By Jason Bolton May 22, 2024 07:33
Buzzer-beaters in the NBA playoffs are etched into the memory of fans, players, and basketball history. These clutch shots have the power to define legacies, turn around series, and elevate players to legendary status.
Let's walk through the top 10 greatest buzzer-beaters in NBA playoff history, considering difficulty, circ*mstance, and series impact.
10. Kobe Bryant vs. Phoenix Suns 2006 - First Round - Game 4
In this first-round matchup from 2006, the Lakers, led by the one and only Kobe Bryant, were the underdogs against the Phoenix Suns.
With 6 seconds to go and the Lakers down by one, Kobe forced a turnover before rising up for a mid-range jumper with no time left on the clock, sealing a crucial victory for the Lakers.
9. Kawhi Leonard vs. Philadelphia 76ers 2019 - Second Round - Game 7
Kawhi Leonard's unforgettable buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 playoffs is considered the most important playoff buzzer-beater in NBA history.
This shot, which came in a Game 7, propelled the Toronto Raptors on their road to their first-ever NBA Championship. It also gave Kawhi 41 total points for the game and is arguably the most difficult shot on this list.
8. Damian Lillard vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 2019 - First Round - Game 5
Damian Lillard's game-winning shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 playoffs is one of the most important shots in NBA history.
With one shot, Lillard sent the Thunder home and effectively put an end to an era for the Thunder. This shot, along with his 50 points for the game, secured a place for Lillard in the history books.
7. John Stockton vs. Houston Rockets 1997 Conference Finals - Game 6
John Stockton's buzzer-beater in the 1997 Conference Finals sent the Utah Jazz to the NBA Finals. With the game tied and a trip to the Finals on the line, Stockton delivered a shot that remains one of the most important and relevant buzzer-beaters in NBA history.
6. LeBron James vs. Orlando Magic 2009 - Eastern Conference Finals
Trailing the Orlando Magic 95-93 and 1-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James caught an inbounds pass with exactly one second remaining.
He then drilled a fadeaway three to stun the Magic and even the series at one game apiece, punctuating his stellar campaign in the 2008-09 season.
5. Derek Fisher vs. San Antonio Spurs 2004 - Second Round
Derek Fisher's buzzer-beater against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2004 playoffs is a testament to his clutch performance.
With only 0.4 seconds to get a shot off, Fisher managed to nail a game-winner, leaving the Spurs stunned and solidifying his place in NBA playoff history.
4. Michael Jordan vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 1989 - First Round
Michael Jordan's iconic buzzer-beater against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs is one of the most memorable moments in NBA history.
With only three ticks remaining on the clock, Jordan provided a truly devastating shot, escaping defenders to secure a victory for the Chicago Bulls.
3. John Stockton vs. Houston Rockets 1997 - Conference Finals - Game 6
Eleven years after Ralph Sampson's shot clinched Houston's place in the NBA Finals, John Stockton stunned the Rockets at the buzzer in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals.
The buzzer-beater handed his team a 4-2 series victory and sent the Jazz to their first-ever NBA Finals, making it one of the most significant shots in NBA playoff history.
2. Ralph Sampson vs. Los Angeles Lakers 1986 - Western Conference Finals - Game 5
Ralph Sampson's buzzer-beater in the 1986 Western Conference Finals is etched in NBA lore as one of the most iconic moments. The game tied and little time on the clock, and Sampson's quick turnaround mid-air jumper sealed the series and a finals appearance for the Houston Rockets, showcasing the power of a clutch performance.
1. Jerry West vs. New York Knicks 1970 - NBA Finals - Game 3
Jerry West's half-court buzzer-beater against the New York Knicks in the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most legendary shots in NBA history.
Despite being on the losing side of the series, West's iconic shot solidified his status as one of the greatest clutch performers in NBA playoff history.
These buzzer-beaters have left an indelible mark on the NBA and continue to be celebrated and remembered by basketball fans around the world.
From iconic shots by legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to game-winning performances by modern stars like Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard, these moments define the drama and excitement of NBA playoff basketball.
These clutch performances not only showcase the skill and determination of the players but also demonstrate the unparalleled drama and unpredictability that makes NBA playoff basketball so compelling and unforgettable.
