NBA's 60 Greatest Playoff Moments (65 items)

1.

#1 - Michael Jordan's pull-up jumper

With Chicago trailing by three points in the final minute, Jordan first scored on a drive. Then he stripped the ball from Karl Malone at the defensive end. Finally, he buried the game-winning shot, a 20-footer with 5.2 seconds left, that gave the Bulls an 87-86 victory and their sixth championship in eight years.

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2.

#2 - Magic Johnson a team to himself

Abdul-Jabbar and the rest of the Lakers caught Johnson's enthusiasm that year, and they rode it to a Finals date against Julius Erving and the Philadelphia 76ers. The teams split the first four games before Abdul-Jabbar suffered a sprained ankle in Game 5, which the Lakers somehow managed to win anyway 108-103. Abdul-Jabbar limped his way to 14 ... [more] Abdul-Jabbar and the rest of the Lakers caught Johnson's enthusiasm that year, and they rode it to a Finals date against Julius Erving and the Philadelphia 76ers. The teams split the first four games before Abdul-Jabbar suffered a sprained ankle in Game 5, which the Lakers somehow managed to win anyway 108-103. Abdul-Jabbar limped his way to 14 points down the stretch.

Game 6 looked like it would be a different story. When the team gathered at the airport for the flight to Philadelphia, Abdul-Jabbar stayed home. Not to worry, said Johnson, who boarded the plane and planted himself into Abdul-Jabbar's customary front-row seat. He winked to coach Paul Westhead and then playfully announced to his teammates: "Never fear, E.J. is here!"

Johnson's confidence lifted his team's spirits, and then he backed it up with one of the most remarkable games in NBA Playoff history. He began by jumping the opening tap in Abdul-Jabbar's place, then went on to play every position on the floor at one time or another, from his customary point guard role to Abdul-Jabbar's pivot spot. Johnson scored 42 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and handed out 7 assists as the Lakers stunned the 76ers 123-107 to clinch the first of his five NBA championships. Lost in Magic's brilliance was the play of Jamaal Wilkes who finished with 37 points, 25 in the second half.

After the game, Magic looked into the TV cameras and sent a message to Abdul-Jabbar back in his Bel-Air home: "This one's for you, Big Fella!" [less]

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3.

#3 - Willis Reed plays through the pain

It was Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, and nobody knew if Willis Reed would play. The center and captain of the New York Knicks had suffered a torn muscle in his right thigh during Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers, and had not played in Game 6 when Wilt Chamberlain's 45 points and 27 rebounds enabled the Lakers to tie the series at 3-3.

Whe... [more] It was Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, and nobody knew if Willis Reed would play. The center and captain of the New York Knicks had suffered a torn muscle in his right thigh during Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers, and had not played in Game 6 when Wilt Chamberlain's 45 points and 27 rebounds enabled the Lakers to tie the series at 3-3.

When the teams took the floor for pre-game warmups, Reed was not with his New York teammates. He remained in the lockerroom, deep in the bowels of the building.

"I wanted to play," Reed recalls. "That was for the championship, the one great moment you play for all your life. I didn't want to have to look at myself in the mirror 20 years later and say I wished I had tried to play."

Reed took an injection to dull the pain in his leg, and just moments before tipoff he limped through the tunnel and onto the court. Waves of cheers cascaded down from the Garden stands as fans caught sight of the Knicks' captain, a sight that was not lost on New York's opponents.

"I saw the whole Laker team standing around staring at this man," said Knicks guard Walt Frazier. "When I saw that, when they stopped warming up, something told me we might have these guys!"

Reed lined up against Chamberlain for the opening tap and scored the Knicks' first two baskets of the game. Those would prove to be his only points, but his presence was more than enough to inspire the Knicks to a 113-99 victory and the franchise's first NBA Championship. Overshadowed by Reed's emotion-charged effort was one of the great playoff performances in NBA history by Frazier, who led the Knicks with 36 points and 19 assists. [less]

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4.

#4 - Larry Bird steals the inbound

The defending champion Boston Celtics were down and almost out. Playing the young, tough-as-nails Detroit Pistons in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, the aging Celtics were in danger of losing Game 5, which would have given the Pistons a chance to clinch the series at home in Game 6.

With Boston down by a point and Detroit in possession of t... [more] The defending champion Boston Celtics were down and almost out. Playing the young, tough-as-nails Detroit Pistons in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, the aging Celtics were in danger of losing Game 5, which would have given the Pistons a chance to clinch the series at home in Game 6.

With Boston down by a point and Detroit in possession of the ball in the closing seconds of the game, those famed Celtic leprechauns decided to make an appearance.

As Detroit's Isiah Thomas prepared to toss the ball inbounds from the sideline, Boston's Larry Bird looked away from his man and stole a glance at Thomas. He saw the Pistons' captain look toward center Bill Laimbeer in the low post an instant before releasing the ball. So Bird cut into the passing lane and stole the ball before it could reach Laimbeer's hands.

His momentum looked like it would carry him out of bounds, but Bird somehow managed to gather his balance at the baseline and turn toward the court, where he spotted teammate Dennis Johnson beginning his cut from the foul line toward the basket. Bird whipped a crisp pass to DJ who laid it in with one second remaining for a 108-107 victory.

The steal was remarkable. Bird's instinct and ability to turn it into the winning basket only compounded the greatness of the play.

"Larry's mind takes an instant picture of the whole court," noted Bill Fitch, Bird's first coach with the Celtics. "He sees creative possibilities."

The Celtics went on to win the series in seven games and advance to the NBA Finals for the fourth year in a row, where they would surrender their title to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. [less]

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5.

#5 - Johnny Most calls Game 7 of the '65 Eastern Conference Finals

It is the most famous radio call in basketball history, hoops' equivalent to Russ Hodges' famed "The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!" from baseball's 1951 National League playoffs. There simply is nothing like the gravelly tones of the late Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most describing the closing seconds of Game 7 of the 1965 E... [more] It is the most famous radio call in basketball history, hoops' equivalent to Russ Hodges' famed "The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!" from baseball's 1951 National League playoffs. There simply is nothing like the gravelly tones of the late Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most describing the closing seconds of Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals between the defending champion Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Hall of Fame guard Hal Greer prepared to toss the ball inbounds under his own basket. The logical target seemed to be massive Wilt Chamberlain in the low post, but Russell fronted Chamberlain and took away that option. K.C. Jones, guarding Greer, leaped along the baseline and frantically waved his arms to distract him as the five seconds ticked away.

To get a better view of the court, Greer jumped up and spotted high-scoring forward Chet Walker, seemingly open beyond the key. But Boston's John Havlicek had taken a position several feet off the direct line between Greer and Walker, making it look like Walker was open when he really wasn't. After counting off a couple of seconds in his head, Havlicek sneaked a peek over his shoulder at Greer just as he prepared to release the ball. He moved into the passing lane ... but let Most tell it:

"Greer is putting the ball into play. He gets it out deep," Most intones, before his voices rises into a frenzy. "Havlicek steals it. Over to Sam Jones. Havlicek stole the ball! It's all over! Johnny Havlicek stole the ball!"

