Post by WayOfWad3 on Sept 16, 2016 0:16:58 GMT
One day almost a year ago I just really wanted to research the best plays in NBA history for every franchise. Fast forward over 11 months and I finally have it completed. If any of you agree or disagree with any of the selections, let me know!
Atlanta Hawks
Moment – Okay, I really don’t think the Hawks have done much too memorable as of late; I mean, one of their most memorable moment was when Dominique Wilkins lost his duel to Larry Bird. As for singular play, I’m going to go with Dominique Wilkin’s final dunk of the 1985. I know it’s kind of cheating, but it’s a play nonetheless.
Honorable Mention: Al Horford Game Winner vs. Wizards
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Boston Celtics
Moment – Larry Bird’s steal against the Pistons in the 1987 ECF. With the Celtics down one and having lost posession in the final seconds of the game (with no timeouts I believe) all the Pistons had to do was inbound the ball and win the game. Sadly Larry Bird had other plans when he stole the inbound pass and got the ball to a cutting Dennis Johnson for the game-winning (and likely series saving) layup. Very few times (if ever) will you see a series changing play on both sides of the ball.
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Honorable Mention: Gerald Henderson Steal 1984 finals G2 vs. Lakers.
Brooklyn/New Jersey Nets
Moment – I’m going to need some help on this, seeing as I know the Nets have had some great players (J. Kidd, Vinsanity) but the only best moment I can think of is Paul Pierce’s block on Kyle Lowry in Game 7 of the 2014 ECQF against the Raptors. This block decided the series, however since it was only in the first round that takes away some of the greatness. Any ideas?
Honorable Mention: Vince Carter owns Toronto
Charlote Hornets/Bobcats
Moment – Yeah, this is a young franchise and I really can’t recall anything major happening, ever. They got swept in 2010 with Gerald Wallace, they got swept in 2014 with Al Jefferson. I’ll go with Lance Stephenson’s Buzzer-beater in 2015 because I freaking love those jerseys, and the fact that the dude who set the record for the worst 3-point shooting season in history managed to hit a game-winning 3 is pretty impressive.
Chicago Bulls
Moment – This would have to be between Michael Jordan’s final shot as a Bull in the 1998 Finals or his game winning shot against the Cavaliers in 1988 I believe. Both are insanely iconic and are very memorable images of Jordan, but how can you not go with his final shot in 1998? That won the final of 6 titles and appropriately sent Jordan into the sunset as the MVP, ASGMVP, FMVP, and the GOAT.
Honorable Mention: Jordan’s Game winner vs. Cleveland, “The Shot”
Cleveland Cavaliers
Moment – I’m pretty sure everybody knows what play this is going to be. With a tied Game 7 and a little over 2 minutes left in the game of a gritty contest, LeBron James executed one of, if not the most iconic blocks in NBA history. He chased down Andre Iguodala and pinned the ball to the backboard effectively saving Cleveland’s season, and setting up Kyrie Irving’s 3 to spoil what would have been the greatest season of all-time from the Golden State Warriors.
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Honorable Mention: This is tough, seeing as there are two iconic plays to list, so I’ll just put both. LeBron James’ game winner in G1 of the 09’ ECF, and Kyrie Irving’s Game Winner in Game 7 of the 16’ NBA Finals
Dallas Mavericks
Moment – Dallas fans may disagree, but I think Dirk's Game-Winner in Game 2 of the 2011 NBA against the Miami Heat (and newfounded Big 3 of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh) is the signature play of the Mavericks. Capping off an incredible 15 point comeback in the 4th quarter, Dirk Nowitzki shook off a demoralizing Mario Chalmers 3 to tie the game in the final seconds to hit the game winning layup and send the series back to Dallas tied at 1-1. The Mavericks would eventually take the series and the title for the first time in Franchise History.
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Honorable Mention: It’s really tough to find any singular play because the Mavs just have so many great moments. I’ll just cheat and say Game 7 in 06’ against the Spurs, that was fantastic
Denver Nuggets
Moment – It’s not often you’re first at anything, the Nuggets however were the first 8 seed to ever upset a 1 seed. In 1994, the Nuggest went up against the heavily favored Sonics, but managed to shock them in a tightly contested 5 game series, with Dikembe Mutumbo giving us perhaps the great display of emotion in NBA history by clutching the ball in his hands and laying on the floor in pure bliss whilst the Seattle fans had to go home with their heads down.
