Is it conceivable that a quarter-century has passed since the Lakers secured the initial title of their three consecutive championships with Kobe and Shaq? It may not register as a distant memory, but a considerable amount has transpired in the NBA during this period, and commemorating this twenty-five-year benchmark has fueled our content endeavors. Explore the details below.
We now present the 25 most unforgettable shots of the past 25 years. The majority of these are game-winners, but a few attained legendary status independent of such necessity. Two slam dunks are included. No free throws feature.
Note: These plays must have occurred in or after the year 2000. This criterion excludes all shots by Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller’s eight points in nine seconds, Larry Johnson’s four-point play, Mario Elie’s “kiss of death,” Alonzo Mourning’s buzzer-beater while falling backward, Steve Kerr and John Paxson’s Finals-clinching shots, Magic Johnson’s All-Star Game 3-pointer, Patrick Ewing’s missed finger roll, and numerous others.
These moments will remain enshrined in memory, but they are not eligible for this selection. My ranking method considered stakes and significance, but prioritized the enduring presence of the shot in the average fan’s mind, or the speed with which someone could recall it. Shots that evoke a delayed reaction are positioned lower. Those that remain as vivid as the day they occurred are ranked higher. Simple, isn’t it? Here’s the countdown.
25. Dirk Silences Miami (2011)
It is unfortunate that this play isn’t even more celebrated, considering it symbolizes one of the most notable championship runs of this century. Dallas was on the verge of falling behind 2-0 in the 2011 Finals as Miami’s Big 3 surged to a 15-point advantage with a little over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks then concluded the game with a 22-5 scoring spree, with Dirk Nowitzki contributing Dallas’s final nine points, which included this game-deciding lefty shot with 3.6 seconds remaining. Dallas ultimately triumphed in the series in six games.
24. Durant’s Crucial Game 3 Shot (2017)
When Kevin Durant elevated for this transition 3-pointer in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals, with the Warriors trailing by two and less than a minute to play, and given its occurrence over LeBron James, considerable speculation emerged regarding its symbolic significance, suggesting Durant’s formal ascension past James as the premier player globally. While this wasn’t entirely accurate, Durant was undeniably exceptional during this series, achieving an average of over 35 points per game with remarkable shooting accuracy.
Durant executed another critical Game 3 shot in the 2018 Finals, but in that instance, the Warriors held a lead. This occasion differed significantly. Cleveland was in a position to potentially secure a victory and transform the series at 2-1. Durant effectively nullified that prospect. James exhibited concern about Durant’s attack with substantial momentum, but affording Durant that degree of space when a 3-pointer secures a win and a two-point shot merely ties the score is untenable.
23. Luka Dominates Gobert (2024)
This NBA play is the most recent featured here, occurring in Game 2 of the 2024 Western Conference Finals. The Mavericks trailed by two as the final seconds diminished. Luka Doncic, already renowned for numerous memorable shots in his young career, obtained the desired defensive switch and confronted Rudy Gobert. The latter was isolated and unable to impede Doncic as he unleashed his signature step-back maneuver.
Following the execution of this shot, Doncic expressed his displeasure toward Gobert, a player who is not universally admired within the NBA. This added element contributes to the shot’s enduring significance. The underlying question pertains to Gobert’s presence in the game. Minnesota’s coach, Chris Finch, confirmed post-game that the intention was to switch on all screens, rendering Doncic’s pursuit of Gobert inevitable. Finch placed his player in a difficult situation, and Luka exploited it decisively.
22. LeBron’s Magic Moment (2009)
LeBron James performed spectacularly in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic, averaging 38.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. Despite this, Orlando eliminated the Cavaliers in six games. Regardless, LeBron delivered the series’ defining shot, and potentially the most significant of his early career, with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to secure Game 2. The shot itself, and the subsequent reaction, are both indelibly etched in basketball memory.
21. Curry Confounds Clippers (2015)
Stephen Curry revolutionized basketball through his ability to execute shots from extended distances and off the dribble with unparalleled precision. He effectively redefined the parameters of a “good shot,” exemplified by his evasive maneuvers through the Clippers, culminating in a spinning, improbable shot that would be universally ill-advised for virtually any other player.
“I recall his movements from the sideline, resembling Curly Neal of the Harlem Globetrotters,” recounted Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “Inwardly, I envisioned every coach I’d ever had cautioning against such a shot. Eventually, I realized its viability, owing to Steph Curry’s capabilities. His success rate exceeds 40%. Steph has earned the prerogative to shoot at will.”