Havlicek tipped the inbounds pass away from Walker and toward teammate Jones, who dribbled out the clock as fans poured onto the court. The Celtics had the win, and would go on to capture their seventh consecutive championship.

Havlicek went on to score over 26,000 points in an NBA career that lasted 16 seasons, but he is best remembered for that steal immortalized on tape by the late Johnny Most. [less]

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6.

#6 - Gar Heard sends it to a 3rd overtime

It was a game that many call the greatest ever. Former Hall of Fame player Rick Barry, who broadcast the game, called it "the most exciting basketball game I've ever seen," and anyone fortunate enough to be in Boston Garden on Friday night, June 4, 1976, would likely agree.

It was Game 5 of the NBA Finals, a series that was tied 2-2 between the... [more] It was a game that many call the greatest ever. Former Hall of Fame player Rick Barry, who broadcast the game, called it "the most exciting basketball game I've ever seen," and anyone fortunate enough to be in Boston Garden on Friday night, June 4, 1976, would likely agree.

It was Game 5 of the NBA Finals, a series that was tied 2-2 between the tradition-steeped Boston Celtics and the upstart Phoenix Suns, a team born out of expansion less than a decade earlier. The game went three overtimes, the first Finals game ever to last that long, and had enough thrills, twists, and turns for a whole series.

There was an unacknowledged timeout at the end of the first overtime that, had it been granted to Boston's Paul Silas, would have resulted in a technical foul and given the Suns a chance to win the game. But referee Richie Powers chose to ignore the signal, and the teams played on.

In the second overtime, Phoenix grabbed a one-point lead with four seconds left but Boston's John Havlicek raced the length of the floor and scored on a 15-foot bank shot that brought hundreds of Celtics fans pouring onto the fabled parquet. After order was restored, the officials put one second back on the clock and prepared to give Phoenix the ball.

That's when the Suns' Paul Westphal asked for, and received, a timeout he knew his team did not have. The strategey resulted in a technical foul, which stretched Boston's lead to two points, but it enabled the Suns to make the inbounds pass from midcourt. Gar Heard caught the ensuing pass, turned and sank a jumper at the buzzer to send the game into its third overtime, stunning and nearly silencing the Garden faithful.

With key players on both teams having fouled out, it was a seldom-used reserve, Glenn McDonald, who rose to the occasion for the Celtics. He scored six points in the third OT to lead Boston to an exhausting 128-126 win. Two days later, the Celtics beat the Suns 87-80 in Phoenix to wrap up their 13th NBA championship. [less]

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7.

#7 - Jerry West's amazing 60-footer

The 1970 NBA Finals are best-known for Willis Reed's inspirational moment, when he limped out onto the floor at Madison Square Garden for Game 7 and scored New York's first two baskets of the game, sparking the Knicks to a 113-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers for the franchise's first NBA championship.

But Game 3 of that series produced a... [more] The 1970 NBA Finals are best-known for Willis Reed's inspirational moment, when he limped out onto the floor at Madison Square Garden for Game 7 and scored New York's first two baskets of the game, sparking the Knicks to a 113-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers for the franchise's first NBA championship.

But Game 3 of that series produced another memorable moment in NBA history, thanks to an amazing shot by Lakers guard Jerry West, who earned the nickname "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to perform in pressure situations.

After splitting the first two games, the teams moved to Los Angeles for Game 3 and the Lakers promptly grabbed a 56-42 halftime lead. The Knicks, led by Dave DeBusschere and Dick Barnett, chipped away at the margin in the third quarter and finally drew even at 96-96 with two minutes to play. The lead seesawed until Wilt Chamberlain made one of two free throw attempts to tie the score again at 100 with 13 seconds left.

DeBusschere scored on a short jumper with three seconds to play to put New York up by two. The Lakers were out of timeouts, so West took the inbounds pass from Chamberlain in the backcourt, dribbled as far as he dared and then launched a 60-footer. It found its target as DeBusschere, under the basket, threw his arms up in disgust.

West's bomb tied the score at 102-102 and sent the game into overtime, but the Knicks managed to regroup for a 111-108 win. Had West's shot been taken today it would have been worth three points and the Lakers would have won the game in regulation, which might well have changed the course of that series. [less]

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8.

#8 - Magic Johnson's running sky-hook

It was the end of a period in the 1980s in which it seemed like every NBA Finals matchup featured the Celtics and the Lakers, although in reality the two teams met only three times in the decade. The 1987 NBA Finals in a way marked the end of an era.

With the Lakers up 2-1, Game 4 in Boston was a pivotal one. Win, and the Celtics were even with... [more] It was the end of a period in the 1980s in which it seemed like every NBA Finals matchup featured the Celtics and the Lakers, although in reality the two teams met only three times in the decade. The 1987 NBA Finals in a way marked the end of an era.

With the Lakers up 2-1, Game 4 in Boston was a pivotal one. Win, and the Celtics were even with their long-time foes. Lose, and it would be an uphill battle to win another title.

Boston rolled out to a 16-point halftime lead, but the Lakers whittled away at it until they were within eight points with three minutes left and down just 103-102 with 30 seconds to play. A pick-and-roll from Magic Johnson to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar put Los Angeles in front, but Larry Bird responded with a three-pointer to put Boston back on top 106-104 with 12 seconds left. After being fouled on the next possession, Abdul-Jabbar made the first and missed the second, but the rebound squirted out of bounds off Boston.

After a timeout, Johnson took the inbounds pass near the left sideline. He thought about launching a jumper, but lanky Kevin McHale was in his way. So he dribbled toward the key, with McHale in pursuit and Bird and Robert Parish moving over to join him. Before they could collapse on him at the foul line, however, Johnson tossed an old-fashioned running hook shot that nestled through the net, giving the Lakers the lead. After Bird missed an attempt at the buzzer, the Lakers had a 107-106 victory; they went on to win the series in six games.

Afterwards, Johnson labeled the shot "my junior, junior sky-hook," after Abdul-Jabbar's favorite weapon.

"You expect to lose to the Lakers on a sky-hook," noted Bird. "You don't expect it to be from Magic." [less]

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9.

#9 - Bob Pettit and his revenge

The Boston Celtics and St. Louis Hawks staged one of the best rivalries of the NBA's early era, meeting in the NBA Finals four times in five years beginning with the 1956-57 season.

That would be the first of a record 16 titles that immortalized the Boston Celtics as the most successful franchise in pro basketball, and it went down to the wire.... [more] The Boston Celtics and St. Louis Hawks staged one of the best rivalries of the NBA's early era, meeting in the NBA Finals four times in five years beginning with the 1956-57 season.

That would be the first of a record 16 titles that immortalized the Boston Celtics as the most successful franchise in pro basketball, and it went down to the wire. The Celtics survived for a 125-123 double overtime victory in Game 7 as St. Louis player-coach Alex Hannum threw a court-length inbounds pass off the backboard to Hawks star Bob Pettit, whose attempt at a tying shot rolled off the rim as time expired.