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Honorable mention: Carmelo Anthony Game Winner over LeBron James
Detroit Pistons
Moment – 1988 NBA Finals, Game 6 vs. Lakers I believe. Isiah thomas badly sprained his ankle in the middle of this crucial game, and went on to score 25 points in the third quarter on his way to 43 total points. The one play that sticks with me the most was at the 2:26 moment of the video where he drives and gets an and-one off one leg clearly in pain and bouncing up and down on his uninjured one. Just went to show how tough players were back in the day, especially Isiah Thomas.
Honorable Mention: The Microwave wins it for Detroit. Vinnie Johnson nailed a game winning jumper with .7 seconds remaining to beat the Blazers in Game 5 of the 1990 NBA Finals
Golden State Warriors
Moment – Game 3 vs. Pelicans 2015. Perhaps I am too unversed in Warriors History or am simply in awe of Stephen Curry’s incredible 3 point shot to send the game into overtime after starting the 4th quarter down twenty. This moment would eventually propel the Warriors to a sweep and eventually their first title in 40 years.
Honorable Mention: Baron Davis’ dunk over Andrei Kirilenko. My Goodness
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Houston Rockets
Moment – The Rockets have a ton of great plays in their history, so this is going to be a little more just what I like. What I liked most of all was Hakeem absolutely taking the Admiral to school on this one play right here, embarrassing the reigning MVP on his way to what I consider to be the great NBA playoff run of all-time.
Honorable Mention: Almost too many to list, fantastic franchise. You’ve got T-Mac’s 13 in 33, Hakeem’s block of Starks to win the Finals, Mario Elie’s “Kiss of Death” against Phoenix, Ralph Sampson’s over the head game winner against the showtime Lakers, many great moments.
Indiana Pacers
Moment – A personal favorite NBA moment of mine, the scene was Game 1 of a 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinal series between bitter rivals the Knicks and Pacers. The Knicks had already knocked off Indiana twice in the playoffs before so the Pacers were hungry for revenge. Long story short, the Pacers were down 9 with less than 20 seconds remaining in the game before Reggie Miller knocked down a 3, stole the ball, knocked down another 3, and then drew a foul and hit 2 free throws in under 9 seconds to steal game 1 of the series in NY and eventually beat New York for the first time in Franchise history. *watch “Winning Time,” fantastic watch
Honorable Mention: Paul George taking on LeBron James in the 2013 ECF
Los Angeles Clippers
Moment – 2015 WCQF G7 vs. SA. The Clippers and Chris Paul had all been known to be chokers and couldn’t be counted on to beat elite competition (and technically still can’t), however everyone believed in both for at least a little while when Chris Paul sent home the reigning champ Spurs on an unbelievable game-winner in a win-or-go-home Game 7.
Honorable Mention – Blake Griffin’s dunk over Mozgov, or Humphries, or Perkins, any of the 3 work
Los Angeles Lakers
Moment – I feel like you’d be hardpressed to vote against Magic Johnson’s “Junior Hook” against the Boston Celtics in the 1987 finals. This shot would give the Lakers a 3-1 lead which at that point no NBA team in the finals had ever overcome and wouldn’t for nearly 30 years. That shot would also sadly and unexpectedly be the last true image of the Showtime Lakers and Larry’s Celtics as the Celtics would fail to reach the finals for the next 21 years while the Lakers remained a perennial power.
Honorable Mention: Jerry West’s full court shot
Memphis Grizzlies
Moment – 2011, the Grizzlies had just pulled off a miraculous upset of the 1 seeded Spurs and were now taking on the OKC Thunder. In Game 4 I believe, a game which went for 3 overtimes, Mike Conley hit what I think was the shot of the game after a Marc Gasol block to send the game into it’s first overtime. The Grizzlies would lose this game, but that post season had me and many other people rooting for Memphis.
Honorable Mention – I honestly can’t really think of anything else that memorable, I’m going to need some Grizzlies fans to give me some help on their history and fantastic plays.
Miami Heat
Moment – Everyone should know this moment, whenever anybody says the words “Game 6” either this or Michael Jordan come to mind; that’s how you know it’s a big play. In Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, the Heat found themselves down 5 with less than 30 seconds left, and if memory serves me right 99 teams had been in that scenario in the finals before, and all 99 went on to lose the game. This time around though, both LeBron and Ray Allen hit huge 3’s with Chris Bosh grabbing the biggest offensive rebound in league history to force overtime and eventually take the series.
