NBA’s 20 Most Iconic Moments: Shots, Dunks, and Plays That Will Be Remembered Forever

NBA’s 20 Most Iconic Moments: Shots, Dunks, and Plays That Will Be Remembered Forever

Some basketball moments in the NBA are so amazing that they will be remembered forever. These moments are not just about talent and athleticism, but also about sheer resolve and genius. They are the moments that change the game and make legends.

These moments range from amazing buzzer-beaters to gravity-defying dunks. You will see the victory of underdogs, the daring of superstars, and the pure artistry of the game with each amazing moment.

These are the mind-blowing performances that will have you jumping out of your seat, spilling your popcorn, and recounting the experience to future generations.

Let us relive the magic, soak in the glory, and rediscover the beauty of the game as we discover these extraordinary feats that will forever echo in the hallowed halls of basketball lore.

1. Michael Jordan’s Shot Over Craig Ehlo in 1989

Video Courtesy of Youtube.

Michael Jordan’s game-winning shot over Craig Ehlo in 1989 is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. With seconds remaining in Game 5 of the first-round playoff series between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jordan received an inbound pass and drove to the hoop.

Despite Ehlo’s tight defence, Jordan rose for a mid-range jump shot from the left side of the key. The ball swished through the net, clinching a Bulls victory and cementing Jordan’s legendary status.

The shot demonstrated Jordan’s unparalleled skill, competitiveness, and ability to deliver under pressure. It is a classic highlight that is still cherished by fans around the world.

Also Read: The Best Team Ever: Which Team Is the Greatest in NBA History?

2. Wilt Chamberlain Scored 100-points In One Game

Philadelphia 76ers press photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain scored an astounding 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks. He shot 36-for-63 from the field and 28-for-32 from the free throw line. He also had 25 rebounds and 2 assists in the game.

Chamberlain’s 100-point game was a testament to his incredible athleticism and scoring ability. He was a physical specimen who could dominate the game in a way that no one else could. His performance that night is still talked about today as one of the greatest individual accomplishments in NBA history.

The 100-point game was also a watershed moment for the NBA. It helped to legitimize the league as a major professional sports league. It showed that the NBA was capable of producing truly transcendent performances, and it helped to attract new fans to the game.

Chamberlain’s 100-point game is a reminder of the power of sport to capture the imagination of the public. It is a feat that will never be forgotten, and it is one of the defining moments in NBA history.

3. LeBron James’ Block On Andre Iguodala

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LeBron James’ chase-down block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals is one of the most iconic plays in NBA history. With the Cavaliers leading by 3 points and just over 50 seconds remaining in the game, James chased down Iguodala, who was driving to the basket for a potential game-winning layup. James blocked the shot with his left hand, sending the ball out of bounds and preserving the Cavaliers’ lead.

The block was a remarkable feat of athleticism and determination. James was already exhausted from playing 46 minutes in the game, but he found the energy to chase down Iguodala and block his shot.

The block was also a huge momentum swing in the game, as it gave the Cavaliers the lead and helped them to eventually win the championship.

Also Read: NBA’s 15 Greatest Scorers: The Players Who Put Up the Numbers

4. Michael Jordan Makes A Comeback

El Gráfico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Jordan’s comeback after retirement in 1995 is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Jordan retired from the Chicago Bulls in 1993, but he returned to the team in 1995 and led them to three more championships.

Jordan’s comeback was met with great fanfare. Fans were eager to see him back on the court, and he did not disappoint. Jordan averaged 30.4 points per game in his comeback season, and he was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.

Jordan’s comeback was also a huge boost for the NBA. The league’s popularity had declined in the years since Jordan’s retirement, but his return helped to revive it. Jordan’s comeback is still talked about today as one of the greatest moments in NBA history.

5. Ray Allen’s Three Pointer To Force OT

File: Bradley Beal Ray Allen.jpg: Keith Allison derivative work: Chrishmt0423, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ray Allen’s three-pointer to force overtime in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals is one of the NBA’s most memorable moments.

With only 5.2 seconds remaining in regulation with the Boston Celtics leading the Miami Heat by three points, Allen collected an inbounds pass and scored a three-pointer from the corner, tying the game and sending it to overtime.

The shot was a spectacular display of clutch shooting. Allen had struggled from three-point shooting throughout the series, but he came through when it counted. The shot also contributed to Allen’s status as one of the best shooters in NBA history.