Revenge for Pettit and the Hawks came swiftly. One year later, the same two teams squared off in the 1958 NBA Finals, and this time it was Pettit and the Hawks who had the last laugh.

They stunned the Celtics by winning Game 1 104-102 in the series opener at Boston Garden. After Boston tied the series by winning Game 2, Celtics star Bill Russell suffered a sprained ankle in Game 3 that would hamper him for the rest of the series. The teams split Games 3 and 4, but the Hawks took command with a 102-100 win in Game 5 and returned to St. Louis determined to close out the championship series in Game 6.

The 6-9 Pettit turned in one of his finest performances, scoring 31 points in the first three quarters and then dominating the fourth period by tallying 19 of his team's last 21 points. His final basket came on a tip-in with 15 seconds remaining and gave the Hawks a three-point lead, enabling them to withstand a late Celtics basket for a 110-109 win and the Hawks' only NBA Championship.

Pettit's 50-point game matched what was then the NBA record, set by Bob Cousy of Boston in a four-overtime game in 1953. The Finals record is now 61 points, set by Elgin Baylor of the Lakers in 1962. Michael Jordan holds the Playoffs record with 63. [less]

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10.

#10 - Michael Jordan's 63 points in the Boston Garden

Jordan was able to play in only 18 regular-season games in his second year in the NBA, after breaking a small bone in his foot in Chicago's third game of the year. Although he was encouraged to sit out the end of the season in order to make sure he was fully healed for the next, he insisted on coming back late in the season and led the Bulls to ... [more] Jordan was able to play in only 18 regular-season games in his second year in the NBA, after breaking a small bone in his foot in Chicago's third game of the year. Although he was encouraged to sit out the end of the season in order to make sure he was fully healed for the next, he insisted on coming back late in the season and led the Bulls to the 1986 NBA Playoffs.

It was in Game 2 of Chicago's first round matchup against the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics that Jordan showed just how thoroughly he had recovered. In the hallowed halls of the Boston Garden, he set a playoff record by scoring an amazing 63 points against what many considered to be one of the greatest NBA teams ever. The Celtics won the game, 135-131 in double-overtime, and went on to sweep the Bulls, but Jordan's playoff record still stands.

"Michael was doing so much and so well, I found myself just wanting to stop and watch him -- and I was playing," said teammate John Paxson.

"I didn't think anyone was capable of doing what Michael has done to us," marveled Celtics ace Larry Bird. "He is the most exciting, awesome player in the game today. I think it's just God disguised as Michael Jordan." [less]

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11.

#11 - Ralph Sampson game winner vs. Lakers

Game 5, 1986 Western Conference Finals:

"Rodney McCray passes to Ralph Sampson who, with his back to the basket and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar defending, caught the ball in mid-air, spun and blindly lofted the ball towards the basket where it hit the front of the rim, hung tantalizingly in the air, drifted down, glanced off the back rim and tumbled th... [more] Game 5, 1986 Western Conference Finals:

"Rodney McCray passes to Ralph Sampson who, with his back to the basket and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar defending, caught the ball in mid-air, spun and blindly lofted the ball towards the basket where it hit the front of the rim, hung tantalizingly in the air, drifted down, glanced off the back rim and tumbled through the hoop as time expired, propelling the Rockets into the NBA Finals and ending the Lakers four-year run of Western Conference dominance. [less]

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12.

#12 - Bill Russell's 30-point, 40-rebound performance, Frank Selvy missed shot, Cousy dribbles out clock

Game 7, 1962 NBA Finals:

After Frank Selvy missed a game-winning shot for the Lakers at the end of regulation, the Celtics prevailed 110-107 in OT. Bill Russell had 30 points and 40 rebounds, and Bob Cousy famously scurried around the backcourt with a clock-burning display of right-handed dribbling.

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13.

#13 - Isiah Thomas, 43 points (25 In 4th), 8 assists on bad ankle

Game 6, 1988 NBA Finals:

Playing on an ankle so severely sprained he could barely put weight on it, Isiah Thomas scored 25 points in the third quarter -- a Finals record for points in a quarter. Despite his valiant effort, the Pistons would lose Game 6 and eventually the series to the Lakers.

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14.

#14 - Julius Erving's ultimate baseline scoop move vs. Lakers

Game 4, 1980 NBA Finals:

In the fourth quarter of Game 4, with his Sixers trailing 2-1 in the series, Julius Erving delivered perhaps the ultimate move of his highlight-filled career to help Philly to a 105-102 win. Dr. J drove baseline, elevated, reached back behind the backboard with the ball and somehow emerged on the opposite side of the ba... [more] Game 4, 1980 NBA Finals:

In the fourth quarter of Game 4, with his Sixers trailing 2-1 in the series, Julius Erving delivered perhaps the ultimate move of his highlight-filled career to help Philly to a 105-102 win. Dr. J drove baseline, elevated, reached back behind the backboard with the ball and somehow emerged on the opposite side of the basket to convert the circus shot. "The greatest move I've ever seen in a basketball game," Magic Johnson called it. [less]

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15.

#15 - Elgin Baylor's 61-point, 22-rebound performance vs. Celtics

Game 5, 1962 NBA Finals:

The Los Angeles Lakers were making their first Finals appearance and it looked as if they were going to make it a success thanks to Elgin Baylor. The forward poured in a Finals record (and then-playoffs record) 61 points against the Celtics in the Boston Garden, giving the Lakers a 3-2 series lead.

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16.

#16 - Kareem hooks Celtics in 2OT

Game 6, 1974 NBA Finals:

After tying this classic in regulation and at the end of the first overtime, John Havlicek hit a rainbow over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to give Boston a 101-100 lead with seven seconds left in the second OT. From there, Oscar Robertson inbounded the ball to Kareem. The league MVP dribbled down the right and hit a difficult sk... [more] Game 6, 1974 NBA Finals:

After tying this classic in regulation and at the end of the first overtime, John Havlicek hit a rainbow over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to give Boston a 101-100 lead with seven seconds left in the second OT. From there, Oscar Robertson inbounded the ball to Kareem. The league MVP dribbled down the right and hit a difficult sky hook over Henry Finkel, in the game to replace the fouled-out Dave Cowens, to give Milwaukee a 102-101 win and send the series to a seventh game. The Celtics would rally to win Game 7 on the road, with Cowens playing all but one minute of the clincher, scoring 28 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. [less]

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17.