Honorable Mention: Dwyane Wade’s 2OT game winner against Chicago
Milwaukee Bucks
Moment – I’ve literally got nothing. The Bucks did nothing from the 70’s to the early 00’s, and since they’ve all they’ve ever achieved was a sweep at the feet of Miami and a playoff choke against the Hawks in 10’
Minnesota Timberwolves
Moment – This dunk I guess…
New Orleans Pelicans/Hornets
Moment – Series winning shots do not come along very often, but Alonzo Mourning happened to do that in Game 4 of a First Round series against the Boston Celtics in 1993. Impressive shot for a big man, and against a big-name franchise like Boston is even better.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Davis Double-Clutch Game-Winning 3 vs. OKC
New York Knicks
Moment – 1970 NBA Finals Game 7, Willis Reed helped will the New York Knicks to an NBA title, shocking everybody and starting the game despite having a torn muscle in his thigh. Reed hit the first two shots of the game and the Knicks went on to defeat Wilt Chamberlain and the Lakers in one of the greatest moments in NBA history.
Honorable Mention: Allan Houston stuns Rival Heat in Game 5 with Buzzer Beater
OKC Thunder/SuperSonics
Moment – One of the best dunks of all-time by Shawn Kemp over Alton Lister, just straight eye candy.
Honorable Mention: KD Game Winner vs. Mavs in Playoffs
Orlando Magic
Moment – I was very tempted to put the Superman dunk, but instead I’ll go with this awesome Dwight Howard Game winning dunk back in 2007. Really don’t know too much about the Magic’s history although Penny and Shaq were awesome.
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Honorable Mention: Shaq breaks the backboard
Philadelphia 76ers
Moment – Arguably the most iconic play in NBA history, there was no bigger star in 1980 than Julius Erving. In Game 4 of the 1980 NBA Finals (first finals of the modern era), Julius Erving executed a move that almost no-one (save Kevin Durant) has been able to replicate in game for over 30 years; Dr. J jumped from one side of the basket, and laid it in on the other side while gliding through the air with his body completely behind the basket. Read the article down below, great read on an iconic moment
www.espn.com/espn/espn25/story?page=moments/99
Honorable Mention: Personal favorite play of all-time “Rock the Baby to Sleep” Dunk, tied with Allen Iverson humiliating Tyronne Lue
Phoenix Suns
Moment – On the Phoenix Suns’ journey to the 1993 NBA finals, they ran into David Robinson and the San Antonio Spurs, but Charles Barkley was in the middle of one of the most dominant single seasons that any player has ever had, and so went on to deliver a 28/21 game and hitting the game winning jumper over David Robinson in spite of the fact that Barkely admits he never practiced those shots.
Honorable Mention – Amare Stoudemire Dunks, All of them (also Tom Chambers)
Portland Trail Blazers
Moment – The Blazers hadn’t gotten out of the First round in 15 years, until Damian Lillard took matters into his own hands in this 2014 first round series against the Rockets. With his team down 2 and less than a second left in the game after a Chandler Parsons layup had put the enemy Rockets up two, Damian Lillard delivered one of the most unforgettable series’ winning shots of all-time.
Honorable Mention: Brandon Roy Game Winner from literally the same spot against the same franchise, just regular season
Sacramento Kings
Moment – Just a sweet game winner from Chris Webber
San Antonio Spurs
Moment – There are many moments, but one that I think is most indicative of the Spurs franchise comes from the 2008 First round series against Shaquille O’neal and the Phoenix Suns. The Spurs found themselves down three with little time left when Tim Duncan found himself wide open from beyond the arc. He knocked it down and send the game to 2OT where the Spurs would eventually take it.
Honorable Mention: Many Ginobili game winner vs. Warriors 2013
Toronto Raptors
Moment – Vince Carter is the face of the franchise, and has had many emphatic plays. But no alley-oop was more impressive than this one he threw down against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Honorable Mention: Kyle Lowry Half-Court Heave
Utah Jazz
Moment: The Jazz before 1997 had never been to the NBA Finals, and now were facing off against the Rockets in Houston with a chance to clinch the series. With little time left, John Stockton rose up and shot the game winning 3 over Charles Barkley as time expired to win the Jazz their first Conference title, and a shot at Michael Jordan and the Bulls.
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Honorable Mention: Michael Jordan’s Final Shot as a Chicago Bull
Washington Wizards
Moment – Of all the game winners listed/posted, this one has got to be the craziest. From the full-court no-look pass to catching the ball while sprinting out of bounds yet somehow getting the ball up behind the 3-point line which was seldom used back in the day, this game winner has to be in everyone’s top five. Jeff Malone hit it against the Detroit Pistons
Honorable Mention: “I called Game!”
