A curated collection of the most unforgettable and clutch shots in NBA postseason history, featuring iconic moments where players defeated their opponents in the final seconds or milliseconds of Games 4, 5, 6, or 7. This list highlights the athleticism, pressure, and legacy-defining nature of these buzzer-beaters.
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With the Golden State Warriors trailing by one point in the first quarter of Game 1, Klay Thompson launched a deep corner three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game. This shot not only set an NBA playoff record for points in a quarter but also signaled the start of a championship run for the Warriors.
In Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, Ray Allen chased down an offensive rebound and hit a corner three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game against the San Antonio Spurs. This pivotal moment kept the Miami Heat's championship hopes alive, leading them to win in double overtime and eventually claim the title.
During the 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Ray Allen hit a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1. This shot is widely regarded as one of the best regular-season style shots taken during the playoffs, showcasing Allen's legendary composure under pressure.
In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving hit a dramatic crossover jumper over Stephen Curry with 5.2 seconds left to give the Cleveland Cavaliers an 89-87 lead. This shot ended the city's 52-year major sports championship drought and is considered one of the greatest moments in NBA Finals history.
In the 2019 Western Conference Finals, Kawhi Leonard hit back-to-back game-winning shots against the Portland Trail Blazers in Games 5 and 6. His clutch performances, including a corner three in Game 6, propelled the Toronto Raptors to the NBA Finals, marking the pinnacle of his playoff career.
In Game 4 of the 1994 NBA Finals, Hakeem Olajuwon hit a floater with 0.7 seconds remaining to give the Houston Rockets a 91-90 win over the New York Knicks. This shot forced a Game 5, which the Rockets won to secure their first NBA Championship, cementing Olajuwon's legacy as one of the biggest playoff performers.
Although not a traditional buzzer-beater, Reggie Miller's 8-point play in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals effectively ended the game with seconds remaining. The play, which included four free throws after a foul, shifted the momentum irreversibly in favor of the Indiana Pacers in one of the NBA's most intense rivalry games.
In Game 6 of the 2010 First Round, Deron Williams hit a fadeaway jumper over Jason Terry with 2.3 seconds left to eliminate the Dallas Mavericks. The shot sparked a legendary post-game celebration in Utah, known as the 'Woo Hoo' play, and highlighted Williams' ability to perform when the series was on the line.
In Game 2 of the 2005 NBA Finals, Manu Ginobili hit a controversial three-pointer at the buzzer that appeared to be blocked but was ruled a make by the referees. The shot gave the San Antonio Spurs a 92-90 victory and remains one of the most debated and dramatic moments in Finals history.
In Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals, Jrue Holiday hit a floater over Jaylen Brown with 2.6 seconds left to give the Boston Celtics a 109-107 lead. Although the Miami Heat eventually won the series, Holiday's shot was a critical moment that extended the game and showcased his clutch pedigree on the biggest stage.
On New Year's Eve 2017, D'Angelo Russell hit a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat the Golden State Warriors 109-108. This shot was part of his first career triple-double and stunned the basketball world, as the Warriors were the defending champions and one of the best teams in league history.
In Game 4 of the 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Paul Pierce hit a difficult fadeaway jumper at the buzzer to eliminate the Indiana Pacers. The shot kept the Boston Celtics' championship dream alive, leading to a historic upset of the top-seeded Pacers and a subsequent Finals appearance.
In Game 1 of the 2016 First Round, Stephen Curry hit a corner three-pointer at the buzzer to beat the Denver Nuggets. This shot started the Warriors' playoff journey, which would ultimately culminate in a 73-9 regular season record and a second consecutive NBA Championship.
In Game 4 of the 2016 Western Conference Semifinals, Klay Thompson hit a corner three-pointer at the buzzer to eliminate the Oklahoma City Thunder. The shot extended the Warriors' winning streak and highlighted the depth of their offensive firepower during their historic playoff run.
In Game 5 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jimmy Butler hit a fadeaway jumper over Serge Ibaka with 0.5 seconds left to keep the Milwaukee Bucks' hopes alive. Although the Bucks were eliminated in Game 6, Butler's shot is remembered for its difficulty and the intensity of the series.
In Game 2 of the 1993 Western Conference Semifinals, Tim Hardaway hit a step-back three-pointer at the buzzer to eliminate the Phoenix Suns. The shot is iconic for the 'Double Cross' move that created the separation needed for the shot, showcasing one of the finest handles in NBA history.
In Game 1 of the 2007 NBA Finals, Dwyane Wade hit a difficult turnaround jumper at the buzzer to give the Miami Heat a 95-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The shot sparked Wade's legendary Finals performance, where he averaged a triple-double and nearly led the Heat to the title.
In Game 6 of the 1990 Eastern Conference Finals, Joe Dumars hit a game-winning jumper against the Detroit Pistons. This shot helped the Chicago Bulls advance to the Finals, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise's early journey toward becoming a dynasty under Michael Jordan.
In the 1990 NBA Playoffs, Isaiah Thomas hit a clutch shot against the Utah Jazz in the first round. Although less famous than other buzzer-beaters, this shot exemplified Thomas' ability to perform under pressure during the Pistons' championship runs in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In the 1999 NBA Playoffs, Vince Carter hit a game-winning shot against his hometown team, the Atlanta Hawks. The shot was a significant moment for the Toronto Raptors, showcasing Carter's emerging stardom and providing a dramatic end to the first-round series.