This past Sunday, NBA fans witnessed one of the impressively skillful game winning shots in NBA history. With just 2.8 seconds left in the game Kyrie caught the ball dribbled left and knocked down a running floater about 20 ft from the basket over a 7 footer in Nikola Jokic at the buzzer. The shot was not only sensational but helped lift the Mavericks to a much needed win over one of the best teams in the NBA in the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
After the game, Kyrie's teammate and Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic spoke about the shot stating, "Unbelievable man, I don’t think people realize how tough of a shot that it is with the off-hand,”
Kyrie has built a reputation as one of the most clutch players in the NBA while also being considered one of the most skilled players in NBA history. Considering the degree of difficulty simply being able to get the shot off was hard enough but being able hit the shot as a buzzer beater is even more impressive. Kyrie Irving's shot was also historic as it was the longest game-winning hook shot ever recorded at 21 feet from the basket. Though their have been various incredible clutch shots we have seen over the years Kyrie may have scored the best buzzer beater ever. Let's take look back at some other memorable buzzer beating shots in recent NBA history as I give my take on which ones I think are the best.
Max Strus Half court buzzer beater against the Mavericks | 2/27/2023
A nearly impossible buzzer beating shot ironically came against the Mavericks a couple weeks ago as Cavaliers Guard Max Strus knocked down a shot from over half court to give the Cavaliers the 121-119 win. What makes this shot so impressive is not only the distance it was taken from but also that Luka made an attempt to contest the shot but Strus still managed to knock it down.
Kawhi Leonard knocks down the fadeaway jumper to win the series for the Raptors | 5/12/2019
Kawhi Leonard's game winning buzzer beater is spectacular not just because it was over a Joel Embiid contest but also because it was a game 7 series winning shot. The shot was not only memorable for taking place in the playoffs but it was also a shot that was a legendary moment from the Raptors championship run in 2019. Kawhi not only hit an iconic shot but also played a great game scoring 41 points in the win.
Ralph Sampson sends the Rockets to the NBA Final with a game winning buzzer beating shot in an all-time NBA playoff moment | 5/21/1986
In 1986, Ralph Sampson made one of the most iconic shots in NBA history by sending the Houston Rockets to the NBA Finals with a turnaround jumper at the buzzer. The shot sent a 62 win Lakers team home while Sampson improbable shot with just a second remaining caps off a series upset for the Rockets.
Kobe Bryant hits miraculous game winning three at the buzzer over Dwyane Wade | 12/4/2009
You simply cannot have a list of All-time great and improbable game winning buzzer beaters without including one from Kobe Bryant on the list. Down by two with 3.2 seconds Kobe Bryant gets the ball drives to the top of the arc and knocks down a heavily contested shot over Dwyane Wade. Bryant's buzzer beater against the Heat was the first of seven game winners he hit in the 09-10 season.
Source: NBA YouTube channel
コメント