires, have decided the fate of countless championships. Here are some of the most iconic buzzer beater shots in NBA Finals history:

1970: Jerry West’s iconic tomahawk dunk against the New York Knicks in Game 3.

1975: Bob McAdoo’s game-winning shot against the Washington Bullets in Game 1.

1987: Magic Johnson’s famous "junior skyhook" against the Boston Celtics in Game 4.

1989: Michael Jordan’s iconic shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5.

2002: Robert Horry’s legendary three-pointer against the Sacramento Kings in Game 5.

2013: Ray Allen’s clutch shot against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6.

2016: Kyrie Irving’s game-winning three-pointer against the Golden State Warriors in Game 7.

Buzzer beater shots often become etched in NBA lore, creating unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact on the fans. These dramatic shots epitomize the excitement and intensity of the NBA Finals, and they continue to thrill audiences around the world.

Kobe Bryant’s Buzzer-Beater Shots

Kobe Bryant was known for his clutch shooting, including his iconic buzzer-beater shots. These shots won countless games for the Los Angeles Lakers and etched Bryant’s name in NBA history. Some of his most memorable buzzer-beaters include:

• 1999 Western Conference Semifinals, Game 4 vs. Sacramento Kings: Bryant’s 40-foot three-pointer at the buzzer sent the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals.
• 2006 Western Conference First Round, Game 5 vs. Phoenix Suns: Bryant’s baseline jumper as time expired gave the Lakers a 3-2 series lead.
• 2009 NBA Finals, Game 4 vs. Orlando Magic: Bryant’s three-pointer at the buzzer gave the Lakers a crucial 3-1 lead in the series.
• 2010 NBA Finals, Game 7 vs. Boston Celtics: Bryant’s fadeaway jump shot with 0.4 seconds remaining won the championship for the Lakers.

These buzzer-beater shots showcased Bryant’s incredible skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. They remain some of the most memorable moments in NBA history.

Buzzer Beater Shots in LeBron James’ Career

Throughout his illustrious career, LeBron James has delivered countless unforgettable buzzer-beating shots that have etched his name in NBA history. These clutch moments have showcased his exceptional skill and competitive spirit, often securing crucial wins for his teams.

James’ most renowned buzzer beater came in Game 5 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. With the game tied at 95 and only 2.2 seconds remaining, James received the ball from Dwyane Wade and unleashed a game-winning jump shot from the right wing. The Pacers’ Roy Hibbert was unable to block the shot, and the Miami Heat ultimately advanced to the NBA Finals.

Another memorable buzzer beater occurred in Game 4 of the 2016 Finals against the Golden State Warriors. With the series tied at 1-1, the Cleveland Cavaliers were down by three points with just seconds left. James dribbled the ball around the perimeter and fired a step-back three-pointer over Stephen Curry, giving the Cavaliers a dramatic 98-95 victory.

These buzzer-beating shots are testaments to James’ unwavering determination and his ability to perform under immense pressure. They have become iconic moments in NBA history, further solidifying LeBron James’ status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.