Man, the NBA Playoffs never fail to deliver jaw-dropping moments, and I’ve always been a sucker for these heart-stopping buzzer beaters. Remember Michael Jordan’s famous shot over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 first round? That shot clinched the series for the Bulls, a 101-100 victory over the Cavs. You know, Jordan scored 44 points that game. It’s just numbers like these that cement his legacy as clutch.
How about Damian Lillard’s epic 37-foot bomb against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 playoffs? The shot not only sealed the game but the entire series. Lillard finished with a staggering 50 points in that game, making it an unforgettable night for Blazers fans. That wasn't just a buzzer-beater; it was from almost half-court, showing Lillard's range and confidence.
Reggie Miller, the king of clutch, showed his brilliance in 1995 against the New York Knicks. With 18.7 seconds left, he scored eight points to stun the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Miller’s killer instinct and unshakable focus under pressure define playoff intensity, don’t they? He was shooting just over 40% from the three-point line during that season.
Back in 1986, Ralph Sampson’s miraculous shot helped the Rockets to beat the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. With just one second left on the clock, Sampson made an off-balance, one-handed shot that sent the Rockets to the NBA Finals. Isn’t it wild how one play can alter the course of a franchise’s history?
LeBron James had his fair share of playoff buzzer-beaters, but the 2018 matchup against the Raptors stands out. He banked in a tough, one-legged shot to win Game 3 essentially dampening the Raptors' hope and showing why he’s known as ‘King James.’ Can you believe he scored 38 points that night? It’s performances like this that make LeBron’s playoff narrative so rich.
Speaking of incredible moments, Kawhi Leonard’s four-bounce buzzer-beater against the 76ers in the 2019 playoffs was an instant classic. That shot sent the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time. Kawhi’s shot was symbolic, not just for the franchise, but the emotional surge it gave to the entire city of Toronto. It’s like you could feel the weight of every bounce in those 4.2 seconds. Leonard scored 41 points in that game – just nuts.
John Stockton’s three-pointer against the Rockets in 1997 sent the Jazz to their first NBA Finals. Stockton, the model of consistency, drained a last-second shot, finishing with 25 points and 13 assists. His ability to shoot and facilitate makes his accomplishments even more remarkable.
Magic Johnson’s junior skyhook over Kevin McHale and Robert Parish in the 1987 NBA Finals remains iconic. This shot led the Lakers past the Celtics, underlining Magic’s versatility and poise. He averaged 26 points per game in that series, further solidifying his place in basketball folklore.
Derek Fisher’s 0.4 second turnaround jumper against the Spurs in 2004 is straight-up mind-boggling. How do you get a shot off in less than half a second? Fisher’s lightning-quick reflexes and precision lifted the Lakers into the driver’s seat of that series. The entire play took less than the blink of an eye, yet it’s etched in our memories forever.
Don’t forget about Robert Horry, aptly nicknamed “Big Shot Rob.” His three-pointer against the Kings in 2002 was crucial, tipping the Western Conference Finals in favor of the Lakers. When Horry nailed that shot, completing a Lakers comeback in Game 4, he epitomized the role of a clutch performer. Horry finished that game with 11 points, but none more important than that final shot.
The NBA Playoffs give us these golden moments, reminding us why basketball keeps us coming back for more. If you're as obsessed with these buzzer-beaters as I am, check out more over at arena plus.