The Smartest Plays in NBA History

The NBA is a game of athleticism, skill, and strategy. But sometimes, the smartest play is the one that nobody sees coming. These plays are often the difference between winning and losing, and they can leave fans and commentators alike scratching their heads in amazement.

Here are a few of the smartest plays in NBA history:

1. Michael Jordan's 'The Shot' (1989)

In the 1989 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Chicago Bulls were down 3-2 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the game tied at 100 and only seconds remaining, Michael Jordan took the ball and made his way to the baseline. With time running out, he launched a fadeaway jumper over Craig Ehlo, who was guarding him. The shot went in, and the Bulls won the game 101-100. This shot is considered one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, and it's a perfect example of a player making a smart play under pressure.

2. Larry Johnson's 'Grandmama' (1992)

In the 1992 NBA Finals, the Charlotte Hornets were down 3-1 to the Chicago Bulls. With the game tied at 103 and only seconds remaining, Larry Johnson took the ball and made his way to the baseline. With time running out, he launched a turnaround jumper over Horace Grant, who was guarding him. The shot went in, and the Hornets won the game 105-103. This shot is considered one of the most surprising moments in NBA history, and it's a perfect example of a player making a smart play under pressure.

3. Tim Duncan's 'The Bank Shot' (2003)

In the 2003 Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs were down 3-2 to the Los Angeles Lakers. With the game tied at 89 and only seconds remaining, Tim Duncan took the ball and made his way to the baseline. With time running out, he launched a bank shot over Shaquille O'Neal, who was guarding him. The shot went in, and the Spurs won the game 91-89. This shot is considered one of the most clutch moments in NBA history, and it's a perfect example of a player making a smart play under pressure.

4. LeBron James' 'The Block' (2016)

In the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers were down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors. With the game tied at 89 and only seconds remaining, Andre Iguodala drove to the basket and attempted a layup. LeBron James came from behind and blocked the shot, sending the game into overtime. The Cavaliers eventually won the game in overtime, and they went on to win the NBA Championship. This block is considered one of the most important defensive plays in NBA history, and it's a perfect example of a player making a smart play under pressure.

5. Steph Curry's 'The Shot' (2016)

In the 2016 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors were down 3-1 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the game tied at 89 and only seconds remaining, Stephen Curry took the ball and made his way to the top of the key. With time running out, he launched a three-pointer over Kyrie Irving, who was guarding him. The shot went in, and the Warriors won the game 91-89. This shot is considered one of the most clutch moments in NBA history, and it's a perfect example of a player making a smart play under pressure.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many smart plays that have been made in NBA history. These plays are often the difference between winning and losing, and they can leave fans and commentators alike scratching their heads in amazement. So next time you're watching an NBA game, be sure to pay attention to the smartest plays on the court.