Paul has faced considerable criticism for his playoff performance over the years. Notably, he is the only player in NBA history to forfeit four 2-0 series leads. However, in 2015, Paul reversed this trend as the Clippers recovered from an 0-2 deficit to defeat the defending champion Spurs. Paul also hit the game-winning shot in Game 7 with one second remaining.
This view showcases the shot’s difficulty, with Paul barely clearing Tim Duncan’s extended reach.
20. LeBron Secures Scoring Title (2023)
On February 7, 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with a 15-foot fadeaway shot against the Thunder. Despite the shot’s simplicity, its significance resonated universally. His scoring progress had been closely followed in the preceding weeks. Media outlets extensively covered the countdown. He required 36 points to secure the record at home against Oklahoma City, and he concluded the night with 38,390 career points, a total that has since risen to 40,474.
21. Durant’s Critical Shot (2021)
A significant “what if” play occurred when Durant’s turnaround jumper in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals narrowly missed being a series-winning three-pointer. It appeared to provide the Brooklyn Nets with a one-point advantage with one second remaining. However, the review revealed that Durant’s foot was marginally on the line, downgrading the shot to a two-point basket and tying the score.
If Durant had worn a smaller shoe size, the Nets might have won that game and subsequently faced the Atlanta Hawks in the conference finals. The potential outcomes from that point are speculative.
Giannis Antetokounmpo might not have won a championship. Perhaps Chris Paul would have secured a ring. Alternatively, Durant could have earned his first title independent of Steph Curry and the Warriors, potentially awarding James Harden his first championship and Kyrie Irving his first without LeBron. In this scenario, Durant, Irving, and Harden might still be with the Nets, as opposed to their current positions with the Suns, Mavericks, and Clippers.
The conference finals might have unfolded differently, with the Hawks advancing to the Finals due to the Nets’ injuries (Harden’s early exit and Irving’s absence). How would Trae Young’s reputation be affected by an NBA Finals appearance? The Hawks might have even won the championship had the Bucks not intervened.
However, these scenarios remained unrealized. Durant’s shot merely extended Game 7 into overtime, where the Nets ultimately lost. The subsequent events are well-documented.
22. Kobe’s Final Basket (2016)
The final jump shot of Kobe Bryant’s career is a significant moment in NBA history. It accentuated a sequence of remarkable plays during what might be considered the greatest farewell performance in sports: a 60-point display against the Jazz, who held a six-point lead with 90 seconds remaining.
Kobe then evaded two defenders and converted a shot from the right elbow, reducing the deficit to four. On the subsequent possession, he made a three-pointer from the wing, narrowing Utah’s advantage to one. He then executed the described play.
A classic, Hollywood could not have produced a more suitable ending. It embodied Kobe’s essence: the signature fadeaway jumpshot, the refusal to acknowledge defeat, the intense concentration, the focus, the showmanship, with the entire team, stadium, city, and the NBA community captivated while he remained singularly focused on the basket. Kobe’s passing is difficult to accept, but his shot and legacy endure.
23. Vince Carter’s Dunk
Vince Carter’s “Dunk of Death” over Frederic Weis during the 2000 Olympics is a stunning athletic display worthy of its own Wikipedia entry. Additional commentary is arguably unnecessary.
Weis is a legitimate 7-foot-2, and Carter’s head reached between his legs. Importantly, he did not rely on pushing off Weis to elevate higher, although the feat would remain unbelievable even if he had.
This dunk has been viewed countless times, and it remains astonishing. Within a league comprised of exceptionally athletic individuals, Vince Carter was, and will continue to be, in a distinct athletic tier.
24. LeBron’s Buzzer-Beater (2018)
LeBron James was relentless against the Raptors following his return to Cleveland from Miami, eliminating them for three consecutive years, including two series sweeps. The defining blow was LeBron’s game-winner in Game 3 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Semifinals, as he charged coast-to-coast for a floating shot that landed just as time expired, providing Cleveland a 105-103 victory and a 3-0 series lead.
25. Derek Fisher’s .4 Seconds (2004)
Despite its occurrence two decades prior, the memory of Fisher receiving an inbound pass with his back to the basket and only 0.4 seconds remaining on the clock, then somehow managing to turn and release a shot that cleanly passed through the net to defeat the Spurs in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Finals, is still vivid.
The minimum time needed to catch and shoot is 0.3 seconds. Fisher, despite being turned away from the basket, converted the shot in 0.4 seconds. The moment was shocking and unforgettable for numerous NBA fans.
13. Haliburton Defeats OKC
Tyrese Haliburton delivered a legendary performance during the 2025 playoffs, making four game-tying or game-winning shots in the closing seconds. That total is equivalent to Kobe Bryant’s career total.
