Sports & Athletes

Defining Moments: The Most Dramatic Last-Second NBA Playoff Buzzer Beaters

A compilation of the most heart-stopping, game-winning shots in NBA playoff history. These entries capture the raw emotion, precision, and pressure of hitting the buzzer-beater when the championship or series is on the line.

ID: 16171
Items: 20
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Kyrie Irving vs. Clippers (2018)

Kyrie Irving hit a contested, fading three-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 of the first round. This shot completed one of the most historic comebacks in NBA history, overcoming a 3-1 deficit to advance to the conference semifinals.

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Ray Allen vs. Heat (2013)

In Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, Ray Allen stepped out of bounds to hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game against his former team, the Miami Heat. LeBron James then secured the rebound to force overtime, leading Boston to their first championship in 16 years.

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Klay Thompson vs. Jazz (2018)

Klay Thompson sank a deep, contested three-pointer with just 0.1 seconds left to eliminate the Utah Jazz in the second round of the 2018 playoffs. The shot tied the series 2-2 and is widely regarded as one of the most clutch shots in recent postseason history.

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Derrick White vs. Heat (2022)

Derrick White hit a game-tying three-pointer with 0.3 seconds remaining in Game 1 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The shot forced overtime and set the tone for a tough series, showcasing his composure under immense playoff pressure.

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Ray Allen vs. Cavaliers (2016)

Ray Allen hit a crucial three-pointer with 5.1 seconds left in Game 7 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals to tie the game against Cleveland. LeBron James subsequently blocked Channing Frye's attempt to tie, sending the series to Game 7 of the Finals.

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Kawhi Leonard vs. Rockets (2019)

Kawhi Leonard hit a step-back three-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining in Game 3 of the 2019 Western Conference Finals to defeat Houston. The shot proved pivotal as Toronto eventually went on to win the NBA Championship, capping off their historic run.

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Tony Parker vs. Spurs (2005)

Tony Parker drove past Ben Wallace and hit a floater with 4.5 seconds left in Game 6 of the 2004 NBA Finals to defeat the San Antonio Spurs. Although Detroit lost the series, this shot stands out as one of the most impressive individual performances in Finals history.

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Jimmy Butler vs. Pacers (2011)

Jimmy Butler hit a tough, driving layup with 1.7 seconds remaining in Game 3 of the 2011 First Round to eliminate the Indiana Pacers. The shot extended the Miami Heat's playoff winning streak and marked Butler's emergence as a key playoff performer.

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Jason Kidd vs. Blazers (2002)

Jason Kidd hit a three-pointer at the buzzer in Game 3 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals to defeat Portland. The shot helped the New Jersey Nets overcome a significant deficit and is remembered as one of the most iconic clutch shots of the early 2000s.

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Stephen Curry vs. Blazers (2019)

Stephen Curry hit a deep, long-range three-pointer with 0.4 seconds left in Game 3 of the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals. The shot tied the game and forced overtime, showcasing Curry's unparalleled shooting ability in high-stakes playoff moments.

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Klay Thompson vs. Jazz (2017)

Klay Thompson hit a game-winning three-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining in Game 6 of the 2017 First Round to defeat Utah. The shot sent Golden State to the conference semifinals and highlighted the Warriors' offensive firepower during their dynasty years.

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Paul Pierce vs. Heat (2010)

Paul Pierce hit a jumper with 0.4 seconds remaining in Game 1 of the 2010 NBA Finals to defeat Miami. Although Boston lost the series, Pierce's shot is remembered for its beauty and importance in a high-pressure environment.

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Manu Ginobili vs. Lakers (2014)

Manu Ginobili hit a corner three-pointer with 0.5 seconds left in Game 1 of the 2014 Western Conference Finals to defeat Los Angeles. The shot gave San Antonio a 2-1 series lead and demonstrated his ability to perform in critical moments.

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Jamal Murray vs. Rockets (2019)

Jamal Murray hit a three-pointer with 3.8 seconds remaining in Game 6 of the 2019 Western Conference Finals to defeat Houston. The shot helped Toronto secure the series and was a key factor in their championship run.

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Kevin Durant vs. Mavericks (2017)

Kevin Durant hit a fadeaway jumper with 2.5 seconds remaining in Game 2 of the 2017 Western Conference Semifinals. The shot helped Golden State take a 2-0 series lead and showcased Durant's scoring prowess in the playoffs.

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Jimmy Butler vs. Bucks (2020)

Jimmy Butler hit a game-winning jumper with 2.1 seconds remaining in Game 5 of the 2020 First Round to defeat Milwaukee. The shot kept Miami's playoff hopes alive and highlighted Butler's aggressive playstyle.

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Kyle Lowry vs. 76ers (2019)

Kyle Lowry hit a three-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining in Game 2 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals to defeat Philadelphia. The shot helped Toronto take a 2-0 series lead and demonstrated his clutch performance in the Eastern Conference.

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Klay Thompson vs. Rockets (2018)

Klay Thompson hit a three-pointer with 3.7 seconds remaining in Game 5 of the 2018 Western Conference Semifinals to defeat Houston. The shot helped Golden State take a 3-2 series lead and showcased their dominance during the 2018 playoffs.

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Draymond Green vs. Rockets (2018)

Draymond Green hit a game-winning three-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining in Game 2 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals. The shot helped Golden State take a 2-0 series lead and was a pivotal moment in their championship run.

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Jayson Tatum vs. Heat (2022)

Jayson Tatum hit a three-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining in Game 1 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals to defeat Miami. The shot helped Boston take a 1-0 series lead and highlighted his emergence as a star player.