Buzzer beaters in NBA championship games create some of the most unforgettable and dramatic moments in basketball history. Here are a few iconic buzzer beaters that will forever be etched in NBA championship lore:
1. “The Shot” – Michael Jordan, 1998 NBA Finals
In Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, with the Chicago Bulls tied 86-86 against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan dribbled the ball, made a crossover, and hit a jumper from the top of the key over Bryon Russell. The shot gave the Bulls a 87-86 lead with 5.2 seconds remaining and secured their sixth championship in eight years.
2. “The Memorial Day Miracle” – Sean Elliott, 1999 NBA Finals
In Game 2 of the 1999 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, Sean Elliott hit a memorable three-pointer with 9.9 seconds left to give the Spurs a 91-89 lead. The shot came after Elliott received a pass while stepping out of bounds and made a miraculous shot while avoiding a defender. The Spurs eventually won the series and clinched their first NBA championship.
3. “The Lakers Three-Peat” – Robert Horry, 2002 NBA Finals
In Game 4 of the 2002 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, Robert Horry hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Lakers a 100-99 victory. The shot was a result of a missed shot by Shaquille O’Neal, which was rebounded and kicked out to Horry for the game-winner. The Lakers went on to win the series and secure their third consecutive championship.
4. “The Ray Allen Shot” – Ray Allen, 2013 NBA Finals
In Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs, Ray Allen hit a game-tying three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left to force overtime. The shot came off a rebound from a missed three-pointer by LeBron James. The Heat eventually won the game and went on to win the series in Game 7, capturing their second consecutive championship.
5. “The Kyrie Irving Shot” – Kyrie Irving, 2016 NBA Finals
In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, Kyrie Irving hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 53 seconds remaining, breaking a 89-89 tie. The shot helped secure the Cavaliers’ first-ever NBA championship and came over Warriors’ guard Stephen Curry. Irving’s shot will forever be remembered as a crucial moment in Cleveland sports history.
These buzzer beaters represent just a few of the many unforgettable moments that have occurred in NBA championship games. Each shot not only provided dramatic conclusions to games but also became enduring symbols of the resilience, skill, and clutch performances of the players involved.
