In the NBA’s 80 year lifespan many moments occured every year from game winning shots, outstanding performances , and crazy plays. But some moments shine more than others leading from just moments to
Michael Jordan – “The Last Shot” (1998)
“Michael Jordan hitting game winning shot Byron Russell to win the 1998 NBA finals.”
In June of 1998 the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz faced off in the NBA finals leading up to game 6 with the bulls being up 3-2. With seconds remaining, ball in the hands of Michael Jordan dribbles losing his defender, pulls up for a 20 foot jump to win the game marking the bulls second three-peat (1996-1998). This not only was praised by one of the best shots in NBA history but also one of the more critized moves, with Michael Jordan’s crossover being called a “push-off”
Kobe Bryant’s 81 point game (2006)
“Kobe scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors“
In a regular season game in January 22, 2006 against the Toronto Raptors, Kobe Bryant scored an impressive 81 points to win the game 122-104. This put Kobe Bryant to hold the record of scored most points in a single game (now 3rd) right behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 pts. This put Kobe in the talks of “GOAT” as he displayed his talents to its fullest extent.
Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1 comeback (2016)
“Lebron James blocking Andre Iguodala’s shot”
In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers were down 3-1 against the Golden State Warriors, which seemed like an unwinnable comeback and would never happen. Defying the odds, the Cavs had won 2 straight games to bring the score to 3-3 leading to a Game 7. A super close game throughout, with time winding down Andre Iguodala goes up for the layup to bring back the Warriors with the lead when Lebron James “from outta no where” flies in denying the layup helping the Cavaliers to end up winning the game and the Finals all together.
Kawhi Leonard clutch shot over the 76er’s (2019)
“Kawhi Leonard shooting over Joel Embid to win the conference finals”
Kawhi Leonard rose into his jumper with that signature calm, almost mechanical precision, his massive hands guiding the ball upward as Joel Embiid closed the distance with long, urgent strides. For a moment, it looked like Embiid’s sheer size and wingspan might swallow the shot entirely, but Kawhi elevated just enoughhigh release, perfect balance, no wasted motion. The ball left his fingertips in a soft arc, floating over Embiid’s outstretched arm like it had been placed there rather than thrown, a quiet defiance against one of the league’s most imposing defenders. In that instant, it wasn’t about strength or speed, but poise Kawhi creating space where there was none, turning a heavily contested look into something that felt inevitable.
