Few sporting events can match the adrenaline rush of a game-winning buzzer-beater in the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-all-time-top-4-sixth-man-in-history-20230720-SPD-3817.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>. It requires impeccable timing, intense pressure, and, sometimes, a little luck.



The anticipation as time runs out, the fear as the ball is released, the collective gasp as it arcs through the air, and the relief (or despair) as the shot is made or missed present an emotional roller coaster.



They are the stuff of which legends are made, of which careers are made, of which the very nature of the sport is defined. In this article, we will discuss the top three game-winning buzzer-beaters in NBA history.



<h2>3. Derek Fisher: 2004 Western Conference Semifinals, Game 5</h2>



The incredible jumper that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-free-agent-kyrie-irving-20230630-SPD-3770.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Derek Fisher</a> made with 0.4 seconds remaining in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals will live forever in the record books of the National Basketball Association. Los Angeles Lakers seemed to be out of time as they trailed the San Antonio Spurs 73-72.



Fisher, in a split second that defied belief, caught the incoming pass, swiveled, and fired. After a spectacular flight through the air, the ball swished into the goal as the horn sounded. The accuracy necessary to make Fisher’s jumper, plus the sheer improbability at the moment, have made it legendary in NBA history, helping the Lakers to a 74-73 victory.



These game-winning shots at the buzzer are among the most iconic in NBA history. These plays will live on in the memories of basketball fans throughout the world because of the special combination of tension, talent, and luck they represent. There will always be exhilarating new moments in basketball’s lengthy and storied past thanks to buzzer beaters.



<h2>2. Kawhi Leonard: 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 7</h2>



The game-winning buzzer-beater by Kawhi Leonard in Game 1 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals is one of the most exciting shots in recent NBA history. The Toronto Raptors held possession of the ball with 4.2 seconds remaining and the score knotted at 90.



While dribbling to the right corner of the floor, Leonard was pursued by Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. Leonard, feeling the heat of the moment, let go with a long jumper that clanged against the hoop four times before finally falling in. 



His basket helped the Raptors advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Because of the enormous pressure of the situation and the subsequent relief felt after the ball fell, this is undoubtedly one of the greatest buzzer-beaters in history.



<h2>1. Michael Jordan: 1989 Eastern Conference First Round, Game 5</h2>



Without Michael Jordan, who has become associated with game-winning baskets, this list would be without a key component. Jordan’s “The Shot” is a legendary play that heralded his debut as an NBA legend. It was Game 5 of the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round, and the Chicago Bulls were behind the Cleveland Cavaliers by two points with three seconds remaining.



Jordan took the inbound ball, drove to the free throw line, and swished a jumper over Craig Ehlo’s extended arm. As time expired, the ball went in, giving the Bulls a 101-100 win. This wasn’t simply the game-winning shot; it was a watershed moment in Jordan’s legendary career, emblematic of his ability to perform under pressure.

NBA: Top 3 best game-winning buzzer-beaters in history

NBA: Top 3 best game-winning buzzer-beaters in history - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas

There have been so many outstanding players in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/the-top-3-smallest-players-throughout-nbas-history-20230206-SPD-3378.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA history</a> that picking only five for the finest starting lineup ever is an impossible task. Nonetheless, the following players might form the best starting five in the NBA based on their individual achievements and their effect on the game.



All five of these players have created indelible marks on the sport of basketball, and they deserve to be considered among the game’s all-time best. The sports industry is only one of several that has caught the attention of the public as generative artificial intelligence (AI) spreads.



One of the latest iterations of chatbots is ChatGPT. As its popularity grew, we decided to try an experiment and ask it to choose the NBA’s all-time top starting five.



<h2>Point Guard: Magic Johnson</h2>



Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who stood at 6 feet 9 inches, changed the game of basketball with his stature, vision, and passing abilities as a point guard. He won five NBA titles and was named Most Valuable Player in the NBA Finals and NBA MVP three times each. He finished his career averaging 11.2 assists per game and led the league in assists on four separate occasions. In addition to his 12 All-Star appearances, Johnson was selected to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.



<h2>Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan</h2>



Michael Jordan won six NBA titles, was named Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals six times, and was named NBA MVP five times. He was a 14-time NBA All-Star and a 10-time scoring champion. Jordan’s clutch heroics have earned him a reputation, and he won his sixth NBA title with the game-winning jumper he made in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals.



<h2>Small Forward: LeBron James</h2>



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/how-many-records-does-lebron-james-hold-complete-list-of-the-forwards-records-in-nba-20230208-SPD-3383.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> is widely considered to be one of the best basketball players of all time, having won four NBA titles, four NBA Finals MVP awards, and four NBA MVP awards. Moreover, he has been chosen for the NBA All-Star Game 17 times and has been named to the All-NBA First Team 13 times. James is a formidable force on both ends of the court because of his adaptability, athleticism, and court vision.



<h2>Power Forward: Tim Duncan</h2>



Tim Duncan won five NBA titles, three NBA Finals MVP awards, and two NBA MVP awards throughout his career. His dependability, leadership, and clutch performance earned him widespread acclaim. Being one of the best power forwards in NBA history, Duncan was chosen for 15 All-Star Games.



<h2>Center: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</h2>



With 38,387 points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the NBA record for most points scored. He was honored with six NBA MVP trophies, as well as two NBA Finals MVP honors, and two NBA championships. In addition to his 19 seasons as an NBA All-Star, Abdul-Jabbar was selected to play on the NBA’s All-Time Team for its 50th anniversary. He played in the NBA for a total of 20 seasons and was legendary for his unguardable skyhook.

No Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain: ChatGPT picks NBA's all-time best starting five

No Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain: ChatGPT picks NBA's all-time best starting five - thesportsdrops NEWS

Phil Jackson was a power forward who played in the NBA for 12 seasons, earning two NBA championships with the New York Knicks.&nbsp;His coaching career began after his playing retirement when he worked as an assistant coach for Puerto Rico’s National Superior Basketball Association and the CBA.



An assistant coach position was made available to him in 1987 with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. Two years later, he was named their head coach and remained in that position for nine seasons.&nbsp;There, he led one of the best players&nbsp;in the game of all time, Michael Jordan.



His disputes with the Bulls’ management led to his departure at the end of the 1997-98 season. Los Angeles Lakers hired him as coach in 1999 after a one-year absence.



<h2>Number of NBA championships that&nbsp;Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan won together</h2>



During the Chicago Bulls’ two three-peats in the 1990s, everyone seemed to agree that Michael Jordan was the greatest player on the team. All of MJ’s NBA championships came during Phil Jackson’s tenure at the Bulls. Thus from 1989 to 1998, the two shared six titles together.



It took them&nbsp;nine seasons to win two three-peat&nbsp;championships in 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. Jackson led the Bulls to the NBA Playoffs every year he was in charge of the team, but their title streak ended when His Airness announced his initial retirement in 1993.

How many NBA championships have Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan won together? - thesportsdrops NEWS

How many NBA championships have Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan won together?

One of the most prestigious honors in sports is the Most Valuable Player Award. Since this accolade may go to just one player, the stakes are high. Not to add, the NBA has a number of elite players who might all win the MVP award throughout the course of the season’s 82 games.



One must go the additional mile in terms of performance, output, as well as winning to get the coveted honor. Prior to 1955, every year’s MVP winner was voted upon by a panel of experts.



As a rule, the MVP award is given to the player who is deemed to be the league’s top player, as well as the team’s most valuable player. These last several years have seen a number of great MVP seasons, with record-breaking conditions and a high level of performance.



<h2>Number of Michael Jordan NBA MVP Awards</h2>



When it comes to Michael Jordan‘s career, there’s no comparison. He picked up every trophy imaginable during his 13 years with the Chicago Bulls – six NBA championships and five MVP awards among them.



The basketball legend won his first MVP award in 1987-88. In each game, he averaged 35 points (5.5 rebounds), 6 assists, and 5.5 blocks. At the time, he was the only DPOY winner in the league with career highs in steals and blocks (3.2 and 1.6 per game, respectively).



MJ finished his career one MVP honor short of the all-time top position. Six-time winner of the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award (in 1991, 1992, 1996, and 1998), Kareem Abdul Jabbar holds the record for most MVPs.

How many times did Michael Jordan win the NBA MVP Award? - thesportsdrops NEWS

How many times did Michael Jordan win the NBA MVP Award?

Michael Jordan, often known as His Airness or Air Jordan, captivated the nation with his trademark dunk shot. Even as a student, the future Hall of Famer showed an aptitude for the sport. At the age of 21, he opted to play in the NBA Championships after winning multiple trophies for his basketball ability in college.



However, the top NBA team did not choose this outstanding athlete and he was forced to play for the Chicago Bulls. He turned the tide of the game for his side by displaying his exceptional skill. It took the Chicago Bulls six championship titles to turn around their fortunes from being a perennial underdog.



He served as President of Operations with the Chicago Bulls before moving to the Washington Wizards as a player, and Charlotte Bobcats became a member of Michael Jordan’s ownership group after his final retirement. As a result, he now has the distinction of being the only basketball player in history to earn one billion dollars.



<h2>Number of Michael Jordan retirements, years, and reasons</h2>



One of the most well-known names in basketball is Michael Jordan, and this is particularly true in the NBA. His impact on the NBA throughout his illustrious career as a Chicago Bulls player was undeniable. At the time, the NBA was a very popular sport in North America. Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, and a plethora of other superstars were among their stars and legends. Jordan’s on-court achievements raised the NBA and himself to new heights, making him a household name well beyond the borders of his own country.



According to many experts, Michael Jordan may be the greatest basketball player of all time. This was hardly an exciting start for him, but the Bulls went on to win six NBA titles when he arrived in the league and revolutionized them. During the NBA finals, Jordan was a superstar. Even the best of the best, though, have thoughts about retiring. Unlike other sports stars, His Airness decided to leave the game and pursue other interests. He retired three times during his NBA career.



It was on October 6, 1993, that he announced his initial retirement after the 1993 season, despite the fact that he had just won his third consecutive NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, MJ’s father died around this time, leaving him sad. After his retirement from basketball, he played minor league baseball with the Chicago White Sox until 1995, when he returned to the majors.



When Jordan returned, he was out of shape, but he quickly got back into shape and went on to win three straight titles in the span of a season. On January 13, 1999, he announced his retirement from basketball for the second time in his career after a dispute with the team’s then-general manager, Jerry Krause.



After the game, everyone thought it was the last time they would ever see MJ play on the field again. However, two years later, Michael stunned them by returning to the Washington Wizards as a starter. The Wizards never made the playoffs, despite Jordan’s 30,000th career point in his first season, and even against his old team, the Chicago Bulls. On April 16, 2003, he officially announced his third and last retirement from the military, marking the end of his career.

Michael Jordan

NBA: Top 3 best game-winning buzzer-beaters in history

No Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain: ChatGPT picks NBA's all-time best starting five

How many NBA championships have Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan won together?

How many times did Michael Jordan win the NBA MVP Award?

How many times did Michael Jordan retire: when and why?

Receive the latest news in your E-mail box