He dunked with 1.3 seconds left to eliminate the Bucks in Game 5 of the first round, sank the Cavaliers in Game 2 of the conference semifinals with 1.1 seconds on the clock, tied Game 1 against the Knicks with a buzzer-beater, and ultimately won Game 1 of the Finals.
After trailing by as much as 15 points in the fourth quarter, the Pacers reduced the lead to one with under 20 seconds to play. With 14 seconds remaining, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed a midrange shot. Aaron Nesmith secured the rebound and passed to Haliburton, who then did this.
When the shot was released, viewers likely had one of two thoughts: it was certain to go in, or the possibility of such a repetition was nonexistent. Indeed, it occurred. Haliburton’s Achilles tendon rupture in Game 7 was unfortunate, as he and the Pacers were having an amazing run fueled by comebacks and game-winning shots.
12. Curry’s Medal Winner (2024)
Might this be an instance of recency bias? It is unlikely. This off-balance, falling-away three-pointer, which capped a personal run of four three-pointers in two minutes and sealed a gold medal for the United States, will become the second-most memorable shot of Stephen Curry’s career.
Context is important for ranking shots of this nature. With Curry’s inaugural Olympic appearance and the fanfare surrounding his partnership with LeBron, expectations were at a peak. Somehow, Curry exceeded the anticipation, and this shot was the exclamation.
11. Kobe Defeats Suns (2006)
During a period when the Lakers were struggling, Kobe Bryant attempted to single-handedly carry his team, averaging 35 points per game in the 2005-06 season, earning him the first of two consecutive scoring titles. He appeared ready to eliminate the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.
In Game 4, with the Lakers leading 2-1 in the series, Kobe tied the game with a twisting layup following a steal by Smush Parker. Then, Kobe recovered a jump ball in overtime as it was heading out of bounds, and with the Lakers down by one, raced to the right elbow for a pull-up jumper.
The shot appeared destined to go in from the moment it left his hand. For some, likely due to his celebratory fist pump, this might be the most memorable shot of Kobe’s career.
10. Lillard Silences Rockets (2014)
Damian Lillard’s other, more recent series-ending shot has somewhat overshadowed this one. But this 30-foot catch-and-shoot with under a second remaining in Game 6 of the 2014 first-round series against Houston launched the legend of Lillard.
Lillard’s emphatic call for the ball, clapping his hands and sprinting toward the in-bounder as he sensed separation from Chandler Parsons, is just as striking as the shot. This occurred during Lillard’s first playoff series and second year in the league, yet he actively solicited the shot. This was the genesis of one of the most clutch shooters in history.
9. Haliburton Stuns Knicks
Though not a game-winner, it was initially perceived as such. The Pacers completed an improbable comeback, overcoming a 17-point deficit with six minutes to play. Despite trailing by nine points with less than a minute left, Aaron Nesmith hit three three-pointers in 36 seconds. After OG Anunoby made one of two free throws to increase New York’s lead to two with seven seconds left, Haliburton executed this.
Assessing these Haliburton plays without acknowledging recency bias is difficult. At the moment, I felt like I was witnessing iconic events. The memory of the Finals game-winner might fade somewhat due to the Pacers’ series loss and Haliburton’s injury, but this shot against New York will endure.
It occurred against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Haliburton gestured toward the New York crowd, referencing the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals when Reggie Miller scored eight points in nine seconds before taunting Spike Lee. That Miller play was iconic, so for Haliburton to accomplish something arguably more impressive (with Nesmith’s help) in the same arena, playing for the same Indiana team, while performing the same gesture with Reggie Miller on commentary, is noteworthy. They would deem such an ending excessive, even for movies.
But truth is often stranger than fiction. Initially, the shot being ruled a two-pointer was thought to diminish its iconic status, but it heightened the drama as players, coaches, and fans worldwide regrouped for overtime. The Pacers managed to maintain composure to complete the victory.
8. Kobe’s Pass to Shaq (2000)
The play unfolded in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals. The Lakers, who trailed by 15 points against the Blazers in the fourth quarter, rallied to take a four-point lead with less than a minute left.
With 41 seconds remaining, 21-year-old Kobe Bryant evaded Scottie Pippen and drove into the lane, compelling Brian Grant to help defensively. This left Shaquille O’Neal open for a lob pass from Bryant, resulting in an iconic alley-oop.
The Lakers proceeded to win the first of three consecutive championships, defeating Reggie Miller and the Pacers in six games weeks later.
7. Curry’s Shot Against OKC (2016)
Stephen Curry’s 38-foot shot against Oklahoma City in February 2016 was an all-time moment. My reaction to the shot was especially enthusiastic. Mike Breen’s commentary said it all: no one could believe what they had seen.