6. Kobe Bryant Scores 81 Points In A Game

Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most famous and amazing accomplishments in basketball history is Kobe Bryant’s record-breaking effort of 81 points in a single game. In a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006, Bryant put on an unrivaled exhibition of scoring skill and tenacity.

He hypnotized onlookers and rendered defenders defenseless with each shot. His reputation as a scoring maestro was cemented by his tireless pursuit of the basket, mastery of footwork, and capacity for making jumpers from all directions.

In addition to paying tribute to Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point performance, Bryant’s accomplishment helped cement his place among the all-time greats on the floor.

7. Malice At The Palace

The Malice at the Palace was one of the most infamous brawls in NBA history.  As things were hurled by spectators toward the players, a melee broke out in the stands.

The altercation involved players from both teams, and it took security some time to restore peace. Ten players were suspended as a consequence of the altercation, including Pacers’ Artest, Wallace, and Stephen Jackson.

The NBA experienced a bad day, but it also brought about some good things. The new regulations have made the NBA a more family-friendly league while also assisting in the prevention of more altercations.

Related: 20 Strangest Moments and Stories from the NBA Court

8. Half-court Shot By Jerry West

Malcolm W. Emmons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jerry West’s half-court shot at the buzzer to force overtime in Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.

With the Los Angeles Lakers trailing the Boston Celtics by 3 points with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation, West received an inbounds pass and launched a shot from half-court. The shot swished through the net, tying the game and sending it to overtime.

The shot was a remarkable feat of athleticism and skill. West had been struggling from the field throughout the game, but he came up big when it mattered most. 

9. Dennis Rodman Grabs 34 Rebounds

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Every time he went onto the floor, Dennis Rodman put on a clinic as a rebounding machine. Dennis Rodman had a career-high 34 rebounds in a March 1992 game against the Indiana Pacers, and the Pistons won in overtime.

Rodman won his second consecutive rebounding championship that year by averaging 18.3 boards per game. Rodman’s 34 rebounds served as proof of both his extraordinary athleticism and tenacity. He could out-rebound guys who were considerably bigger than him and were always in the right spot at the right time to capture rebounds. 

10. Michael Jordan’s Last Shot As A Bull

El Gráfico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Jordan showed off his clutch gene in an amazing way on his final shot as a Bull. In the final seconds of Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, with the Chicago Bulls behind the Utah Jazz, Jordan collected an inbound pass and drove to the basket.

Jordan stood up for a mid-range jump jumper from the left side of the key while being closely defended by Bryon Russell, and the ball swished into the net to give the Bulls the lead.

The shot left an imprint on the minds of fans all around the globe as the memorable end to an era of basketball supremacy. It embodied Jordan’s clutch ability, competitive attitude, and unmatched brilliance.

11. David Robinson Scores A Quadruple-Double Vs The Detroit Pistons

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David Robinson’s quadruple-double performance against the Detroit Pistons was a stunning and remarkable display of versatility and dominance.

On February 17, 1994, Robinson, playing for the San Antonio Spurs, put on a show, tallying an astounding 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and an incredible 10 blocks in a single game. Robinson’s rare accomplishment highlighted his exceptional athleticism, basketball IQ, and all-around abilities.

His ability to impact the game in multiple facets left spectators in awe and solidified his status as one of the most complete players of his era. The quadruple-double performance remains an iconic milestone in Robinson’s illustrious career and the annals of NBA history.

12. Chris Webber Dunks On Charles Barkley

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One of the most famous moments in NBA history was Chris Webber’s dunk on Charles Barkley in the 1993 NBA All-Star Game. At the time, Webber was a rising star who slammed down a nasty dunk over Barkley, one of the most powerful and physically imposing players in the game.

The dunk was a magnificent demonstration of athleticism and strength. Webber, who was no slouch himself in terms of size and muscle, vaulted over Barkley after taking off from well behind the free-throw line. The force of Webber’s slam caused the rim to shake and the ball to fly out of the hoop.

The surprised hush of the crowd was quickly replaced by a scream of delight as they reacted to the dunk. A statement play, Webber’s dunk demonstrated that he was one of the league’s emerging talents.

13. Shaquille O’Neal’s Dunk That Sent The Backboard Into Shatters 

Video courtesy of YouTube.

