20 Craziest Moments in NBA History

The NBA has a rich history filled with legendary players, unforgettable performances, and moments that have left a lasting impact on the sport. From iconic game-winning shots to unexpected controversies, these moments have shaped the league and left a lasting impact on fans. Here are 20 of the craziest moments in NBA history:

1. Michael Jordan’s ‘Flu Game’ (1997)

In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan was battling a severe case of the flu, but he still managed to lead the Chicago Bulls to a crucial victory over the Utah Jazz. Despite his illness, Jordan scored 38 points and inspired his team to a 90-88 win. This game became known as the ‘Flu Game’ and is considered one of the greatest performances in NBA history.

2. The ‘Malice at the Palace’ (2004)

A brawl between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons in 2004 became known as the ‘Malice at the Palace’. The fight started after a foul by Ron Artest of the Pacers and escalated quickly, involving players from both teams and fans. This incident resulted in multiple suspensions and fines, and it remains one of the most infamous moments in NBA history.

3. The ‘Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ (1951)

In Game 7 of the 1951 NBA Finals, the New York Knicks were down by two points with four seconds left on the clock. The ball was inbounded to Knicks guard, Harry Gallatin. With only a fraction of a second remaining, Gallatin heaved a desperate shot from mid-court that went in, giving the Knicks a 69-67 victory over the Rochester Royals. This shot, known as the ‘Shot Heard ‘Round the World’, became one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.

4. The ‘Miracle of Mile High’ (1978)

In Game 7 of the 1978 NBA Finals, the Washington Bullets were down by 17 points with just over 5 minutes left in the game. But they mounted a furious comeback, outscoring the Denver Nuggets 23-7 in the final minutes to win the game 107-105 and claim their first NBA championship. This comeback became known as the ‘Miracle of Mile High’ and is still remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history.

5. The ‘Last Shot’ (2001)

In Game 5 of the 2001 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers were down by one point with 0.4 seconds left on the clock. Kobe Bryant received the inbounds pass and launched a fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arms of the Philadelphia 76ers’ defender, Allen Iverson. The shot went in, giving the Lakers a 108-106 victory and a 3-2 series lead. This shot, known as the ‘Last Shot’, cemented Bryant’s status as a clutch player and helped the Lakers win their first NBA championship of the new millennium.

6. The ‘Game of the Century’ (1980)

The 1980 NBA All-Star Game between the East and the West is considered one of the greatest All-Star Games in history. With the score tied at 147-147, Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving of the Philadelphia 76ers hit a game-winning jump shot with just seconds left on the clock. This game is remembered for its intense competition and the incredible performances of some of the greatest players of the era.

7. The ‘Air Jordan’ (1985)

Michael Jordan’s dunk over the Los Angeles Lakers’ defender, Patrick Ewing, in the 1985 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most iconic dunks in NBA history. Jordan’s athleticism and showmanship captivated the crowd and helped him win the contest. This dunk became known as the ‘Air Jordan’ and it launched Jordan’s career into superstardom.

8. The ‘I Believe’ (2002)

The Los Angeles Lakers’ ‘I Believe’ season in 2002 was a storybook run. After a tumultuous season that saw the team lose its star player, Shaquille O’Neal, to injury and the departure of coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers seemed destined for mediocrity. But under the leadership of Kobe Bryant and a renewed belief in their own abilities, the Lakers shocked the world by winning the NBA championship. This improbable run became known as the ‘I Believe’ and it demonstrated the power of perseverance and teamwork.

9. The ‘Bird-Magic’ Rivalry (1980s)

The rivalry between Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics and Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s is one of the greatest rivalries in NBA history. Bird and Johnson were two of the greatest players of their generation, and their teams battled for NBA supremacy throughout the decade. Their rivalry transcended the court, becoming a cultural phenomenon that captivated fans around the world.

10. The ‘Dream Team’ (1992)

The 1992 United States Olympic men’s basketball team, known as the ‘Dream Team’, was a collection of the greatest NBA players of all time. Led by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley, the Dream Team dominated the competition at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, winning all eight games by an average margin of 44 points. The Dream Team’s dominance helped to popularize the NBA around the world.

11. The ‘Thunderstorm’ (1978)

In Game 6 of the 1978 NBA Finals, the Washington Bullets were down by 20 points with less than 10 minutes left in the game. But they mounted a furious comeback, outscoring the Seattle SuperSonics 25-8 in the final minutes to win the game 105-102 and force a Game 7. This comeback became known as the ‘Thunderstorm’ and is still remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history.

12. The ‘Black Mamba’ (2000s)

Kobe Bryant’s career with the Los Angeles Lakers was a testament to his dedication, skill, and competitiveness. He won five NBA championships with the Lakers, earning the nickname ‘Black Mamba’ for his ruthless and relentless style of play. Bryant’s career was filled with unforgettable moments, including his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.

13. The ‘King’ (2000s-2020s)

LeBron James has been one of the most dominant players in NBA history. He has won four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and four NBA Finals MVP awards. James’s career has been filled with unforgettable moments, including his ‘The Decision’ to join the Miami Heat in 2010, his ‘The Block’ against the Atlanta Hawks in 2010, and his ‘The Shot’ against the Golden State Warriors in 2016. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

14. The ‘Golden State Warriors Dynasty’ (2015-2019)

The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty from 2015 to 2019 was a period of unprecedented dominance. Led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors won three NBA championships in four years. The Warriors’ fast-paced, offensive style of play revolutionized the NBA and they became one of the most popular teams in the league.

15. The ‘Clutch Gene’ (2010s)

Stephen Curry is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He is known for his ability to hit shots from long range and his clutch performances in big games. Curry’s 3-point shooting has changed the way the game is played and he has become one of the most popular players in the league.

16. The ‘Greek Freak’ (2010s-2020s)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in the NBA today. He is known for his incredible athleticism, strength, and versatility. Antetokounmpo has won two NBA MVP awards and led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021. He has become one of the most popular players in the league and is considered to be one of the best players in the world.

17. The ‘Showtime Lakers’ (1980s)

The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, were known for their fast-paced, high-scoring offense and their entertaining style of play. The Lakers won five NBA championships in the 1980s and their success helped to popularize the NBA around the world.

18. The ‘Boston Celtics Dynasty’ (1950s-1960s)

The Boston Celtics of the 1950s and 1960s, led by Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, were one of the most dominant teams in NBA history. The Celtics won 11 NBA championships in 13 years, establishing themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports history.

19. The ‘Pistol Pete’ (1960s-1970s)

Pete Maravich, nicknamed ‘Pistol Pete’, was one of the most talented and exciting players in NBA history. He was known for his incredible ball-handling skills, his dazzling passing, and his ability to score from anywhere on the court. Maravich’s playing style was ahead of its time and he remains a legend in the game.

20. The ‘Wilt Chamberlain’ (1960s)

Wilt Chamberlain was one of the most dominant players in NBA history. He was known for his incredible scoring ability, his rebounding prowess, and his athleticism. Chamberlain holds the NBA record for most points scored in a single game (100) and he remains one of the most impressive physical specimens to ever play the game.

These are just a few of the craziest moments in NBA history. The NBA is a league filled with unbelievable talent, unforgettable performances, and moments that will be remembered for generations to come. The NBA’s history is full of stories of triumph, heartbreak, and everything in between. It is a history that continues to be written every day, and it is a history that will continue to inspire and entertain fans for years to come.