A definitive compilation of the most clutch, game-winning shots in NBA playoff history. This list highlights iconic moments where players delivered under extreme pressure, defining careers and altering franchise legacies with dramatic, last-second victories.
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With the Lakers trailing the Celtics in the 2010 Finals, Kobe hit a tough, contested jumper over Ray Allen to win Game 5. This shot was critical in swinging the series momentum, eventually leading to the Lakers' championship title.
Trailing by three with seconds left in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, Ray Allen hit a half-court three-pointer to tie the game. The shot forced overtime, where the Heat went on to win their second consecutive championship.
In the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals against Houston, Klay Thompson drained a massive three-pointer as time expired to force overtime. This clutch shot helped the Warriors take a 2-0 lead in the series.
Facing the Miami Heat in the 2011 Finals, Dirk Nowitzki hit a fadeaway three-pointer with 1.6 seconds left to force overtime in Game 2. This moment signaled the Mavericks' upset victory over the dominant Big Three.
Reggie Miller hit five consecutive three-pointers in under nine seconds against the New York Knicks in 1995, including two buzzer-beaters. These shots ignited an iconic playoff rivalry and defined Miller's clutch reputation.
In the 2016 First Round against the Blazers, Stephen Curry hit a deep, contested three-pointer as time expired to force overtime. The Warriors won in double overtime, marking a pivotal moment in their historic season.
Kyrie Irving hit a step-back three-pointer over Stephen Curry to tie the 2016 Finals Game 7 and force overtime. LeBron James sealed the game, but Irving's shot is remembered as one of the greatest clutch shots in history.
Jamal Crawford hit a no-look, behind-the-back three-pointer at the buzzer against the Lakers in 2011. The shot was a highlight-reel miracle that gave the Clippers a shocking 2-1 series lead.
Dwyane Wade hit a crucial three-pointer with one second left in Game 4 of the 2012 Semi-Finals against the Bulls. The shot forced overtime, helping the Heat take a 2-2 series tie in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup.
Paul Pierce hit a tough fadeaway jumper as time expired to defeat the Lakers in Game 5 of the 2010 Finals. Although the Celtics lost the series, the shot is remembered as one of the greatest individual efforts in a losing cause.
Scottie Pippen hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Charlotte Hornets in 1995 to win Game 2. This shot kept the Bulls' championship hopes alive during a season marred by Michael Jordan's first retirement.
Kawhi Leonard hit a massive three-pointer with 1.8 seconds left in Game 5 of the 2019 Finals against Toronto. The shot gave the Raptors a 2-1 series lead and showcased Leonard's emergence as a superstar clutch performer.
John Stockton hit a buzzer-beating jumper against the Seattle SuperSonics in 1988 to win Game 5. This shot kept the Utah Jazz' season alive and became a defining moment of Stockton's legendary playoff performances.
Isaiah Thomas hit a dramatic buzzer-beater against the Detroit Pistons in 2008 to win Game 5. The shot propelled the Celtics to a 3-2 series lead and was a key moment in their eventual championship run.
Tim Hardaway hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Miami Heat in 1997 to force overtime. This shot highlighted Hardaway's quickness and clutch ability during his prime with the Golden State Warriors.
C.J. McCollum hit a tough, contested jumper as time expired to beat the Lakers in Game 3 of the 2019 First Round. The shot demonstrated McCollum's scoring prowess and helped the Blazers take a 2-1 series lead.
Andre Iguodala hit a crucial three-pointer against the Cavaliers in 2015 Game 6 to help secure the championship. While not a buzzer-beater, his late-game execution in clutch moments was vital to the Warriors' title.
Trae Young hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Heat in the 2020 Play-In game to force overtime. The shot kept the Hawks' playoff hopes alive and showcased Young's elite shooting ability under pressure.
Ja Morant hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Clippers in 2021 to force overtime in Game 5. The shot signaled the emergence of a new star and helped the Grizzlies secure a crucial series victory.
Devin Booker hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Nuggets in 2021 to win Game 5. This shot was pivotal in the Suns' upset victory and marked a breakthrough moment for Booker in the playoffs.