Curry’s performance that season was extraordinary. He consistently made shots that defied logic. He scored 46 points in this game against the Thunder, as the Warriors trailed by 11 points with under five minutes to play.
With Curry making 402 three-pointers at a 45% clip, even a 30-point lead against the Warriors felt vulnerable. Curry continued to shoot and typically caught fire. As a result, he became must-see TV, as he might casually attempt a shot from half court in a tie game during overtime, even with a timeout available.
Regardless of his talent, the sheer boldness of this shot places it among the top ten. Curry may never make a more memorable shot.
6. Robert Horry Defeats Kings (2002)
The Lakers-Kings playoff series from the early 2000s were classics. In the 2002 Western Conference Finals, Sacramento seemed poised to advance with a 2-1 series lead and a two-point advantage in the closing seconds of Game 4.
Kobe missed a potential game-tying layup, and Shaq missed the follow-up attempt. Vlade Divac then swatted the ball away from the basket, hoping time would expire. Instead, the ball arrived perfectly at chest height to Robert Horry, who made the buzzer-beating shot.
Divac called this a “lucky shot.”
Horry responded, “That wasn’t a lucky shot. I’ve been doing that my entire career. He should know. He better read a paper or something.”
Horry was correct. His nickname of “Big Shot Bob” was earned. He has made more critical shots than most players, and none was greater than this.
5. Lillard’s Goodbye (2019)
Lillard’s series-winning, 38-foot buzzer-beater occurred during a period of tension between Lillard and the Thunder. Lillard and Russell Westbrook had exchanged comments in the media for years, and Dennis Schroder mocked Lillard’s “Dame Time” celebration earlier in the series.
Lillard’s literal wave goodbye to the Thunder bench was the most audacious sendoff in NBA history, surpassing even Curry’s “night-night” celebration, Kobe’s fist pump, and Jordan’s follow-through in Utah.
6. Leonard bounces 76ers (2019)
It felt as if the ball sat on the rim for an eternity. The futures of multiple careers and franchises hung in the balance. The 76ers might have won in overtime if the shot had missed, as Joel Embiid would have had a conference finals appearance, possibly more, given the Warriors’ injuries. Ben Simmons’ career arc might have changed, and Jimmy Butler might have stayed.
Instead, the ball fell through the net, and everything changed. The Sixers began to break apart. The Raptors won their first championship. Kawhi Leonard became the most sought-after player and influenced Paul George’s move to the Clippers, disrupting the Thunder.
The shot, the reaction, the future fortunes, and the fallout had all of it.
7. Allen Iverson’s Step Over (2001)
During Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals, Allen Iverson halted his momentum against Ty Lue, stepped back and made a corner shot, and then stepped over the fallen Lue.
Iverson, who was essentially a one-man offense for the Sixers, scored 48 points in 52 minutes in this overtime victory. The Lakers won the next four games to win the series easily, but the enduring image is of the step-over.
In Everything But The Chip: The 2001 76ers, Iverson reflected on the move: “I can’t tell you what the feeling was like. I can’t duplicate it. I was in the moment. I just know [Lue] fell in front of me; I don’t know how I even thought about stepping over him like that. I was just playing basketball.”
Lue has never understood the significance of the play.
“People make a big deal over it like he crossed me over and I fell down and then he stepped over me,” Lue said on an appearance on All the Smoke. “He hit a contested shot and I stepped back and I fell, he stepped over top of me. For me, it wasn’t a big deal. To this day it’s not a big deal.”
Lue defended the step-back well. He raised a hand on the shot and then stumbled afterward. Iverson didn’t break his ankles. Nevertheless, the moment continues to resonate. The image of Iverson stepping over Lue remains as vivid as it was two decades ago.
8. Ray Allen Saves Heat (2013)
This shot altered LeBron James’ legacy. Had Allen not hit this shot, James would have lost his second Finals in three years and would have a 3-7 Finals record, which is less impressive than his actual 4-6 record.
Allen’s historical shot resulted from his awareness of how far to move backward off a Chris Bosh rebound and then drilling the shot to tie the game. The Heat won in overtime and closed the series in Game 7.
1. Kyrie Irving Puts Cavs Ahead (2016)
Although this is a difficult memory, I had to acknowledge that I smiled slightly when this shot went in. To come back from a 3-1 deficit against a 73-win team and win the championship on a shot like this is incredible.
That’s the shot every kid envisions in the driveway: a Game 7 tie score, one-on-one against the MVP, with the weight of Cleveland’s championship drought resting on your shoulders. Whatever people say about Kyrie, this was, is, and will remain one of the NBA’s greatest shots.
