As an avid NBA fan, I've experienced countless adrenaline-pumping moments, but nothing beats the thrill of a game-winning shot in the Finals. These moments carve players into legends and etch unforgettable memories into the hearts of fans. The first one that comes to mind is Michael Jordan’s iconic buzzer-beater in 1998. It's no surprise that Jordan's legacy includes this unforgettable moment. With only 5.2 seconds left on the clock, he delivered a picture-perfect jumper over Bryon Russell, clinching the sixth championship for the Chicago Bulls. For those who don't know, Jordan finished that game with 45 points, proving yet again why he’s often called the GOAT. In fact, during that arena plus moment, anyone who doubted his clutch abilities felt foolish.
Then there's Ray Allen's stunning three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. Down by three points, with just 5.2 seconds left, and facing elimination, Allen received a pass from Chris Bosh and quickly released one of the most critical shots in NBA history. His footwork and execution were impeccable. Almost like magic, the ball swished through the net, sending the game into overtime and keeping Miami’s championship hopes alive. The Heat won that game and eventually the series, adding another championship to their history.
Speaking of unforgettable shots, Kyrie Irving’s three-pointer with 53 seconds left in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals also stands out. The Cleveland Cavaliers were tied with the Golden State Warriors at 89 points apiece. Irving, with nerves of steel, drained a shot over the outstretched arms of Stephen Curry. That shot helped bring Cleveland its first-ever NBA title. The statistic that never fails to amaze me is that the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 series deficit, a feat that had never been accomplished before in the Finals. This moment solidified Irving's reputation as one of the most clutch performers in the league.
Of course, who could forget Derek Fisher's 0.4-second miracle shot in 2004? The Los Angeles Lakers were facing the San Antonio Spurs, and it seemed inevitable they'd lose the game. With only 0.4 seconds on the clock, Fisher caught the inbound pass, turned, and launched a game-winner that stunned everyone watching. It's probably one of the quickest releases in basketball history, and incredibly, it went in. This improbable shot kept the Lakers' playoff hopes alive and added another chapter to Fisher’s clutch resume.
Mario Elie's "Kiss of Death" in 1995 is another game-winner that deserves mention. During Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Houston Rockets faced a two-point deficit against the Phoenix Suns. Elie nailed a dramatic three-pointer from the corner, giving the Rockets the lead with just 7.1 seconds remaining. The Rockets went on to win their second consecutive championship that year. Elie's shot not only earned him a place in playoff lore but also epitomized the unpredictability of basketball.
One cannot overlook Robert Horry's heroics in 2002. In Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers were down by two points against the Sacramento Kings with just a few seconds left. After a scramble under the basket, the ball found its way to Horry at the top of the key. He launched a perfect three-pointer as time expired, securing the win for the Lakers. Horry's knack for making clutch shots earned him the nickname "Big Shot Rob," and this game-winner was arguably his most famous moment.
Let's not forget about Kawhi Leonard's buzzer-beater in 2019 against the Philadelphia 76ers. In a tense Game 7, with the score tied at 90, Leonard took the ball to the corner and released a high-arcing shot over Joel Embiid. The ball bounced on the rim four times before finally dropping through the net. Leonard’s 41-point performance and his game-winner propelled the Toronto Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals and eventually their first NBA Championship. His shot became the first Game 7 buzzer-beater in NBA playoff history, making it an indelible part of the sport’s lore.