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20 Most Viral Moments in NBA History
The NBA is a league full of incredible moments, from buzzer-beaters to legendary performances. But some moments stand out from the rest, capturing the attention of fans worldwide and becoming viral sensations. Here are 20 of the most viral moments in NBA history:
1. Michael Jordan’s ‘The Shot’ (1989 Eastern Conference Semifinals)
In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Michael Jordan hit a game-winning jump shot over Cleveland Cavaliers’ Craig Ehlo with just five seconds left on the clock. This iconic moment, known as ‘The Shot,’ cemented Jordan’s status as a legend and is considered one of the greatest shots in NBA history.
2. LeBron James’ ‘The Block’ (2009 NBA Finals)
During Game 7 of the 2009 NBA Finals, LeBron James blocked a potential game-winning shot by Orlando Magic’s Rashard Lewis, preserving a 95-90 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers. This block, known as ‘The Block,’ is widely considered one of the most iconic defensive plays in NBA history.
3. Reggie Miller’s ‘8 Points in 9 Seconds’ (1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals)
In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Reggie Miller scored eight points in nine seconds against the New York Knicks, turning a seven-point deficit into a one-point lead. This incredible performance sent shockwaves through the league and is remembered as one of the most dramatic moments in NBA history.
4. ‘The Dream Shake’ (1980s-1990s)
Hakeem Olajuwon’s signature move, ‘The Dream Shake,’ was a devastatingly effective offensive maneuver that left defenders helpless. His ability to spin, fake, and finish with incredible footwork made him a force to be reckoned with.
5. ‘The Kiss’ (2004 NBA Finals)
After winning the 2004 NBA Finals, Detroit Pistons’ Chauncey Billups and his wife, Piper, shared a passionate kiss on the court, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere. This moment, known as ‘The Kiss,’ became a symbol of celebration and love.
6. ‘The 3-Pointer’ (2013 NBA Finals)
In Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, Ray Allen hit a game-tying 3-pointer with five seconds left, sending the game into overtime. This shot, known as ‘The 3-Pointer,’ helped the Miami Heat win the game and ultimately the championship.
7. ‘The Dunk’ (1985 NBA Slam Dunk Contest)
During the 1985 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Dominique Wilkins threw down an incredible dunk over Atlanta Hawks teammate Dominique Wilkins, earning a perfect score and becoming the first player to score 50 points in a dunk contest.
8. ‘The Shot’ (2016 NBA Finals)
In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving hit a game-winning 3-pointer over Stephen Curry with just 53 seconds left on the clock. This shot, known as ‘The Shot,’ helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the championship and is considered one of the greatest shots in NBA history.
9. ‘The Block’ (2016 NBA Finals)
In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, LeBron James blocked a potential game-winning shot by Andre Iguodala with just 42 seconds left on the clock. This block, known as ‘The Block,’ is considered one of the most clutch defensive plays in NBA history.
10. ‘The Turnover’ (2017 NBA Finals)
In Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals, Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green committed a controversial foul on LeBron James, resulting in a technical foul and a suspension for Green. This incident, known as ‘The Turnover,’ had a significant impact on the series and is still debated among fans today.
11. ‘The Shot’ (2018 NBA Finals)
In Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals, LeBron James hit a game-tying 3-pointer with just 4.7 seconds left on the clock. This shot, known as ‘The Shot,’ helped the Cleveland Cavaliers force overtime and ultimately win the game.
12. ‘The Dunk’ (2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest)
During the 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Derrick Jones Jr. threw down an incredible dunk over the mascot, earning a perfect score and becoming the first player to score 50 points in a dunk contest since Dominique Wilkins in 1985.
13. ‘The 3-Pointer’ (2020 NBA Finals)
In Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals, Klay Thompson hit a game-tying 3-pointer with just 12 seconds left on the clock. This shot, known as ‘The 3-Pointer,’ helped the Golden State Warriors force overtime and ultimately win the game.
14. ‘The Block’ (2021 NBA Finals)
In Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked a potential game-winning shot by Kevin Durant with just 1.5 seconds left on the clock. This block, known as ‘The Block,’ is considered one of the most incredible defensive plays in NBA history.
15. ‘The Dunk’ (2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest)
During the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Obi Toppin threw down an incredible dunk over the mascot, earning a perfect score and becoming the first player to score 50 points in a dunk contest since Derrick Jones Jr. in 2019.
16. ‘The 3-Pointer’ (2023 NBA Finals)
In Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals, Stephen Curry hit a game-winning 3-pointer with just 1.2 seconds left on the clock. This shot, known as ‘The 3-Pointer,’ helped the Golden State Warriors win the game and ultimately the championship.
17. ‘The Block’ (2023 NBA Finals)
In Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Finals, Draymond Green blocked a potential game-winning shot by Jayson Tatum with just 0.5 seconds left on the clock. This block, known as ‘The Block,’ is considered one of the most clutch defensive plays in NBA history.
18. ‘The Dunk’ (2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest)
During the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Mac McClung threw down an incredible dunk over the mascot, earning a perfect score and becoming the first player to score 50 points in a dunk contest since Obi Toppin in 2022.
19. ‘The Shot’ (2024 NBA Finals)
In Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Finals, Luka Doncic hit a game-winning 3-pointer with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock. This shot, known as ‘The Shot,’ helped the Dallas Mavericks win the championship and is considered one of the greatest shots in NBA history.
20. ‘The Block’ (2024 NBA Finals)
In Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Finals, Nikola Jokic blocked a potential game-winning shot by Luka Doncic with just 0.1 seconds left on the clock. This block, known as ‘The Block,’ is considered one of the most clutch defensive plays in NBA history.
These are just a few of the most viral moments in NBA history. These moments have captivated fans worldwide, creating memories that will last a lifetime.