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The 3 Luckiest Plays in NBA History
The NBA is a league of skill, strategy, and athleticism. But sometimes, the basketball gods intervene, and luck plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of a game. These moments, often referred to as “lucky breaks,” can be game-changers, leaving fans and players alike in awe.
Here are three of the luckiest plays in NBA history, where chance and fortune played a significant role in shaping the narrative of the game:
1. Michael Jordan’s “Shot” in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals
The Chicago Bulls were down 3-2 in the series, facing elimination at the hands of the Utah Jazz. With seconds remaining, Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, found himself with the ball in his hands. He drove to the basket, seemingly out of options, and launched a seemingly impossible fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arms of Bryon Russell. The ball bounced off the backboard and through the hoop, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
What made this play so lucky? The shot, while incredibly difficult, was also incredibly close to being blocked. The ball seemed to defy gravity, finding its way through the basket despite being surrounded by defenders. The Bulls went on to win the game and the series, securing their sixth NBA championship.
2. The “Shot” by Robert Horry in Game 5 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals
The Los Angeles Lakers were locked in a tight battle with the Sacramento Kings, trailing by one point with seconds remaining. Kobe Bryant, the Lakers’ superstar, drove to the basket but lost control of the ball. It bounced out of bounds, with the Kings appearing to have possession. But then, a miracle happened.
Robert Horry, known as “Big Shot Bob” for his clutch performances, was able to tip the ball into the hands of Derek Fisher, who quickly passed it back to Horry. With the clock ticking down, Horry launched a three-pointer that swished through the net, giving the Lakers a shocking victory.
The Kings were furious, claiming that the ball should have gone out of bounds. However, the officials ruled in favor of the Lakers, and the Kings were left to wonder what might have been. This play is considered one of the luckiest in NBA history, as Horry’s tip was incredibly improbable and the three-pointer was a shot that few would have expected him to make.
3. The “Miracle of Auburn Hills” in Game 5 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals
The Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers were locked in a fierce battle, with the Pistons trailing by one point with less than a second remaining. The Pacers, with a 3-1 series lead, seemed destined to advance to the NBA Finals. But then, the unthinkable happened.
The Pistons’ Ben Wallace, a defensive powerhouse, fouled Ron Artest, forcing him to the free throw line. Artest, a talented scorer, had a chance to ice the game, but he missed the first free throw. The second free throw, however, was even more shocking.
Artest appeared to have made the second free throw, but the ball mysteriously bounced off the back of the rim and into the hands of Chauncey Billups, the Pistons’ point guard. Billups, without hesitation, launched a full-court shot that banked in at the buzzer, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The Pistons went on to win the game, sending the series back to Indiana. The Pistons eventually won the series in seven games, and went on to win the NBA Championship. This play, known as the “Miracle of Auburn Hills,” is considered one of the most improbable and luckiest plays in NBA history.
These three plays highlight how chance and fortune can play a significant role in the outcome of a game, even at the highest level of professional basketball. While skill and strategy are essential, sometimes, a little bit of luck is all you need to turn the tide and create a moment that will be remembered for years to come.