We’ve all seen those nerve-wracking NBA playoff games that come down to the wire, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s dive into some of the most thrilling performances in close games during the playoffs. It's hard not to start with Michael Jordan’s legendary moment in Game 5 of the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jordan’s buzzer-beater over Craig Ehlo, often referred to as “The Shot,” remains iconic. With time winding down and only three seconds left, Jordan sank a 15-foot jumper that eliminated the Cavs and sent the Bulls to the next round. What made this moment truly remarkable was Jordan’s efficiency, scoring 44 points on 17 of 32 shooting. That one shot defined an era and set the stage for the Bulls' future dominance.
LeBron James also has his fair share of clutch performances. Think back to Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. Facing elimination, LeBron went into full beast mode, dropping 45 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. He shot a staggering 73% from the field, hitting 19 of his 26 shots. Some analysts noted that his Game Score – a metric that measures a player’s productivity in a single game – was an astonishing 42.9. In NBA history, performances like these are what make legends, and that night LeBron earned his place among the greats.
Another memorable performance came from Allen Iverson during Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals. The underdog Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers. Iverson scored 48 points in a dramatic overtime win, including a crucial shot over Tyronn Lue that has become one of the most replayed moments in NBA history. Despite Iverson being only 6 feet tall, he willed his team to a win through sheer determination and skill. His efficiency was notable, making 18 of his 41 shots, and he added 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. Although the Sixers ultimately lost the series, Iverson’s Game 1 heroics remain unforgettable.
Kevin Durant’s Game 7 performance against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals is another game etched in NBA lore. Durant played every single minute of the game, clocking an exhausting 53 minutes due to overtime. His 48 points set an NBA record for most points in a Game 7. He nearly won the game in regulation with an incredible turnaround jumper from the three-point line, but his toe was on the line, making it a two-pointer and sending the game into overtime. Despite eventually falling short, Durant’s effort was Herculean, hitting 17 of 36 shots and grabbing 9 rebounds with 6 assists. His performance was praised as one of the all-time greats even in a losing effort.
Most recently, Luka Dončić had a breakout performance in Game 4 of the 2020 Western Conference First Round against the Los Angeles Clippers. At just 21 years old, Luka nailed a step-back three-pointer at the buzzer in overtime to give the Dallas Mavericks a thrilling win. He finished with a triple-double: 43 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists. His shot over Reggie Jackson was picture-perfect, and with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George guarding him most of the game, Luka’s efficiency was remarkable. He made 18 of his 31 shots and continued to show why he’s considered one of the future faces of the league.
Memorable performances like these are what make the NBA playoffs something special. It’s the stage where legends are made, and every year new stories unfold that captivate fans around the world. For more iconic moments and legendary performances, you can check out arena plus.