SHOP Mystery Signed Memorabilia
-
Mystery Signed Football 8x10 Photo
- Regular price
- $29.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Baseball Jersey
- Regular price
- $69.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $69.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Football Jersey
- Regular price
- $69.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $69.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Baseball 8x10 Photo
- Regular price
- $29.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.99
- Unit price
- / per
LATEST
- NEWS
- |
- ARTICLES
- |
- VIDEOS
NBA
Maxi Kleber Could Return to the Mavs Lineup for...
By Oliver Wiener
Mon, May 27, 2024
NBA
NBA Legend Bill Walton passes away at 71
By Jason Bolton
Mon, May 27, 2024
NBA
Antoine Walker: From Financial Ruin to Redemption
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, May 24, 2024
NBA
Latrell Sprewell: From NBA Wealth to Major Bank...
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, May 24, 2024
NBA
2024 Playoff Takeover: Boston Celtics Take 2-0 ...
By Edcel Panganiban
Fri, May 24, 2024
NBA
Charles Barkley Sounds Off on TNT Crew: The Imp...
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, May 24, 2024
NBA
How a 'Hype Video' Led to Minnesota Timberwolve...
By Arslan Saleem
Thu, May 23, 2024
NBA
Wild Game 1 of the ECF: Celtics Pull Off Game O...
By Arslan Saleem
Thu, May 23, 2024
NBA
A Deep Dive: The Dallas Mavericks Win Game 1 of...
By Jocelyn Alano
Thu, May 23, 2024
NBA
Bronny James Reportedly To Get Drafted By Cleve...
By Jason Bolton
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Why the Chicago Bulls Need to Consider Trading ...
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Magic's Maneuver: The Imperative of Trading Fra...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Alperen Şengün: The Rising Star of the Houston ...
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Why the 76ers Should Keep Joel Embiid Long-Term
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Should the Miami Heat Trade Bam Adebayo in the ...
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Clipper Conundrum: The Urgency in Trading Russe...
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Royal Revisions: The Compelling Case for the Bu...
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Sacramento's Strategy: Assessing the Argument f...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Suns Strategy: Why Phoenix Needs to Trade Devin...
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Cavaliers Commitment:Why the Cavs Should Trade ...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Thunder's Game Plan: Exploring the Urgency to T...
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Shifting Dynamics: Evaluating the Case for Trad...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Knicks' Playbook: The Case for Trading Donte Di...
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Celtics' Puzzle: Exploring the Imperative of Tr...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Why the Golden State Warriors Need to Move On C...
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Analyzing the Potential Trade of Austin Reaves:...
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Unlocking Potential: The Case for Trading Aaron...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Strategic Shift: Assessing the Timberwolves' Tr...
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
What Happened to Tyler Hansbrough?
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Have the Indiana Pacers Ever Won an NBA Champio...
By Jason Bolton
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Is Anthony Edwards Taller Than Luka Doncic?
By Oliver Wiener
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Why Did Kyrie Irving Leave Nike?
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Did Dirk Nowitzki Play with Luka Doncic?
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Is Kyrie Irving Taller than Luka Doncic?
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Does Kyrie Irving Have Australian Citizenship?
By Oliver Wiener
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
How Many Times was Mike Conley an All-Star?
By Fan Arch
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
The top 5 French Players in NBA History
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
How Many Years Has Tyrese Haliburton Been in th...
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Are Jalen Suggs and Tyrese Haliburton Related?
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
What Does it Mean to Take Home Court Advantage?
By Jason Bolton
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Who Gets Home Advantage in NBA Finals?
By Oliver Wiener
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
How Many Times Has Lebron James Been to the Eas...
By Fan Arch
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Have the Grizzlies Ever Made it to the Western ...
By Edcel Panganiban
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Have the Timberwolves Ever Won the NBA Finals?
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
How Many Times Have the Dallas Mavericks Won th...
By Jason Bolton
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
How Long Has Mark Cuban Owned the Dallas Maveri...
By Oliver Wiener
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
The top 5 Indiana Pacers of All Time
By Fan Arch
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Does Alex Rodriguez Own the Minnesota Timberwol...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, May 22, 2024
NBA
Why Does Karl-Anthony Towns Wear 32?
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, May 22, 2024
More Stories
FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK