Breaking Down the Best Plays in NBA History

19 March 2025

When it comes to the NBA, it’s not just about the stats, the championships, or even the MVPs. It’s the plays. The iconic moments that make fans jump out of their seats, scream at the TV, or replay the highlight reel on YouTube a thousand times. You know, those “Did you see that?!” moments that leave you breathless.

The NBA has a rich history filled with jaw-dropping, unforgettable plays that have defined eras and left an indelible mark on the game. In this article, we’re going to break down some of the best plays in NBA history—the ones that have transcended time, become part of basketball lore, and made us all fall in love with the sport.

Grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to relive some of the NBA's greatest moments!

The Shot: Michael Jordan’s Game-Winner Over Craig Ehlo (1989)

Let’s start with one of the most iconic shots in NBA history—Michael Jordan’s game-winner against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs. If you’ve seen a highlight reel of MJ, chances are this play is on it.

The Context

It was Game 5 of the first-round series between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The series was tied 2-2, and the game was down to the final seconds. The Cavs were up by one, and the Bulls needed a bucket to stay alive. Enter Michael Jordan.

The Play

With just three seconds left, Jordan took the inbounds pass, dribbled to the foul line, rose up over Craig Ehlo, and hit a jumper as time expired. The Bulls won the game, and MJ pumped his fist in celebration, a moment forever etched into basketball history.

Why It’s Legendary

This wasn’t just any buzzer-beater—it was the birth of MJ’s playoff legend. It was a moment that said, “I’m here, and I’m the guy.” Jordan would go on to become the greatest player of all time, and this shot was one of the first steps in that journey.

Magic’s Baby Hook: Magic Johnson’s Sky Hook Over the Celtics (1987)

Next up is a play that features another all-time great, Magic Johnson, showing off his versatility in crunch time. This one’s known as the “baby hook,” and it came during Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals between the Lakers and Celtics.

The Context

The Celtics and Lakers had one of the fiercest rivalries in NBA history, and this Finals series was no different. The Lakers were leading the series 2-1, but Game 4 was tied in the final seconds. The pressure was on, and the game was in the Boston Garden—a notoriously tough place to play for visiting teams.

The Play

With five seconds left on the clock, Magic Johnson took the ball at the top of the key and drove into the paint. Instead of passing or taking a pull-up jumper, Magic went with a hook shot—a move typically reserved for centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The ball floated through the air, kissed the rim, and dropped through the net.

Why It’s Legendary

Magic Johnson’s baby hook wasn’t just a great shot—it was the ultimate display of his versatility and basketball IQ. Magic, who wasn’t known for his hook shots, pulled out the perfect weapon at the perfect time. The Lakers would go on to win the game and the series, securing Magic’s place as one of the best clutch players ever.

The Block: LeBron James’ Chase-Down Block in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals

There are blocks, and then there’s The Block. LeBron James’ chase-down block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals is one of the most defining moments of his career. This play didn’t just save the game—it saved the series.

The Context

The Cleveland Cavaliers were facing the Golden State Warriors in a Game 7 showdown for all the marbles. The Cavs were down 3-1 in the series but had clawed their way back to force a winner-take-all game. With less than two minutes left and the game tied, the Warriors had a fast-break opportunity that could have given them the lead.

The Play

Andre Iguodala streaked down the court for what looked like an easy layup, but LeBron came out of nowhere to swat the ball off the backboard. It wasn’t just a block—it was a statement. The Cavaliers went on to win the game, capturing their first-ever NBA title and completing the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history.

Why It’s Legendary

LeBron’s block is legendary not just because of the athleticism involved (though that’s impressive), but because of the timing. In the final moments of Game 7, with everything on the line, LeBron made a play that shifted the momentum of the entire game. It’s a testament to his will, his determination, and his basketball genius.

The Steal: Larry Bird’s Steal and Assist in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals

If you’re talking about clutch plays, you can’t leave out Larry Bird. Known for his basketball IQ and knack for being in the right place at the right time, Bird’s steal in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.

The Context

The Celtics were facing the Detroit Pistons, and the game was coming down to the wire. The Pistons had the ball and a 1-point lead with just five seconds left. All they needed to do was inbound the ball, and they’d have a chance to ice the game at the free-throw line.

The Play

As Isiah Thomas tried to inbound the ball, Bird swooped in out of nowhere, stole the ball, and found Dennis Johnson streaking toward the basket. Johnson laid the ball in, giving the Celtics the lead and the win. The Celtics would go on to win the series and advance to the NBA Finals.

Why It’s Legendary

This play is all about instincts and hustle. Bird read the play perfectly and made one of the most heads-up, clutch defensive plays in NBA history. It’s a reminder that championships aren’t just won on offense—defense wins games, and in this case, it won a series.

The Dunk: Vince Carter's Dunk Over Frederic Weis (2000 Olympics)

Now, let’s switch gears a bit and talk about one of the most electrifying dunks ever—Vince Carter’s dunk over Frederic Weis during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. This dunk isn’t just NBA history—it’s basketball history.

The Context

Team USA was playing France in the Olympic quarterfinals. The game was competitive, but Team USA was in control. Then, out of nowhere, Vince Carter gave us all a moment we’ll never forget.

The Play

Carter stole the ball and took off down the court. As he approached the rim, Frederic Weis, a 7-foot-2 center from France, stood in his way. But that didn’t matter. Carter soared through the air and literally jumped over Weis, slamming the ball down with authority. The crowd went wild, and the play became known as the “Dunk of Death.”

Why It’s Legendary

There are dunks, and then there’s this. The sheer athleticism and audacity it took to attempt a dunk like this, let alone pull it off, is mind-boggling. Carter’s dunk became an instant classic, and to this day, it’s one of the most replayed highlights in basketball history.

The Shot: Ray Allen’s Game-Tying Three in the 2013 NBA Finals

Last but certainly not least, we have Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals—a shot that saved the Miami Heat’s season and extended the series.

The Context

The San Antonio Spurs were up 3-2 in the series and were seconds away from winning the championship. The Heat were down three points, and their season was on the line. With less than six seconds left, LeBron James missed a three-pointer, but Chris Bosh grabbed the offensive rebound and kicked it out to Ray Allen in the corner.

The Play

Allen backpedaled to the three-point line, caught the ball, and released one of the most important shots in NBA history. The ball swished through the net, tying the game and sending it into overtime. The Heat would go on to win the game and eventually the series.

Why It’s Legendary

Ray Allen’s shot is the epitome of clutch. In the most pressure-packed situation imaginable, he delivered. The shot swung the momentum of the series and allowed the Heat to win their second consecutive championship. It’s a play that will be remembered for generations.

Conclusion

From Michael Jordan’s legendary game-winner to LeBron James’ iconic block, the NBA has given us countless unforgettable moments. These plays aren’t just highlights—they’re snapshots of basketball greatness. They remind us why we love the game and why we keep coming back for more.

Whether it’s a game-saving block, a last-second shot, or a jaw-dropping dunk, these plays have cemented their place in NBA history. They’ve defined careers, changed the course of championships, and left us all in awe.

So, what’s your favorite play? Did we miss any that you think should be on the list? Let us know in the comments and keep the conversation going!