Atlanta Hawks
Moment – Okay, I really don’t think the Hawks have done much too memorable as of late; I mean, one of their most memorable moment was when Dominique Wilkins lost his duel to Larry Bird. As for singular play, I’m going to go with Dominique Wilkin’s final dunk of the 1985. I know it’s kind of cheating, but it’s a play nonetheless.
Honorable Mention: Al Horford Game Winner vs. Wizards
Boston Celtics
Moment – Larry Bird’s steal against the Pistons in the 1987 ECF. With the Celtics down one and having lost posession in the final seconds of the game (with no timeouts I believe) all the Pistons had to do was inbound the ball and win the game. Sadly Larry Bird had other plans when he stole the inbound pass and got the ball to a cutting Dennis Johnson for the game-winning (and likely series saving) layup. Very few times (if ever) will you see a series changing play on both sides of the ball.
Honorable Mention: Gerald Henderson Steal 1984 finals G2 vs. Lakers.
Brooklyn/New Jersey Nets
Moment – I’m going to need some help on this, seeing as I know the Nets have had some great players (J. Kidd, Vinsanity) but the only best moment I can think of is Paul Pierce’s block on Kyle Lowry in Game 7 of the 2014 ECQF against the Raptors. This block decided the series, however since it was only in the first round that takes away some of the greatness. Any ideas?
Honorable Mention: Vince Carter owns Toronto
Charlote Hornets/Bobcats
Moment – Yeah, this is a young franchise and I really can’t recall anything major happening, ever. They got swept in 2010 with Gerald Wallace, they got swept in 2014 with Al Jefferson. I’ll go with Lance Stephenson’s Buzzer-beater in 2015 because I freaking love those jerseys, and the fact that the dude who set the record for the worst 3-point shooting season in history managed to hit a game-winning 3 is pretty impressive.
Chicago Bulls
Moment – This would have to be between Michael Jordan’s final shot as a Bull in the 1998 Finals or his game winning shot against the Cavaliers in 1988 I believe. Both are insanely iconic and are very memorable images of Jordan, but how can you not go with his final shot in 1998? That won the final of 6 titles and appropriately sent Jordan into the sunset as the MVP, ASGMVP, FMVP, and the GOAT.
Honorable Mention: Jordan’s Game winner vs. Cleveland, “The Shot”
Cleveland Cavaliers
Moment – I’m pretty sure everybody knows what play this is going to be. With a tied Game 7 and a little over 2 minutes left in the game of a gritty contest, LeBron James executed one of, if not the most iconic blocks in NBA history. He chased down Andre Iguodala and pinned the ball to the backboard effectively saving Cleveland’s season, and setting up Kyrie Irving’s 3 to spoil what would have been the greatest season of all-time from the Golden State Warriors.
Honorable Mention: This is tough, seeing as there are two iconic plays to list, so I’ll just put both. LeBron James’ game winner in G1 of the 09’ ECF, and Kyrie Irving’s Game Winner in Game 7 of the 16’ NBA Finals
Dallas Mavericks
Moment – Dallas fans may disagree, but I think Dirk's Game-Winner in Game 2 of the 2011 NBA against the Miami Heat (and newfounded Big 3 of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh) is the signature play of the Mavericks. Capping off an incredible 15 point comeback in the 4th quarter, Dirk Nowitzki shook off a demoralizing Mario Chalmers 3 to tie the game in the final seconds to hit the game winning layup and send the series back to Dallas tied at 1-1. The Mavericks would eventually take the series and the title for the first time in Franchise History.
Honorable Mention: It’s really tough to find any singular play because the Mavs just have so many great moments. I’ll just cheat and say Game 7 in 06’ against the Spurs, that was fantastic
Denver Nuggets
Moment – It’s not often you’re first at anything, the Nuggets however were the first 8 seed to ever upset a 1 seed. In 1994, the Nuggest went up against the heavily favored Sonics, but managed to shock them in a tightly contested 5 game series, with Dikembe Mutumbo giving us perhaps the great display of emotion in NBA history by clutching the ball in his hands and laying on the floor in pure bliss whilst the Seattle fans had to go home with their heads down.