#17 - Michael Jordan flu game

Game 5, 1997 NBA Finals:

Bitten hard by the flu bug, Michael Jordan was so ill some speculated that he wouldn't be able to play in Game 5 against the Jazz in Utah with the series tied at 2-2. Jordan fought the Jazz, dehydration and exhaustion (he could barely walk to the bench during timeouts) -- and won. Jordan turned in another masterful perf... [more] Game 5, 1997 NBA Finals:

Bitten hard by the flu bug, Michael Jordan was so ill some speculated that he wouldn't be able to play in Game 5 against the Jazz in Utah with the series tied at 2-2. Jordan fought the Jazz, dehydration and exhaustion (he could barely walk to the bench during timeouts) -- and won. Jordan turned in another masterful performance with 38 points and seven rebounds, sending the series back to Chicago with the Bulls up 3-2 in the series. Two days later, the Bulls won their fifth title in six years. [less]

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18.

#18 - Derek Fisher's miracle shot

Game 5, 2004 Western Conference Semifinals:

Playing a game of can you top this, LA's Derek Fisher hits a fadeaway jumper from the left corner over Manu Ginobili at the buzzer -- after having watched Tim Duncan hit a 20-foot fadeaway of his own with 0.4 seconds remaining -- as the Lakers take command of the series and head back to Los Angeles up... [more] Game 5, 2004 Western Conference Semifinals:

Playing a game of can you top this, LA's Derek Fisher hits a fadeaway jumper from the left corner over Manu Ginobili at the buzzer -- after having watched Tim Duncan hit a 20-foot fadeaway of his own with 0.4 seconds remaining -- as the Lakers take command of the series and head back to Los Angeles up 3-2. [less]

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19.

#19 - John Stockton's game winner sends Jazz to Finals

Game 6, 1997 Western Conference Finals:

After 11 consecutive years of playoff exits, the NBA's foremost duo, John Stockton and Karl Malone finally get their chance to play for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Stockton scores 15 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer off a Malone screen as time expires, to give the Jazz a 103... [more] Game 6, 1997 Western Conference Finals:

After 11 consecutive years of playoff exits, the NBA's foremost duo, John Stockton and Karl Malone finally get their chance to play for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Stockton scores 15 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer off a Malone screen as time expires, to give the Jazz a 103-100 victory over the Houston Rockets and send the Jazz on their first ever trip to the NBA Finals. [less]

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20.

#20 - Michael Jordan's game-winner over Craig Ehlo

Game 5, 1989 Eastern Conference First Round:

Cavs fans got their first taste of Jordan's greatness when MJ caught the inbounds pass along the sideline, sprinted across court with the ball, elevated and magically tossed in his dagger over the vainly outstretched arm of Craig Ehlo. Richfield Coliseum patrons could only admire his brilliance and w... [more] Game 5, 1989 Eastern Conference First Round:

Cavs fans got their first taste of Jordan's greatness when MJ caught the inbounds pass along the sideline, sprinted across court with the ball, elevated and magically tossed in his dagger over the vainly outstretched arm of Craig Ehlo. Richfield Coliseum patrons could only admire his brilliance and watch as Jordan pumped his fists in triumph. [less]

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21.

#21 - Don Nelson's shot

Game 7, 1969 NBA Finals:

The Celtics were watching a 17-point fourth-quarter lead slip away against the heavily favored Lakers at the Forum. With the lead cut to 103-102 in the final minutes, the ball was knocked away from John Havlicek, into the hands of Don Nelson at the free-throw line. Nellie put up a shot that hit the back of the rim and g... [more] Game 7, 1969 NBA Finals:

The Celtics were watching a 17-point fourth-quarter lead slip away against the heavily favored Lakers at the Forum. With the lead cut to 103-102 in the final minutes, the ball was knocked away from John Havlicek, into the hands of Don Nelson at the free-throw line. Nellie put up a shot that hit the back of the rim and got the ultimate shooter's bounce: straight down and straight through the net. From there, Boston held on to win 108-106 as Bill Russell retired with the most improbable of his 11 titles. [less]

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22.

#22 - Michael Jordan's 3-pointers vs. Blazers

Game 1, 1992 NBA Finals:

Even Michael Jordan didn't know what to make of it. Not known for his 3-point shooting, Jordan just shrugged his shoulders after draining his record-setting sixth trey over Clifford Robinson during the first half of Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jordan's 35 first-half points set a Finals record and he finis... [more] Game 1, 1992 NBA Finals:

Even Michael Jordan didn't know what to make of it. Not known for his 3-point shooting, Jordan just shrugged his shoulders after draining his record-setting sixth trey over Clifford Robinson during the first half of Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jordan's 35 first-half points set a Finals record and he finished with 39. [less]

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23.

#23 - Rookies Heinsohn & Russell, Ramsey leads Celtics to first Title

Game 7, 1957 NBA Finals:

If this series had taken placed today, it might be called the greatest ever. It opened with St. Louis defeating the Celtics in Boston Garden 125-123 in double-OT. It ended in Game 7 with St. Louis losing to the Celtics in Boston Garden 125-123 in double overtime after Bob Pettit's last second attempt rolled off the rim.... [more] Game 7, 1957 NBA Finals:

If this series had taken placed today, it might be called the greatest ever. It opened with St. Louis defeating the Celtics in Boston Garden 125-123 in double-OT. It ended in Game 7 with St. Louis losing to the Celtics in Boston Garden 125-123 in double overtime after Bob Pettit's last second attempt rolled off the rim. Each of the Hawks' three wins were by two points. With the exception of Game 7, the Celtics never won by less than five points. How did the two Celtics "rookies" handle the pressure of Game 7 in the Finals? Russell -- 19 points, 32 rebounds; Heinsohn -- 37 points and 23 rebounds, along with Frank Ramsey were instrumental in leading the Celtics to its first ever NBA title. [less]

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24.

#24 - Pacers defeat the Knicks, Reggie Miller's 8 points in 8.9 seconds

Game 1, 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals:

Reggie Miller capped a 31-point game by scoring eight points over an 8.9-second span, wiping out a six-point Knicks lead and giving the Pacers a series-opening 107-105 win before a stunned MSG audience.

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25.

#25 - Robert Horry 3-pointer vs. Pistons

Game 5, 2005 Finals:

Robert Horry delivers yet another memorable playoff moment, leading the Spurs to a double OT win and a 3-2 Series lead. In what will go down as one of the great clutch performances of all-time, "Big-Shot Rob" scores all 21 of his points in the fourth quarter and overtime, including a 3-pointer with 5.8 seconds remaining, to... [more] Game 5, 2005 Finals:

Robert Horry delivers yet another memorable playoff moment, leading the Spurs to a double OT win and a 3-2 Series lead. In what will go down as one of the great clutch performances of all-time, "Big-Shot Rob" scores all 21 of his points in the fourth quarter and overtime, including a 3-pointer with 5.8 seconds remaining, to give the Spurs a 96-95 victory at the Palace, where the Pistons had been 63-19 over the past two regular seasons. Despite Detroit's Game 6 bounce-back win, the Spurs would end any thoughts Detroit had of back-to-back championships, as they closed it out in front of the home crowd, 81-74. [less]

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26.

