The Most Game-Winning Shots in NBA History

From MJ to LeBron, these are the most clutch, game-winning shots in NBA history

Michael Jordan’s game-winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals

In the 1998 NBA Finals the Chicago Bulls were trailing the Utah Jazz by one point with 18 seconds left in the game. The Bulls had the ball and a chance to win it all. Michael Jordan one of the greatest players in NBA history took the shot. The ball went through the hoop as time expired, and the Bulls Won their sixth NBA Championship

Kobe Bryant’s game-winning shot in the 2010 NBA Finals

Kobe Brynt’s game-winning shot in the 2010 NBA Finals is widely regarded as one of the most clutch shots in NBA history With the score tied at 89 and just seconds remaining on the clock, Bryant elevated over two defenders and hit a fadeaway jumper that sealed the victory for the Los Angeles Lakers. The shot cemented Bryant’s legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history

LeBron James’ game-winning shot in the 2016 NBA Finals

LeBron James’ game-winning shot in the 2016 NBA Finals is widely considered one of the greatest shots in NBA history The shot not only gave the Cleveland Cavaliers their first ever NBA Championship but it also broke the city of Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought.

Kyrie Irving’s game-winning shot in the 2016 NBA Finals

Kyrie Irving’s game-winning shot in the 2016 NBA Finals is one of the most iconic and significant shots in NBA history The shot capped off a miraculous comeback by the Cleveland Cavaliers who were down 3-1 in the series against the heavily favored Golden State Warriors The Cavaliers went on to win the series in 7 games, becoming the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit.

Irving’s shot was not only big because of the comeback it helped complete, but also because of what it meant for Lebron James James had been criticized throughout his career for not being able to win a championship without help from other All-Star caliber players. Irving’s shot proved that James could indeed win a championship on his own, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history

Ray Allen’s game-winning shot in the 2013 NBA Finals

Ray Allen hit a game-tying three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, then hit another three-pointer with 32 seconds left in the extra period to give the Miami Heat a 103–100 lead. The San Antonio Spurs would go on to win the series in seven games.

Magic Johnson’s game-winning shot in the 1987 NBA Finals

With time running out in Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals the Los Angeles Lakers were down 107-106 to the crosstown rival Boston Celtics The Celtics were one win away from winning their third straight championship and fourth in five years. But Lakers’ star Magic Johnson had other ideas.

With the Lakers out of timeouts, Johnson took the inbounds pass near Half Court and dribbled towards the Boston basket. As he approached the three-point line Johnson elevated and hit a skyhook shot over the outstretched arms of Celtics’ center Bill Walton that swished through the net as time expired, giving the Lakers a 108-107 victory. The Lakers went on to win the series in six games.

This game-winning shot is widely regarded as one of the greatest shots in NBA History

Larry Bird’s game-winning shot in the 1981 NBA Finals

In the 1981 NBA Finals the Celtics were down by two points with just seconds remaining in the game. Celtics player Larry Bird took an off-balance jumper that resulted in a three-nt play giving the Celtics the win and the Championship Title

Dirk Nowitzki’s game-winning shot in the 2011 NBA Finals

Dirk Nowitzki was one of the most clutch players in NBA history In the 2011 NBA Finals he hit a game-winning shot to seal the deal for the Dallas Mavericks

Dwyane Wade’s game-winning shot in the 2006 NBA Finals

Dwyane Wade’s game-winning shot in the 2006 NBA Finals is widely considered one of the most iconic moments in NBA history The Miami Heat guard hit a jumper over the outstretched arms of the Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Terry to give the Heat a one-point lead with just seconds remaining in Game 3. The shot helped the Heat take a 2-1 lead in the series and ultimately went on to win the NBA title

Paul Pierce’s game-winning shot in the 2008 NBA Finals

On June 17, 2008, in game seven of the NBA Finals the Boston Celtics were trailing the Los Angeles Lakers by three points with just seconds remaining on the clock. The ball was inbounded to Celtics’ forward Paul Pierce who dribbled to the top of the key. Pierce then pump-faked Lakers’ defender Trevor Ariza, causing him to jump into the air. As Ariza leapt, Pierce stepped around him and made a contested jump shot over Kobe Bryant to give the Celtics a lead they would not relinquish.

This basket is widely considered to be one of the most clutch and significant shots in NBA history as it helped the Celtics win their first championship in 22 years. Furthermore, it was largely responsible for ending the Lakers’ dynasty of winning three consecutive titles.