Top 10 NBA Playoff Moments

Knicks vs. Hawks (2021) We’re kicking off this list with its newest entry. This series was filled with fan misbehavior, specifically towards Hawks star Trae Young. He had responded to jeers in Game 1, but he saved his most memorable moment for last. The Hawks were up 3-1 in the series and 98-86 in the final minute of Game 5. The series was essentially already won for the Hawks, so as the Garden crowd applauded the Knicks and their impressive season, Young leaned into his villain status. Not only did he hit a 3 pointer, but he turned to the crowd that had spit on him and insulted his appearance, and he bowed. After the game, Young compared the series to a Broadway show and his final moment on the court to a curtain call.

Celtics vs. Bulls (1986) Michael Jordan has no shortage of incredible playoff performances, but one of his most memorable games actually came from a loss for the Bulls. After missing most of the season with a foot injury, Jordan played in the first round of the playoffs against the top-ranked Celtics. While some players would be cold from missing so many months, Jordan just seemed invigorated. During the second game of the series that went into double overtime, the sophomore Jordan scored 63 points, a record that still stands today. Reflecting back on the game against Jordan, NBA legend Larry Bird said SB [TheLastDance_S01E02_1080p 42:26 “That wasn’t Michael Jordan out there. That was God disguised as Michael Jordan.”]

Pacers vs. Knicks (1995) With under 20 seconds left in Game 1 between Indiana and New York, the Pacers were down 105-99. When all hope seemed lost, their star player Reggie Miller stole the ball and hit two three-pointers in five and a half seconds to tie the game. Tying it was not enough for Miller, though. In a desperate attempt to take control after missing their free throws, the Knicks fouled him. This led to Miller making two free throws at the line. In just 9 seconds, Miller took Indiana from a six-point deficit to a two-point lead, and they won the game. The Pacers would go on to win the series in seven games and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Trail Blazers vs. Rockets (2014) Dame Time was in full effect during the last 0.9 seconds of this game. Lillard is known for his clutch shots, but perhaps his most memorable is this series winner from 2014. With less than a second left on the clock and the Blazers down by two, Dame wasn’t just satisfied with going into overtime or taking the series to Game 7. From just outside the three-point line, Dame lined up and took his shot. It went in, and the Portland crowd erupted. This incredible basket sent the Trail Blazers to their first second-round series in fourteen years. However, this wouldn’t be the last time Dame sent a team packing with a buzzer beater…

76ers vs. Celtics (1965) In the last seconds of this game, which was the seventh and final game in the series, Boston maintained a one-point lead over Philadelphia. The 76ers attempted a final play to win the game and the series. John Havlicek leapt into the air and deflected the ball to fellow Celtic Sam Jones. In what many consider as “the most famous radio call in basketball history," legendary Boston broadcaster Johnny Most excitedly announced the play. Jones dribbled out the clock, and the Celtics won the series. Boston went to the Finals, where they won their seventh championship in a row.

Jazz vs. Rockets (1997) With less than three seconds on the clock, Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals was tied at 100. The Jazz were ahead 3 to 2 in the series. The Utah squad had their dynamic duo Karl Malone and John Stockton on the court. Stockton used Malone to screen the play, and he launched a three-pointer from deep as the clock ran out. The shot went in, and the Jazz won the game, the series and the conference over a legendary Houston team. Stockton’s miraculous field goal sent the Jazz to their first-ever Finals.

#4: “The Shot”

Also in:

Top 10 Most Unbelievable Moments in Baseball

Bulls vs. Cavaliers (1989) In the final seconds of Game 5 between the Cavaliers and the Bulls in 1989, Chicago was down 100 to 99. Jordan made a drifting foul-line shot over the defending Craig Ehlo as the clock ran out. The two-point shot went in, and the Bulls advanced to the second round. It was also another standout performance by Michael Jordan, who finished the game with 44 points. The shot itself is, of course, an iconic Jordan clutch moment, but his victorious celebration jump afterward is just as memorable.

Heat vs. Celtics (2012) Prior to this series against the Celtics, LeBron had already been touted as an all-time great superstar. However, he had yet to win a championship. In 2012, King James and his Heat super team took the Celtics to Game 6 in the Eastern Conference Finals. There, he went off for a whopping 45 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. What’s even more impressive is that he did all of this in TD Garden, which is notorious for being unfriendly to visiting teams. This astounding performance and another win the following game catapulted the Heat to the Finals, where LeBron finally won his first championship.

Pistons vs. Celtics (1987) The 1987 Eastern Conference Finals were intense. Boston and Detroit had some of their all-time greats on their rosters, and they were pretty evenly matched. In the final seconds of the game with Detroit ahead by 1, Pistons superstar Isiah Thomas tried to pass the ball. However, Larry Bird intercepted the ball and passed it to Dennis Johnson, who sank it in and put Boston ahead with a second to go; sealing the Celtics’ victory. This moment, along with Johnny Most’s call, are among the greatest pieces of Boston sports history. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Dirk Nowitzki & the Mavs Overcome a 15-Point Deficit in 5 Minutes to Defeat OKC & Advance to the Finals Mavericks vs. Thunder (2011) "Memorial Day Miracle" Spurs vs. Trail Blazers (1999) Kobe & Shaq's Alley-Oop Lakers vs. Trail Blazers (2000) Klay Thompson Scores 41 Points and Hits a Record 11 3-Pointers in Game 6 Against OKC Warriors vs. Thunder (2016) Derek Fisher’s Game Winner Lakers vs. Spurs (2004)

Raptors vs. 76ers (2019) With under 5 seconds to play in Game 7 between the Raptors and Sixers, the score was tied at 90. Everyone pretty much expected the winner of the series to be determined in overtime. Well, everyone except Kawhi Leonard. In one of the most dramatic moments in NBA history, Leonard shot the ball, which proceeded to bounce and circle around the rim. The Toronto crowd went from cemetery-silent to ear-shattering as the ball finally fell in. The Raptors eventually made it to the NBA Finals, where they won their first championship.