#26 - Gerald Henderson steal vs. Lakers

Game 2, 1984 NBA Finals:

After losing Game 1 at home, the Celtics were in a state of desperation at Boston Garden in Game 2: the Lakers had the ball and a 113-111 lead with 18 seconds left. Then, Gerald Henderson saved the day for Boston, stealing James Worthy's soft crosscourt pass and driving in for a game-tying layup. The Celtics would go on... [more] Game 2, 1984 NBA Finals:

After losing Game 1 at home, the Celtics were in a state of desperation at Boston Garden in Game 2: the Lakers had the ball and a 113-111 lead with 18 seconds left. Then, Gerald Henderson saved the day for Boston, stealing James Worthy's soft crosscourt pass and driving in for a game-tying layup. The Celtics would go on the win the game 124-121 in OT, and the series in seven games. [less]

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27.

#27 - Dominique Wilkins vs. Larry Bird 4th quarter duel

Game 7, 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals:

Larry Bird prevails in a classic playoff duel with Atlanta's Dominique Wilkins as the Celts outlast the Hawks. Wilkins pours in 47 points but it is not enough to overcome the Celtics and Larry Bird, who scores 20 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter to advance, 118-116.

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28.

#28 - Robert Horry's 3-pointer vs. Sacramento

Game 4, 2002 Western Conference Finals:

During the course of a mad scramble under the hoop in the closing seconds, Vlade Divac tries to bat the ball as far away from the basket as possible with the Kings leading by two. The only problem is that he hits it right to a waiting Robert Horry at the three-point line, who calmly drains the game-winnin... [more] Game 4, 2002 Western Conference Finals:

During the course of a mad scramble under the hoop in the closing seconds, Vlade Divac tries to bat the ball as far away from the basket as possible with the Kings leading by two. The only problem is that he hits it right to a waiting Robert Horry at the three-point line, who calmly drains the game-winning three and sends the Lakers on to Sacramento with the series tied 2-2 instead of trailing 3-1. [less]

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29.

#29 - Jerry West's steal & winning layup

Game 3, 1962 NBA Finals:

With the score tied at 115 with four seconds remaining in Game 3, Sam Jones of the Celtics tried to inbound the ball at halfcourt to Bob Cousy. The Lakers' Jerry West stepped in, deflected the ball and raced downcourt for a game-winning layup at the horn. West was mobbed by teammates and the L.A. Sports Arena crowd, and... [more] Game 3, 1962 NBA Finals:

With the score tied at 115 with four seconds remaining in Game 3, Sam Jones of the Celtics tried to inbound the ball at halfcourt to Bob Cousy. The Lakers' Jerry West stepped in, deflected the ball and raced downcourt for a game-winning layup at the horn. West was mobbed by teammates and the L.A. Sports Arena crowd, and carried off the court after giving the Lakers a 2-1 series lead. The Celtics would eventually win the series in an overtime Game 7. [less]

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30.

#30 - Reggie Miller's 25-point fourth quarter vs. Knicks

Game 5, 1994 Eastern Conference Finals:

With the series tied 2-2, the "Knick Killer" unleashed the game of a lifetime, scoring 39 points. It was in the fourth quarter that Miller truly was in the zone, hitting five three-pointers and tallying 25 points as the Pacers rallied to upset New York 93-86.

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31.

#31 - Kareem & the Lakers end Boston Garden curse

Game 6, 1985 NBA Finals:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar absorbed his share of the blame for L.A.'s crushing 148-114 Game 1 loss to Boston in the Memorial Day Massacre. Then the proud 38-year-old responded with a performance that made him the oldest Finals MVP in NBA history. "Cap" scored 29 points in L.A.'s series-clinching 111-100 road win in Game 6 -- t... [more] Game 6, 1985 NBA Finals:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar absorbed his share of the blame for L.A.'s crushing 148-114 Game 1 loss to Boston in the Memorial Day Massacre. Then the proud 38-year-old responded with a performance that made him the oldest Finals MVP in NBA history. "Cap" scored 29 points in L.A.'s series-clinching 111-100 road win in Game 6 -- the Lakers' first Finals win over Boston after eight series defeats, and the Celtics' only taste of Finals elimination on the floor of the Boston Garden. [less]

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32.

#32 - John Paxson's game-winner vs. the Suns

Game 6, 1993 NBA Finals:

Down 98-96 with 14.1 seconds left, the Bulls needed a basket to avoid a Game 7 on the road at Phoenix's America West Arena. Chicago worked the ball from Michael Jordan to Scottie Pippen to Horace Grant, who pitched it out into the reliable hands of John Paxson behind the three-point line. Paxson calmly drilled the three... [more] Game 6, 1993 NBA Finals:

Down 98-96 with 14.1 seconds left, the Bulls needed a basket to avoid a Game 7 on the road at Phoenix's America West Arena. Chicago worked the ball from Michael Jordan to Scottie Pippen to Horace Grant, who pitched it out into the reliable hands of John Paxson behind the three-point line. Paxson calmly drilled the three that clinched a Chicago three-peat. "I've shot like that in my driveway hundreds of thousands of times. It was just reaction," he later said. [less]

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33.

#33 - Blazermania, Bill Walton and the Blazers upset the Sixers

Game 6, 1977 NBA Finals:

Portland erupted in a wild celebration of Blazermania after Bill Walton (20 points, 23 rebounds, 8 blocks, 7 assists) and the Blazers held off the heavily favored Sixers to secure a 109-107 win and complete one of the greatest upsets in Finals history. Philadelphia jumped out to a 2-0 series lead before the Blazers rall... [more] Game 6, 1977 NBA Finals:

Portland erupted in a wild celebration of Blazermania after Bill Walton (20 points, 23 rebounds, 8 blocks, 7 assists) and the Blazers held off the heavily favored Sixers to secure a 109-107 win and complete one of the greatest upsets in Finals history. Philadelphia jumped out to a 2-0 series lead before the Blazers rallied to win four in a row. Not bad for an expansion team that joined in the 1970-71 season. [less]

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34.

#34 - Hakeem blocks Starks and Knicks Title quest

Game 6, 1994 NBA Finals:

After going up three games to two in the NBA Finals, the Knicks fumbled a chance to win their first NBA championship since 1973 when Hakeem Olajuwon deflected John Starks's three-point attempt and the Rockets survived with a 90-88 win in Game 6, forcing a Game 7, which Houston would win, 90-84, squashing the best chance... [more] Game 6, 1994 NBA Finals:

After going up three games to two in the NBA Finals, the Knicks fumbled a chance to win their first NBA championship since 1973 when Hakeem Olajuwon deflected John Starks's three-point attempt and the Rockets survived with a 90-88 win in Game 6, forcing a Game 7, which Houston would win, 90-84, squashing the best chance Knicks center Patrick Ewing will have at winning a ring. Ewing performed valiantly in the battle of two of the game's premier centers, but was outdone by Olajuwon, who was named MVP of the NBA Finals to go along with his MVP honor from the regular season. [less]

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35.

