
<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>


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

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

miniaturas


<p>There have been so many outstanding players in <strong><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></strong> 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p><strong><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></strong> 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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>


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

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