A collection of the most dramatic and historic last-second shots in NBA history that directly decided championship series, highlighting the clutch performers and unforgettable moments that defined their respective eras.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
With the Golden State Warriors one win away from the title, Klay Thompson hit a deep three-pointer with 0.9 seconds remaining to complete a historic four-game sweep. This shot silenced the Dallas crowd and secured the 2019 NBA Championship for Golden State.
In Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, Ray Allen stole from his knees to drain a three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left, sending the Miami Heat to overtime and eventually victory over the San Antonio Spurs. It is widely considered one of the greatest shots in NBA Finals history.
Though not a single last-second shot, Reggie Miller's iconic 8 points in 9 seconds against the New York Knicks in the 1995 playoffs shifted momentum that led to the Pacers' subsequent series win. It remains a defining moment of clutch playoff basketball.
As a rookie, Tony Parker hit a crucial corner three-pointer with seconds remaining in Game 6 to seal the San Antonio Spurs' first NBA championship. The shot validated his role in the team's success and cemented his place in Spurs lore.
While not a shot, Manute Bol's historic block on Dennis Rodman with seconds left in Game 4 of the 1991 Finals prevented a Bulls score that would have tied the series. The Lakers ultimately lost, but the defensive stand is an iconic last-second championship moment.
In the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals, Ray Allen hit a dramatic game-tying three with 0.9 seconds left against the Boston Celtics in Game 6. The heat won in overtime, securing the series and the path to the championship, showcasing his legendary big-game pedigree.
Michael Jordan hit the iconic game-winning jumper over Craig Ehlo with 0.7 seconds left in Game 5 of the first-round playoffs. Although not a championship game, this shot eliminated the defending champion Cavs and propelled the Bulls toward their eventual title run.
Kawhi Leonard hit a tough, contested fadeaway jumper with 0.9 seconds left in Game 4 of the 2014 Finals to give the Spurs a 98-96 lead. Miami failed to tie the game, allowing San Antonio to take a 3-1 series lead and ultimately win the title.
Klay Thompson hit seven three-pointers in Game 3 of the 2015 Finals, including several crucial shots in the final minutes to secure the win. His performance helped the Warriors take a 2-1 series lead on their way to their first championship in 40 years.
In Game 5 of the 2006 Finals, Dwyane Wade scored 36 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to lead the Heat past the Mavericks. His clutch driving and shooting in the final seconds of regulation and OT secured the series-clinching victory.
While not a last-second shot, LeBron James' legendary block on Andre Iguodala and subsequent alley-oop to Tristan Thompson in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals turned the tide. The subsequent possession led to Kevin Love's jumper and the eventual championship win.
Though not a championship-clinching shot, Steve Kerr's iconic three-pointer with seconds left in Game 4 of the 1997 Western Conference Semifinals kept the Jazz in the series. This momentum shift was pivotal for the Bulls' eventual title run.
Andre Miller hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 1.8 seconds left in Game 3 of the 2007 Western Conference Semifinals. The Cleveland Cavaliers rallied to win, taking a 2-1 series lead against the Spurs, a pivotal moment in their playoff journey.
Derrick Rose delivered multiple clutch plays in the 2011 playoffs, including a game-winning shot against the Magic in the first round. His performance helped the Bulls advance to the Eastern Conference Finals before their series loss to Miami.
Tim Duncan hit a bank shot with 6.9 seconds remaining in Game 5 of the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals to defeat the Pistons. This victory sent the Spurs to the Finals, where they won the championship against the Detroit Pistons.
Klay Thompson hit a deep three-pointer with seconds left in Game 5 of the 2014 Western Conference Semifinals to defeat the Clippers. This win gave the Warriors a 3-2 series lead, though they eventually fell short in that series.
Scottie Pippen hit several clutch shots in the 1998 Finals, including a critical three-pointer in Game 6 to help maintain the Bulls' lead. His defensive stops and scoring in the final minutes were instrumental in securing the sixth championship.
Chauncey Billups hit multiple clutch shots in the 2004 Finals, including a crucial three-pointer in Game 5 to help secure the series. His consistent performance in high-leverage moments earned him the Finals MVP award for the Pistons' upset win.
James Harden hit a contested three-pointer with seconds left in Game 2 of the 2012 Western Conference Semifinals to help the Thunder take a 2-0 series lead. The Thunder went on to win the series and eventually the championship.
Manu Ginobili hit a crucial three-pointer in the final minutes of Game 5 of the 2003 Western Conference Semifinals against the Kings. This shot helped the Spurs take a 3-2 series lead on their path to winning the NBA Championship.