#35 - Bernard King vs. Isiah Thomas

Game 5, 1984 Eastern Conference First Round:

The only thing hotter than Joe Louis Arena on this night, a result of broken air conditioning, was the shooting touch of Bernard King and Isiah Thomas. Stunning the Knicks down the stretch, Isiah Thomas scored 16 points in a span of 93 seconds to force overtime but was outdone by Bernard King. The Kn... [more] Game 5, 1984 Eastern Conference First Round:

The only thing hotter than Joe Louis Arena on this night, a result of broken air conditioning, was the shooting touch of Bernard King and Isiah Thomas. Stunning the Knicks down the stretch, Isiah Thomas scored 16 points in a span of 93 seconds to force overtime but was outdone by Bernard King. The Knick superstar posted 44 points and 12 rebounds, despite playing with the flu and both of his middle fingers dislocated, and capped the extra session with a soaring put-back dunk over four Pistons and two of his own teammates. [less]

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36.

#36 - Moses Malone 'Fo, Fo, Fo'

Game 4, 1983 NBA Finals:

After making his famous "Fo', fo', fo' ..." prediction, Sixers center Moses Malone virtually made good on his promise as Philly went 'Fo, Five, Fo,'losing only once in the playoffs en route to an NBA championship over the Los Angeles Lakers. Malone was named Finals MVP.

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37.

#37 - Shaq flirts with Quadruple Double

Game 2, 2001 NBA Finals:

After the heavily favored Lakers were upset in Game 1 to the Philadelphia 76ers, Shaquille O'Neal took matters into his own hands in Game 2, flirting with a quadruple-double -- 28 points, 20 rebounds, nine assists and a Finals record-tying eight blocks in a 98-89 Lakers victory that tied the series. The Lakers never loo... [more] Game 2, 2001 NBA Finals:

After the heavily favored Lakers were upset in Game 1 to the Philadelphia 76ers, Shaquille O'Neal took matters into his own hands in Game 2, flirting with a quadruple-double -- 28 points, 20 rebounds, nine assists and a Finals record-tying eight blocks in a 98-89 Lakers victory that tied the series. The Lakers never looked back, winning the next three games as O'Neal earned his second straight Finals MVP Award. The Lakers cemented their place in NBA history as one of the greatest teams of all time. The Lakers' record-setting 15-1 record and .937 winning percentage during the postseason is the most dominating run in league playoff history. [less]

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38.

#38 - Celtics 129-125 OT classic over the Lakers

Game 4, 1984 NBA Finals:

The Lakers took an early lead and seemed ready to run off with another victory. From the bench, M.L. Carr screamed at his teammates to become more physical. Kevin McHale complied in the second quarter when he clotheslined Kurt Rambis on a breakaway layup, causing a ruckus under the basket. The incident awakened the Celt... [more] Game 4, 1984 NBA Finals:

The Lakers took an early lead and seemed ready to run off with another victory. From the bench, M.L. Carr screamed at his teammates to become more physical. Kevin McHale complied in the second quarter when he clotheslined Kurt Rambis on a breakaway layup, causing a ruckus under the basket. The incident awakened the Celtics and gave the Lakers reason to pause. Los Angeles later held a five-point lead with less than a minute to play. But Robert Parish stole a bad pass from Magic, and the Lakers' point guard later missed two key free throws, allowing the Celtics to force an overtime. Late in the extra period James Worthy faced a key free-throw attempt. Carr hooted loudly from the bench that he would miss and Worthy did; Maxwell stepped up and greeted him with the choke sign. The Celtics vaulted to a 129-125 win, thanks to Bird's game winner over Magic, which tied the series again, giving Boston the home-court edge. [less]

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39.

#39 - Sleepy Floyd's 29-point quarter, 39-point half, 51-point game

Game 4, 1987 Western Conference Semifinals:

Not wanting to be swept out of the playoffs at the hands of the Lakers, Sleepy Floyd helped the Warriors overcome a 102-88 deficit entering the fourth quarter by scoring 29 points in the final stanza -- 39 in the second half -- and 51 overall. Floyd was 12-for-13 from the field in the fourth quarter a... [more] Game 4, 1987 Western Conference Semifinals:

Not wanting to be swept out of the playoffs at the hands of the Lakers, Sleepy Floyd helped the Warriors overcome a 102-88 deficit entering the fourth quarter by scoring 29 points in the final stanza -- 39 in the second half -- and 51 overall. Floyd was 12-for-13 from the field in the fourth quarter as the Golden State lived to see another game. [less]

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40.

#40 - Larry Bird's Triple Double, caps off 50-1 record at home

Game 6, 1986 NBA Finals:

In 1986, Larry Bird was the NBA's best player and the Boston Celtics the league's best team. And in Game 6 of the 1986 Finals, Bird and the Celtics showed why. Bird helped Boston clinch its 16th NBA title with a triple-double performance of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists, earning Finals MVP honors. It was an amaz... [more] Game 6, 1986 NBA Finals:

In 1986, Larry Bird was the NBA's best player and the Boston Celtics the league's best team. And in Game 6 of the 1986 Finals, Bird and the Celtics showed why. Bird helped Boston clinch its 16th NBA title with a triple-double performance of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists, earning Finals MVP honors. It was an amazing run for the Celtics who lost only once during the entire regular and postseason at Boston Garden in '85-86. For Bird, it was a magical run as well, having earned his third consecutive NBA MVP Award. [less]

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41.

#41 - Michael Jordan switches hands vs. Lakers

Game 2, 1991 NBA Finals:

The succinct call from Marv Albert is iconic: "Oh! A spec-tac-ular move by Michael Jordan!" The mid-air switch from right hand to left was one of 13 consecutive made field goals for Jordan (who went 15-18 for the game), as the Bulls turned a close game against the Lakers into series-tying blowout which propelled them to... [more] Game 2, 1991 NBA Finals:

The succinct call from Marv Albert is iconic: "Oh! A spec-tac-ular move by Michael Jordan!" The mid-air switch from right hand to left was one of 13 consecutive made field goals for Jordan (who went 15-18 for the game), as the Bulls turned a close game against the Lakers into series-tying blowout which propelled them toward their first NBA championship. Not to be forgotten in the Bulls eventual series-win over Los Angeles was the play of Scottie Pippen, who logged more playoff minutes in the championship run than any other Bull and led Chicago in scoring in the Game 5 clincher with 32. [less]

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42.

#42 - Vinnie Johnson's game winner

Game 5, 1990 NBA Finals:

Vinnie Johnson hit a 14-footer with 0.7 seconds left to give Detroit a 92-90 win in Portland, sealing a second consecutive championship for the Pistons. The Microwave sparked Detroit's late rally, scoring seven points in a game-closing 9-0 run.

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43.

#43 - Steve Kerr's game winner

Game 6, 1997 NBA Finals:

After Michael Jordan beat the Jazz at the buzzer of Game 1, the Bulls expected MJ might be double-teamed with the score tied at 86 near the end of Game 6. Reserve sharpshooter Steve Kerr said he'd be ready to knock down the game-winner and he was, hitting a 17-footer to send Chicago to its fifth NBA championship.