Honorable mention: Carmelo Anthony Game Winner over LeBron James
Detroit Pistons
Moment – 1988 NBA Finals, Game 6 vs. Lakers I believe. Isiah thomas badly sprained his ankle in the middle of this crucial game, and went on to score 25 points in the third quarter on his way to 43 total points. The one play that sticks with me the most was at the 2:26 moment of the video where he drives and gets an and-one off one leg clearly in pain and bouncing up and down on his uninjured one. Just went to show how tough players were back in the day, especially Isiah Thomas.
Honorable Mention: The Microwave wins it for Detroit. Vinnie Johnson nailed a game winning jumper with .7 seconds remaining to beat the Blazers in Game 5 of the 1990 NBA Finals
Golden State Warriors
Moment – Game 3 vs. Pelicans 2015. Perhaps I am too unversed in Warriors History or am simply in awe of Stephen Curry’s incredible 3 point shot to send the game into overtime after starting the 4th quarter down twenty. This moment would eventually propel the Warriors to a sweep and eventually their first title in 40 years.
Honorable Mention: Baron Davis’ dunk over Andrei Kirilenko. My Goodness
Houston Rockets
Moment – The Rockets have a ton of great plays in their history, so this is going to be a little more just what I like. What I liked most of all was Hakeem absolutely taking the Admiral to school on this one play right here, embarrassing the reigning MVP on his way to what I consider to be the great NBA playoff run of all-time.
Honorable Mention: Almost too many to list, fantastic franchise. You’ve got T-Mac’s 13 in 33, Hakeem’s block of Starks to win the Finals, Mario Elie’s “Kiss of Death” against Phoenix, Ralph Sampson’s over the head game winner against the showtime Lakers, many great moments.
Indiana Pacers
Moment – A personal favorite NBA moment of mine, the scene was Game 1 of a 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinal series between bitter rivals the Knicks and Pacers. The Knicks had already knocked off Indiana twice in the playoffs before so the Pacers were hungry for revenge. Long story short, the Pacers were down 9 with less than 20 seconds remaining in the game before Reggie Miller knocked down a 3, stole the ball, knocked down another 3, and then drew a foul and hit 2 free throws in under 9 seconds to steal game 1 of the series in NY and eventually beat New York for the first time in Franchise history. *watch “Winning Time,” fantastic watch
Honorable Mention: Paul George taking on LeBron James in the 2013 ECF
Los Angeles Clippers
Moment – 2015 WCQF G7 vs. SA. The Clippers and Chris Paul had all been known to be chokers and couldn’t be counted on to beat elite competition (and technically still can’t), however everyone believed in both for at least a little while when Chris Paul sent home the reigning champ Spurs on an unbelievable game-winner in a win-or-go-home Game 7.
Honorable Mention – Blake Griffin’s dunk over Mozgov, or Humphries, or Perkins, any of the 3 work
Los Angeles Lakers
Moment – I feel like you’d be hardpressed to vote against Magic Johnson’s “Junior Hook” against the Boston Celtics in the 1987 finals. This shot would give the Lakers a 3-1 lead which at that point no NBA team in the finals had ever overcome and wouldn’t for nearly 30 years. That shot would also sadly and unexpectedly be the last true image of the Showtime Lakers and Larry’s Celtics as the Celtics would fail to reach the finals for the next 21 years while the Lakers remained a perennial power.
Honorable Mention: Jerry West’s full court shot
Memphis Grizzlies
Moment – 2011, the Grizzlies had just pulled off a miraculous upset of the 1 seeded Spurs and were now taking on the OKC Thunder. In Game 4 I believe, a game which went for 3 overtimes, Mike Conley hit what I think was the shot of the game after a Marc Gasol block to send the game into it’s first overtime. The Grizzlies would lose this game, but that post season had me and many other people rooting for Memphis.
Honorable Mention – I honestly can’t really think of anything else that memorable, I’m going to need some Grizzlies fans to give me some help on their history and fantastic plays.
Miami Heat
Moment – Everyone should know this moment, whenever anybody says the words “Game 6” either this or Michael Jordan come to mind; that’s how you know it’s a big play. In Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, the Heat found themselves down 5 with less than 30 seconds left, and if memory serves me right 99 teams had been in that scenario in the finals before, and all 99 went on to lose the game. This time around though, both LeBron and Ray Allen hit huge 3’s with Chris Bosh grabbing the biggest offensive rebound in league history to force overtime and eventually take the series.
