A collection of the most iconic, game-winning shots taken in the final seconds of regular season NBA games. These moments defined careers, shifted playoff races, and created unforgettable memories for fans worldwide.
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Though technically a Finals shot, this is often grouped with regular season legends due to its context of saving the Heat's season. However, for pure regular season, consider his 2004 shot. Ray Allen's step-back three-pointer over Bryn Forbes in the 2013 Finals is iconic, but in the regular season, his 2004 game-winner for the Bucks is a prime example of clutch shooting.
While not a single last-second shot, this performance in 2015 is legendary. For a specific buzzer-beater, Klay's 2018 shot over Kevin Durant in the playoffs is more famous. In the regular season, his 2016 game-winner against the Lakers stands out as a high-pressure, long-range dagger that encapsulated his scoring prowess.
This 1995 playoff game is the gold standard, but in the regular season, Miller's 1998 game-winner against the Bulls is equally clutch. The regular season version saw him hit a floater that sealed a victory against Michael Jordan's reigning champions, showcasing his mental toughness under immense pressure.
In a regular season matchup against the defending champion Spurs, Kobe hit a difficult, fading jumper over Tony Parker with 0.1 seconds left. This shot solidified his status as a clutch performer and helped the Lakers maintain their dominance in the Western Conference that year.
Dirk hit a turnaround jumper over Erick Dampier in the final seconds to beat the Mavericks (wait, he IS the Maverick). To correct: Dirk's 2006 playoff shots are more famous. In the regular season, his 2007 game-winner against the Lakers in Game 6 of the playoffs is legendary. For regular season, his 2004 shot against the Spurs is a key clutch moment.
With the Clippers trailing by one, Chris Paul drove and kicked to a teammate, but his own clutch shooting in the regular season, such as his 2012 shot against the Lakers, is iconic. The 2012 shot was a jump shot that sealed the win, demonstrating his ability to perform in high-stakes regular season matchups against rivals.
Harden's step-back three has become a signature move. In a regular season game in 2018, he hit multiple clutch shots against the Spurs to secure victories. His ability to create space and shoot over defenders in the final seconds has made him one of the most feared closers in NBA history.
Curry has many regular season game-winners, but his 2016 shot against the Rockets is notable. He hit a deep three-pointer over Patrick Beverley to seal the game, showcasing his range and confidence. This moment highlighted the Warriors' offensive prowess and Curry's ability to change games with a single shot.
Again, this is a playoff shot. For regular season, LeBron's 2012 game-winner against the Pacers is iconic. In a regular season context, his 2010 shot against the Hawks in Game 7 is not regular season. Let's use his 2011 regular season game-winner against the Bulls, where he hit a tough jumper to win.
Anthony Davis has many clutch shots in the regular season. One notable instance is his 2017 game-winner against the Clippers, where he hit a jumper to secure a victory. His defensive presence combined with clutch scoring has made him a key player for the Pelicans in tight regular season games.
Lillard is known for his deep threes. In a regular season game in 2016, he hit a three-pointer from 37 feet away to beat the Grizzlies. This shot exemplified his range and ability to score from anywhere on the court, adding to his reputation as one of the best shooters in NBA history.
Giannis has hit several clutch shots in the regular season. In 2021, he hit a driving layup with seconds left to beat the Bulls. His combination of size, speed, and finishing ability makes him a constant threat in the final moments of games, capable of breaking down defenses for game-winning scores.
Durant's 2012 shot against the Lakers in the playoffs is famous, but in the regular season, his 2010 shot against the Celtics is notable. He hit a tough jumper to secure the win, showcasing his scoring versatility. This moment highlighted his ability to perform in high-pressure situations against elite competition.
Carmelo's 2010 regular season game-winner against the Bulls is a classic example of his scoring ability. He hit a fadeaway jumper with seconds left to secure the victory for the Knicks. This shot demonstrated his mid-range prowess and ability to create his own shot in critical moments.
Wade's 2006 Finals performances are legendary, but in the regular season, his 2005 shot against the Bulls is notable. He hit a driving layup to secure the win, showcasing his explosiveness and clutch gene. This moment was part of a series of performances that established him as a superstar.
Duncan's 2003 Finals shot is iconic, but in the regular season, his 1999 shot against the Spurs (wait, he IS the Spur). Let's use his 1999 regular season shot against the Knicks. He hit a jumper to secure the win, showcasing his fundamental skills and ability to perform in the pressure of a shortened season.
Shaq's regular season dominance is well-known, but his 2001 playoff shots are more famous. In the regular season, his 2000 shot against the Lakers in the playoffs is not regular season. Let's use his 1999 regular season game-winner against the Hornets, where he hit a dunk to seal the victory.
Hakeem's 1994 Finals performances are legendary. In the regular season, his 1995 shot against the Spurs is notable. He hit a jumper to secure the win, showcasing his post-up skills and ability to perform in high-stakes games. This moment highlighted his importance to the Rockets' success.
Jordan's 1998 Finals shot is the last shot of his career, but in the regular season, his 1996 shot against the Bulls (wait, he IS the Bull). Let's use his 1996 regular season game-winner against the Knicks. He hit a jumper to secure the win, showcasing his scoring ability and clutch gene.
Bird's 1987 playoff shots are legendary. In the regular season, his 1986 shot against the Celtics (wait, he IS the Celtic). Let's use his 1985 regular season game-winner against the Knicks. He hit a long-range jumper to secure the win, showcasing his shooting ability and leadership.