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44.

#44 - George Mikan leads Lakers to 1st NBA Title despite a broken hand

Game 5, 1949 NBA Finals:

When we think of playing hurt in the NBA Finals, we think of Willis Reed. But the NBA's original dominant big man, George Mikan, played Game 5 of the 1949 Finals with a cast on his broken wrist. He scored 22 points as the Lakers went on to win their first-ever NBA title. His scoring tear also gave him a then-record 303 ... [more] Game 5, 1949 NBA Finals:

When we think of playing hurt in the NBA Finals, we think of Willis Reed. But the NBA's original dominant big man, George Mikan, played Game 5 of the 1949 Finals with a cast on his broken wrist. He scored 22 points as the Lakers went on to win their first-ever NBA title. His scoring tear also gave him a then-record 303 points in one postseason (10 games). It was the first of five NBA titles for Mikan and the Lakers, the NBA's first dynasty. [less]

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45.

#45 - Wilt Chamberlain's MVP performance secures Lakers place in history

Game 5, 1972 NBA Finals:

No team had cut as wide a swath through the NBA as the Los Angeles Lakers did in 1972. They won 69 games, including a professional sports record of 33 in a row at one point and had breezed their way to the Finals. The Knicks had some hope before Game 5 as reports had Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain unable to play. But Wi... [more] Game 5, 1972 NBA Finals:

No team had cut as wide a swath through the NBA as the Los Angeles Lakers did in 1972. They won 69 games, including a professional sports record of 33 in a row at one point and had breezed their way to the Finals. The Knicks had some hope before Game 5 as reports had Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain unable to play. But Wilt took an anti-inflammatory injection, and his 24 points and 29 rebounds helped the Lakers win their first title in L.A, with Wilt winning the Finals MVP trophy. [less]

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46.

#46 - Sam Jones 'Picket Fence' play

Game 4, 1969 NBA Finals:

In the closing seconds of Game 4, the Celtics ran a real-life version of the Hoosiers "picket fence". Sam Jones came off the screens and got a shooter's roll to beat the Lakers 89-88, tying the series 2-2 and setting up one of the great upsets in Finals history.

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47.

#47 - Tim Duncan's MVP performance, near Quadruple Double

Game 6, 2003 NBA Finals:

Spurs big man and reigning league MVP Tim Duncan had the game of his life in Game 6 of the 2003 NBA Finals. Duncan helped the Spurs overcome a nine-point fourth quarter deficit and he fell two blocks shy of a quadruple-double. His eight blocks tied a playoffs record.

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48.

#48 - Lakers defeat the Blazers

Game 7, 2000 Western Conference Finals:

On the verge of losing three straight games for the first time all season and trailing by 15 points with 10:28 to play in the fourth quarter, the Lakers go a 29-9 run to close out the game and eliminate the Blazers 89-84, punctuated by a thunderous Shaquille O'Neal dunk off a lob from Kobe Bryant.

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49.

#49 - Golden State Warriors upset Washington Bullets

Game 4, 1975 NBA Finals:

In the greatest Finals upset in NBA Finals history, the Golden State Warriors win a nail-biter to finish the sweep over the heavily favored Washington Bullets. The Warriors won all four games by a total margin of just 16 points.

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50.

#50 - Allan Houston stuns the Heat

Game 5, 1999 Eastern Conference First Round:

Allan Houston's short jumper with 0.8 seconds left in the game gave the No. 8 seed New York Knicks a stunning 78-77 victory in the game and a 3-2 win in the series over the Miami Heat.

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51.

#51 - George King secures Nats' NBA Title

Game 7, 1955 NBA Finals:

After making a free throw to give Syracuse a 92-91 lead over Fort Wayne, George King chased down Andy Phillip and made a steal to secure Game 7 in dramatic fashion. Bedlam ensued as Syracuse fans streamed the floor to celebrate the Nats' only championship.

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52.

#52 - James Worthy's Triple Double vs. the Lakers

Game 7, 1988 NBA Finals:

It's no wonder they called him "Big Game" James. Heading back to L.A. down 3-2 to the Pistons, the Lakers scored a one-point win in Game 6, setting the stage for Big Game. In Game 7, Worthy saved his best Finals performance for last with a triple-double: 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists as the Lakers became the fir... [more] Game 7, 1988 NBA Finals:

It's no wonder they called him "Big Game" James. Heading back to L.A. down 3-2 to the Pistons, the Lakers scored a one-point win in Game 6, setting the stage for Big Game. In Game 7, Worthy saved his best Finals performance for last with a triple-double: 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists as the Lakers became the first team since the 1969 Celtics to repeat as NBA champions. [less]

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53.

#53 - Allen Iverson And Sixers shock the Lakers

Game 1, 2001 NBA Finals:

The Los Angeles Lakers had won 19 straight heading into Game 1 of the 2001 Finals, including 11 consecutive wins in the Western Conference playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers had just finished their second consecutive seven-game series three days before, but the Sixers and league MVP Allen Iverson took it to the mighty Lak... [more] Game 1, 2001 NBA Finals:

The Los Angeles Lakers had won 19 straight heading into Game 1 of the 2001 Finals, including 11 consecutive wins in the Western Conference playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers had just finished their second consecutive seven-game series three days before, but the Sixers and league MVP Allen Iverson took it to the mighty Lakers. Iverson poured in 48 points to lead Philly to a shocking Game 1 overtime triumph. [less]

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54.

#54 - Sean Elliott's Memorial Day Miracle

Game 2, 1999 Western Conference Finals:

Having trailed by as many as 18 points late in the third quarter, and down 85-83 with 12 seconds remaining, Sean Elliott produced one of the most memorable plays in Spurs history. Elliott, coming off a screen in the low post, took a pass that was nearly picked off by Portland's Stacey Augmon. Elliott's mo... [more] Game 2, 1999 Western Conference Finals:

Having trailed by as many as 18 points late in the third quarter, and down 85-83 with 12 seconds remaining, Sean Elliott produced one of the most memorable plays in Spurs history. Elliott, coming off a screen in the low post, took a pass that was nearly picked off by Portland's Stacey Augmon. Elliott's momentum carried him to the sideline, where he pirouetted to avoid stepping out of bounds. On his toes and with little time to set himself, Elliott let fly from the corner. The ball dropped through, putting the Spurs up 2-0 in the series and serving as momentum that would result in the first ever title for David Robinson and the Spurs. [less]

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55.

#55 - Mario Elie's 'Kiss Of Death'

Game 7, 1995 Western Conference Semifinals:

After already having come back from a 2-1 series deficit in the first round, Houston completes yet another stunning comeback, this time from 3-1 down against the Suns as Mario Elie nails the game-winning three-pointer from the left corner and then blows a kiss to the hushed Phoenix crowd. On its way t... [more] Game 7, 1995 Western Conference Semifinals:

After already having come back from a 2-1 series deficit in the first round, Houston completes yet another stunning comeback, this time from 3-1 down against the Suns as Mario Elie nails the game-winning three-pointer from the left corner and then blows a kiss to the hushed Phoenix crowd. On its way to the title, Houston would be known as Clutch City. [less]

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56.