Shaquille O’Neal is infamous for destroying a backboard on December 12, 1993, while competing against the New Jersey Nets. O’Neal smashed the ball so hard that the rim bent and the backboard shattered.

The game was temporarily stopped as the backboard was repaired. The incident attracted attention from all around the world and enhanced O’Neal’s reputation as one of the most dominant players in NBA history.

14. Shaq’s Dunk On Yao Ming

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Shaquille O’Neal’s dunk on Yao Ming in 2001 was one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. O’Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, threw down a vicious dunk over Ming, one of the league’s tallest and most intimidating players.

The dunk was a stunning display of athleticism and power. O’Neal took off from well behind the free throw line and soared over Ming, who was 7’6″ tall and weighed 300 pounds.

15. Michael Jordan’s Free-throw Line Dunk In The 1988 Slam Dunk Contest

Michael Jordan’s free-throw line dunk in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest was a mind-boggling moment that defied the laws of gravity. Jordan’s legendary athleticism and unparalleled hang time allowed him to take flight from the free-throw line with ease, soaring through the air with grace and power.

His body seemed suspended in mid-air as he extended his arm, gliding toward the basket before emphatically slamming the ball through the hoop. The audacity and precision of the dunk left the crowd in a state of awe, cementing Jordan’s status as a basketball icon and forever etching the moment into the annals of sports history.

16. Kobe’s Final 60-Point Game

Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kobe Bryant’s final 60-point game on April 13, 2016, was one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Bryant, who was 37 years old at the time, scored 60 points on 22-of-50 shooting from the field, 6-of-13 shooting from three-point range, and 11-of-13 shooting from the free throw line. He also had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in the game.

The 60-point game was a stunning display of Bryant’s incredible skill and longevity. Bryant had been struggling with injuries in the weeks leading up to the game, but he came up big when it mattered most.

The game was also a testament to Bryant’s love of the game. He was enjoying himself on the court, and he put on a show for the fans one last time.

17. Magic Johnson Pulls “Baby Skyhook” In Game 4 Of The 1987 NBA Finals

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In Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson pulled out a “Baby Skyhook” to help the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Boston Celtics. With the Lakers trailing by 2 with just seconds remaining, Johnson received an inbound pass and drove to the hoop.

Despite being tightly guarded by Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, Johnson rose for a sweeping hook shot, and the ball swished through the net, giving the Lakers the victory.

The “Baby Skyhook” was a signature move of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Johnson had never used it before. However, at that moment, he knew that he needed to do something special to help the Lakers win.

The “Baby Skyhook” was a perfect shot for Johnson, as it allowed him to use his size and strength to create space, and his accuracy to make the shot.

18. Dr J’s Baseline Scoop During The 1980 NBA Finals

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On May 11, 1980, Julius Erving, also known as Dr. J, made a miraculous baseline scoop during Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Philadelphia 76ers trailing the Lakers by 2 with just seconds remaining, Erving received an inbound pass and drove to the hoop.

Despite being closely guarded by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Erving managed to hang in the air for what seemed like an eternity before flipping the ball over the top of Abdul-Jabbar and into the basket. The Sixers won the game 105-102, and Erving’s baseline scoop is considered to be one of the most iconic plays in NBA history.

19. Vince Carter’s “Dunk Of Death” 

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Vince Carter’s “Dunk of Death” on Frederic Weis in the 2000 Sydney Olympics is one of the most iconic moments in basketball history. With Team USA trailing France by 1, Carter received an inbound pass and took off from well behind the free throw line. He soared over Weis, who was 7’2″ tall, and threw down a vicious dunk that shook the rim.

The dunk was a stunning display of athleticism and power. He also had to jump over Weis, who was one of the tallest players in the tournament.

The dunk was a statement play, and it showed that Carter was one of the most dominant players in the world. It also helped to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest dunkers of all time.

20. Kawhi Leonard’s Series-winning Buzzer-beater Against The Philadelphia 76ers

Video courtesy of YouTube.

Kawhi Leonard’s series-winning buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 12, 2019, was one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.

With the Toronto Raptors trailing the 76ers by 2 with just seconds remaining, Leonard received an inbound pass and dribbled to the corner. He took a step back and launched a three-pointer, and the ball bounced on the rim four times before it swished through the net as the buzzer sounded.

The Raptors won the game 92-90, and Leonard’s buzzer-beater sent the crowd into a frenzy as the Raptors advanced to the finals.