The Top 10 NBA Celebrations of All Time

From Lebron James to Shaquille O’Neal, check out the top 10 NBA celebrations of all time!

Michael Jordan- “The Shot”

Michael Jordan The Shot: In the 1989 NBA playoffs MJ was at the top of his game. The Cleveland Cavaliers were down by one point with only seconds remaining on the clock. MJ took the inbound pass, dribbled towards the free-throw line and then elevated. As he reached the apex of his jump, he released the ball. The shot sailed through the air and swished through the net as time expired giving the Chicago Bulls a 101-100 victory and cementing MJ’s legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Shaquille O’Neal- “The Dunk”

Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant forces in the NBA, and his celebrations reflect that. When O’Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992, he promised to bring a championship to the city. And in 1995, he made good on that promise, leading the Magic to their first-ever NBA Finals victory. Afterward, he hoisted himself onto the rim and proclaimed, “I’m Shaquille O’Neal, and I’m going to be a champion forever!” It was a loud and proud moment that let everyone know Shaq was here to stay.

LeBron James- “The Block”

On May 12th, 2016, in game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Lebron James made one of the greatest blocks in NBA history

With the Cavaliers down by 1 and less than a minute to go in the game, James chased down Steph Curry to block his 3-point attempt. The block preserved the lead for the Cavaliers and helped them win the game and advance to the NBA Finals

After the game, James celebrated by running down the court and jumping into the stands to hug his fans. It was a moment of pure joy and excitement that will be remembered forever.

Kobe Bryant- “The Fadeaway”

Kobe Bryant’s “The Fadeaway” is one of the most iconic celebrations in NBA history After hitting a tough shot, Kobe would often take a few steps backward and fade away from the defender. This move became so synonymous with Kobe that it was even given its own nickname, “The Fadeaway.”

Dwyane Wade- “The Flash”

In honor of Dwyane Wade’s recent retirement, we’re looking back at some of his best moments on the court- including this amazing celebration from 2009.

With the game on the line and the score tied at 96, Wade took an inbounds pass from then-teammate Mario Chalmers and drove to the basket, where he was met by a hard foul from Charlotte’s Gerald Wallace.

Wade threw down a monster two-handed dunk, and then proceeded to finish the play with a celebratory ‘The Flash’ pose that has since become iconic.

Carmelo Anthony- “The Clutch”

1. Carmelo Anthony “The Clutch”

With the game on the line, Carmelo Anthony always seems to come through. He hit a clutch three-pointer to win the game against the Nuggets in 2014, and he repeated the feat against the Spurs in 2015. Anthony also had a big block in the final seconds of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013, helping the Knicks advance to the NBA Finals His celebration after each of these clutch plays has become known as “the clutch.”

Dirk Nowitzki- “The Shot”

In Game 7 of the 2011 NBA Finals Dirk Nowitzki hit what may go down as one of the most iconic shots in NBA history Nowitzki had just come off a clutch layup to tie the game with seconds left on the clock, and then proceeded to calmly drain a fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arms of Lebron James to win the game and the championship for the Dallas Mavericks The shot not only cemented Nowitzki’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time, but it also served as one of the most unforgettable moments in NBA history

Steve Nash- “The Pass”

In 2006, Steve Nash had one of the most iconic assists of all time- “The Pass.” Nash was being guarded by then-rookie Rajon Rondo who was trying to deny him the ball. Nash faked a behind-the-back pass to Amar’e Stoudemire, and Rondo bit on the fake. Nash then turned and passed the ball between Rondo’s legs to Stoudemire for an easy dunk.

Magic Johnson- “The No-Look”

1. Magic Johnson “The No-Look”
2. Kyrie Irving “Uncle Drew”
3. Kobe Bryant “The Mamba Mentality”
4. Dwyane Wade “Flash”
5. Paul Pierce “The Truth”
6. Shaquille O’Neal- “Superman”
7. Lebron James “The Chosen One”
8. Carmelo Anthony “Honey Dip”
9. Allen Iverson “The Answer”
10. Vince Carter “Half Man, Half Amazing”

Larry Bird- “The Steal”

In game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals the Celtics were up by 1 with seconds remaining. The Birds steal of Isiah Thomas’ inbound pass and layup not only clinched the game for the Celtics, but it is also regarded as one of the most iconic moments in NBA history