Top 10 Best Basketball Plays Of All Time
Basketball is one of the most celebrated sports in the United States. Its fast-paced gameplay, dynamic ball handling, and high-flying dunks have thrilled fans for decades. Over the years, we've seen some truly incredible plays that stick with us for a lifetime. Here are the top 10 best basketball plays of all time.
1. Michael Jordan's Game-Winning Shot
Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In the 1998 NBA Finals, with the Chicago Bulls facing the Utah Jazz, Jordan made a game-winning shot in the final seconds of Game 6. This shot helped secure the Bulls' sixth championship and cemented Jordan's legacy as a clutch performer.
2. Magic Johnson's "Baby Hook"
In Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals, with the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Boston Celtics, Magic Johnson made a stunning game-winning shot. Known as the "baby hook," Johnson's shot sailed over the outstretched arms of Celtics defender Kevin McHale to seal the Lakers' 107-106 victory.
3. Kobe Bryant's 81-Point Game
In 2006, the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Toronto Raptors. Kobe Bryant went on a scoring rampage, racking up 81 points in a single game. This performance set the second-highest point total in NBA history and cemented Bryant's place as one of the game's all-time greats.
4. LeBron James' Block in the 2016 Finals
In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers were tied with the Golden State Warriors in the final minutes of the game. With time running out, the Warriors made a fast break, but LeBron James came out of nowhere to block Andre Iguodala's layup, preserving the Cavs' lead and securing their first NBA championship.
5. Larry Bird's Steal and Assist
In Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, with the Boston Celtics facing the Detroit Pistons, Larry Bird made a clutch steal and assist to help secure the win. With the score tied and time running out, Bird intercepted an inbound pass and dished the ball to teammate Dennis Johnson, who hit the game-winning shot.
6. Dr. J's "Rock the Baby" Dunk
In Game 4 of the 1980 NBA Finals, Julius Erving, also known as Dr. J, made a stunning dunk that has become known as the "Rock the Baby" dunk. Erving drove to the basket and dunked the ball over the head of Los Angeles Lakers defender Michael Cooper, then rocked the ball like a baby to celebrate the incredible play.
7. Ray Allen's Game-Tying Three-Pointer
In Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat faced elimination at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. With the clock winding down and the Heat down by three, Ray Allen made an incredible three-pointer to tie the game and force overtime. The Heat went on to win the game and the championship.
8. Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game
In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain made history by scoring 100 points in a single game. The Philadelphia Warriors faced off against the New York Knicks, and Chamberlain dominated the court with his incredible scoring ability. This record still stands today and is considered one of the greatest individual achievements in basketball history.
9. Steph Curry's Three-Pointer in the 2016 Finals
In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With time running down and the game tied, Steph Curry made an incredible three-pointer to put the Warriors in the lead. However, the Cavaliers went on to win the game and the championship, making Curry's shot one of the most memorable in NBA history.
10. Shaquille O'Neal's Backboard-Shattering Dunk
In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal made a dunk that shook the basketball world. Playing for the Orlando Magic, O'Neal drove to the basket and threw down a powerful dunk that shattered the backboard. This incredible display of strength and athleticism has become one of the most iconic moments in basketball history.