Honorable Mention: Dwyane Wade’s 2OT game winner against Chicago
Milwaukee Bucks
Moment – I’ve literally got nothing. The Bucks did nothing from the 70’s to the early 00’s, and since they’ve all they’ve ever achieved was a sweep at the feet of Miami and a playoff choke against the Hawks in 10’
Minnesota Timberwolves
Moment – This dunk I guess…
New Orleans Pelicans/Hornets
Moment – Series winning shots do not come along very often, but Alonzo Mourning happened to do that in Game 4 of a First Round series against the Boston Celtics in 1993. Impressive shot for a big man, and against a big-name franchise like Boston is even better.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Davis Double-Clutch Game-Winning 3 vs. OKC
New York Knicks
Moment – 1970 NBA Finals Game 7, Willis Reed helped will the New York Knicks to an NBA title, shocking everybody and starting the game despite having a torn muscle in his thigh. Reed hit the first two shots of the game and the Knicks went on to defeat Wilt Chamberlain and the Lakers in one of the greatest moments in NBA history.
Honorable Mention: Allan Houston stuns Rival Heat in Game 5 with Buzzer Beater
OKC Thunder/SuperSonics
Moment – One of the best dunks of all-time by Shawn Kemp over Alton Lister, just straight eye candy.
Honorable Mention: KD Game Winner vs. Mavs in Playoffs
Orlando Magic
Moment – I was very tempted to put the Superman dunk, but instead I’ll go with this awesome Dwight Howard Game winning dunk back in 2007. Really don’t know too much about the Magic’s history although Penny and Shaq were awesome.
Honorable Mention: Shaq breaks the backboard
Philadelphia 76ers
Moment – Arguably the most iconic play in NBA history, there was no bigger star in 1980 than Julius Erving. In Game 4 of the 1980 NBA Finals (first finals of the modern era), Julius Erving executed a move that almost no-one (save Kevin Durant) has been able to replicate in game for over 30 years; Dr. J jumped from one side of the basket, and laid it in on the other side while gliding through the air with his body completely behind the basket. Read the article down below, great read on an iconic moment
www.espn.com/espn/espn25/story?page=moments/99
Honorable Mention: Personal favorite play of all-time “Rock the Baby to Sleep” Dunk, tied with Allen Iverson humiliating Tyronne Lue
Phoenix Suns
Moment – On the Phoenix Suns’ journey to the 1993 NBA finals, they ran into David Robinson and the San Antonio Spurs, but Charles Barkley was in the middle of one of the most dominant single seasons that any player has ever had, and so went on to deliver a 28/21 game and hitting the game winning jumper over David Robinson in spite of the fact that Barkely admits he never practiced those shots.
Honorable Mention – Amare Stoudemire Dunks, All of them (also Tom Chambers)
Portland Trail Blazers
Moment – The Blazers hadn’t gotten out of the First round in 15 years, until Damian Lillard took matters into his own hands in this 2014 first round series against the Rockets. With his team down 2 and less than a second left in the game after a Chandler Parsons layup had put the enemy Rockets up two, Damian Lillard delivered one of the most unforgettable series’ winning shots of all-time.
Honorable Mention: Brandon Roy Game Winner from literally the same spot against the same franchise, just regular season
Sacramento Kings
Moment – Just a sweet game winner from Chris Webber
San Antonio Spurs
Moment – There are many moments, but one that I think is most indicative of the Spurs franchise comes from the 2008 First round series against Shaquille O’neal and the Phoenix Suns. The Spurs found themselves down three with little time left when Tim Duncan found himself wide open from beyond the arc. He knocked it down and send the game to 2OT where the Spurs would eventually take it.
Honorable Mention: Many Ginobili game winner vs. Warriors 2013
Toronto Raptors
Moment – Vince Carter is the face of the franchise, and has had many emphatic plays. But no alley-oop was more impressive than this one he threw down against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Honorable Mention: Kyle Lowry Half-Court Heave
Utah Jazz
Moment: The Jazz before 1997 had never been to the NBA Finals, and now were facing off against the Rockets in Houston with a chance to clinch the series. With little time left, John Stockton rose up and shot the game winning 3 over Charles Barkley as time expired to win the Jazz their first Conference title, and a shot at Michael Jordan and the Bulls.
Honorable Mention: Michael Jordan’s Final Shot as a Chicago Bull
Washington Wizards
Moment – Of all the game winners listed/posted, this one has got to be the craziest. From the full-court no-look pass to catching the ball while sprinting out of bounds yet somehow getting the ball up behind the 3-point line which was seldom used back in the day, this game winner has to be in everyone’s top five. Jeff Malone hit it against the Detroit Pistons
Honorable Mention: “I called Game!”