#56 - Larry Bird's mid-air switch vs. the Rockets

Game 1, 1981 NBA Finals:

Called "the greatest play I've ever seen" by Red Auerbach, Larry Bird converted a remarkable shot in the fourth quarter of Boston's 98-95 victory. Following his own miss, Bird grabbed the rebound on the run with his right hand and while in midair, with his momentum about to take him behind the backboard and out of bound... [more] Game 1, 1981 NBA Finals:

Called "the greatest play I've ever seen" by Red Auerbach, Larry Bird converted a remarkable shot in the fourth quarter of Boston's 98-95 victory. Following his own miss, Bird grabbed the rebound on the run with his right hand and while in midair, with his momentum about to take him behind the backboard and out of bounds, he switched the ball into his left hand and somehow scooped it into the hoop. [less]

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57.

#57 - Rik Smits' game-winner caps a furious finish

Game 4, 1995 Eastern Conference Finals:

The only thing more amazing about Rik Smits' game-winner at the buzzer to boost the Pacers over the Magic 94-93 might have been the events that preceded it. Leading the Series 2-1, but trailing in the game 89-87, the Magic's Brian Shaw knocks down a three to give Orlando the lead with 13.3 seconds left. T... [more] Game 4, 1995 Eastern Conference Finals:

The only thing more amazing about Rik Smits' game-winner at the buzzer to boost the Pacers over the Magic 94-93 might have been the events that preceded it. Leading the Series 2-1, but trailing in the game 89-87, the Magic's Brian Shaw knocks down a three to give Orlando the lead with 13.3 seconds left. That was followed by a go-ahead three by Reggie Miller with 5.2 seconds left and that was followed by another three, this time by Penny Hardaway, recapturing the lead for Orlando with 1.3 seconds to go and setting the stage for Smits. [less]

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58.

#58 - Kobe takes over

Game 4, 2000 NBA Finals:

Shaquille O'Neal had 36 points and 21 rebounds but it was 21-year-old Kobe Bryant who turned in the eye-opening performance in the Lakers 120-118 overtime win over Indiana. Leading 112-109 with 2:33 remaining in the extra session, O'Neal fouled out, leaving Bryant to try and hold off a hard charging Pacers team, which i... [more] Game 4, 2000 NBA Finals:

Shaquille O'Neal had 36 points and 21 rebounds but it was 21-year-old Kobe Bryant who turned in the eye-opening performance in the Lakers 120-118 overtime win over Indiana. Leading 112-109 with 2:33 remaining in the extra session, O'Neal fouled out, leaving Bryant to try and hold off a hard charging Pacers team, which is exactly what he did in scoring six of the Lakers final eight points, including a tip-in that proved to be the game-winner. "This is the game I've been dreaming about," said Bryant following the contest. [less]

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59.

#59 - Dikembe Mutombo & the Nuggets stun the Sonics

Game 5, 1994 Western Conference First Round:

In a stunning upset, Denver defeats the Sonics 98-94 in overtime to secure one of the greatest wins in playoff history. The series marks the first time ever a No. 8 seed beat a No. 1 seed in the playoffs and leaves us with the indelible image of Dikembe Mutombo clutching the ball in ecstasy as he la... [more] Game 5, 1994 Western Conference First Round:

In a stunning upset, Denver defeats the Sonics 98-94 in overtime to secure one of the greatest wins in playoff history. The series marks the first time ever a No. 8 seed beat a No. 1 seed in the playoffs and leaves us with the indelible image of Dikembe Mutombo clutching the ball in ecstasy as he lay on the court. [less]

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60.

#60 Tied - Reggie Miller's game-winning 3 vs. the Bulls

Game 4, 1998 Eastern Conference Finals:

Defended by Michael Jordan and playing on a sprained ankle, Reggie Miller buried a three with with 0.7 seconds remaining to tie the series at two games apiece. Michael Jordan's attempt hits the rim.

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61.

#60 Tied - John Starks baseline dunk vs. the Bulls

Game 2, 1993 Eastern Conference Finals:

The Garden faithful had watched this scene unfold too many times, especially at the hands of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The clock showed 1:26 remaining and the Knicks had already blown a 14-point third quarter lead when John Starks instantly became a part of New York sports lore. Flashing arou... [more] Game 2, 1993 Eastern Conference Finals:

The Garden faithful had watched this scene unfold too many times, especially at the hands of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The clock showed 1:26 remaining and the Knicks had already blown a 14-point third quarter lead when John Starks instantly became a part of New York sports lore. Flashing around a Patrick Ewing screen, Starks drove baseline and exploded to the rim. Horace Grant and Jordan be damned, Starks rose to the rafters inhabited by past Knick greats and threw down a vicious, lefty tomahawk jam over both. An incredulous Garden crowd erupted at the sight as Starks bounded down the court forever a legend. [less]

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62.

#60 Tied - Andrew 'The Boston Strangler' Toney Strikes

Game 7, 1982 Eastern Conference Finals:

Philadelphia lost a two-game lead the year before and were on the verge of blowing another. The Sixers emerged victorious in one of the most memorable games in franchise history behind 34 points by Andrew Toney, who earned the nickname, "Boston Strangler." Toney averaged 26.5 points in the series. Acknowl... [more] Game 7, 1982 Eastern Conference Finals:

Philadelphia lost a two-game lead the year before and were on the verge of blowing another. The Sixers emerged victorious in one of the most memorable games in franchise history behind 34 points by Andrew Toney, who earned the nickname, "Boston Strangler." Toney averaged 26.5 points in the series. Acknowledging defeat to their archrivals, the Boston Garden crowd chants "Beat L.A.!" sending the Sixers into the Finals. [less]

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63.

Update - LeBron James dominates the Pistons

Game 5 of the 2007 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons. LeBron James scores 48 points, with 29 of the last 30 points for the Cavs in their Game 5 win over the Pistons.

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64.

Update - Reggie Miller's 39 ft. buzzer beater

Game 5, 2002 Eastern Conference First-Round

In 2002, Miller almost single-handedly eliminated the top seed and eventual Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Nets in the fifth and final game of the first round of the playoffs. First, following two missed free throws from New Jersey's Richard Jefferson, Miller sent the game into overtime by ban... [more] Game 5, 2002 Eastern Conference First-Round

In 2002, Miller almost single-handedly eliminated the top seed and eventual Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Nets in the fifth and final game of the first round of the playoffs. First, following two missed free throws from New Jersey's Richard Jefferson, Miller sent the game into overtime by banking in a 39-foot (12 m) three-point shot at the buzzer. [less]

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65.

Golden State Warriors upset the Dallas Mavericks

2007 Western Conference First-Round

The Golden State Warriors made history as the first eight-seed to beat a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series against the Dallas Mavericks.

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