Photo: NBA.com
The NBA Playoffs are here, and we’ve already had some things go down that we will remember for years to come. From Kevin Durant taunting his greatness to Giannis Antetokounmpo doing what he does best, the pro basketball postseason are already sizing up faster than March Madness.
History was made before the playoffs even began, being this is the first time in 15 years with no LeBron James in the postseason. It’s a weird landscape where teams like the Nuggets and Bucks are favorites, the Lakers and Cavs are nowhere to be seen, and the Warriors’ legacy is in danger while they fend for the first three-peat in years.
Nice moves: NBA Classic Moments in Time for a New Season Tipoff
As new moments take shape, we’re going to look back at the classic ones that shaped the NBA to what it is today. Have some moments that you think should make the list?
Take flight: 10 Best Sneakers From the All-Star Hall of Fame
Sound off on our social channels and let us know who your heavy favorite is. For once, it’s anyone’s game!
NBA Playoff Moments
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"Havlicek stole the ball"
It's been dubbed by fans as "the most famous radio call in basketball history." As the Boston Celtics faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1965 NBA Eastern Conference championship, Havlicek clinched the series with a steal as time wound down.
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Jerry West Clutch 60 Foot Shot
With 3 seconds left in the 1970 NBA Finals, Jerry West had to run the length of the court and lob up a prayer to save his team from defeat. They call him Mr. Clutch for a reason, and it's one of many reasons why he's The Logo for the NBA itself.
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Magic Johnson's 1980 NBA Finals Performance
With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with a sprained ankle, Magic Johnson took over at center, while also playing other positions. It led to a 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assist performance that brought them the NBA Championship.
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The Shot Heard Around The World
It's gone down at 'The Greatest Game Ever Played" in the NBA. With time running out Gar Heard hit "the show heard around the world" to send them game into its third overtime.
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Steal by Bird
With five seconds left in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons, Larry Legend steals the ball and passes it over for a layup to give the Celtics the victory.
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Derek Fisher's .4 Shot
With the series tied at 2, the Spurs thought they had it all in the bag with only .4 left on the clock. No one could get a shot off that quick right? Derek Fisher proved them wrong.
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Michael Jordan's Final Shot
Yeah, he came back and played for the Wizards but no one remembers that. We all look back to the legendary NBA Finals performances Michael Jordan put on, especially the final shot he took as a Chicago Bull that brought them their 6th NBA Championship.
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Michael Jordan's Flu Game
It was in that same series mentioned above that Michael Jordan put on possibly the greatest performance in NBA history. With the series tied at 2, Jordan entered Game 5 with food poisoning. Suffering dehydration and needing help on and off the court Jordan ended up with 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block and a Bulls victory.
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Cavaliers Comeback
The Warriors took a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals. No team has ever come back from being down 3-1 and it all seemed like it was over for the Cavaliers. But LeBron and company wouldn't stay down and did the impossible by coming all the way back and bringing Cleveland their first ever NBA Championship.
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Raja Bell Clotheslines Kobe Bryant
As a Suns fan, no one got on Phoenix's nerves more than Kobe Bryant. With the game slipping away for the Lakers and frustrated Kobe sent his elbow into Raja Bell's chin. So Raja returned the favor and we all lived vicariously through Raja Bell as he laid Kobe Bryant out with a clothesline. Thanks, Raja.
