With the NBA playoffs coming down to the wire, why not show off some of the most clutch shots in playoff history? This is what makes the playoffs exciting, that last shot which can win or lose a game and a series. Unfortunately for Lebron and company, they’ve managed to make an abysmal amount of last second shots, something like 1 for 30. While a lot of people complain about the stunts the Heat pulled this past summer, most aren’t willing to put their money where their mouth is. We love making wagers with each other, and always look up the basketball spread so that no one claims to have been cheated. Now, enjoy some of the most clutch moments from NBA history.

5. Alonzo Mourning’s Buzzer Beater in 1993

In 1993 Alonzo Mourning was a rookie on the Charlotte Hornets (now the New Orleans Hornets) and helped his team to the NBA Finals by averaging 21.0 points a game. The greatest moment of that season was in Game 4 in the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics. With 3.3 seconds left Mourning gets an inbound pass, takes a dribble, and hits a step-back buzzer-beater to win the game 104-103. It was a series ending shot, putting the Hornets through 3-1. It was regarded as one of the greatest finishes to a NBA Playoffs game up to that point.

4. Duncan/Fisher in 2004 — The 0.4 Second Shot

Derek Fisher and the Lakers in 2004 played some amazing basketball, with Kobe in his prime, Shaq towering over everyone else, and a decent supporting cast made for a championship caliber team. In the Western Conference semi-finals, against a defending champion San Antonio team, the Lakers looked set to win with a one point lead with under 10 seconds to go. However, San Antonio managed to score with 0.4 seconds left. San Antonio’s fans figured they’d won the game, but Derek Fisher had other ideas. Using the remaining time, Derek Fisher barely managed to get the ball out of his hands and score the winning shot. However, the Lakers ended up losing in the Finals, being upset by the Detroit Pistons.

3. Larry Bird in 1981

Larry Bird had a fantastic career, playing 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics. Over the course of those years he had many memorable plays, seeming to get even better when under pressure. His steal in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1987, capitalizing on a mistake by Isiah Thomas and giving the Celtics the lead with 5 seconds left. But his greatest play may have been come in 1981 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. Following his own 3-point attempt, Bird rebounds the ball in the air, switches the ball from his right hand to his left, and scoops it in as his momentum carries him behind the backboard. It was called the “greatest play I’ve ever seen” by Red Auerbach. Skip to 3:00 in the video below to see it, or watch the whole thing if you have time. It’s worth it…

2. The Baby Sky Hook

The Lakers and the Celtics have one of the most heated rivalries in basketball. If you don’t believe me, just read a Bill Simmons column over on ESPN and you’ll understand what I mean. This rivalry was on display, with Larry Bird going up against Magic Johnson in the 1987 Finals. Lakers were up 2-1 in the series, with the Celtics looked like they were going to pull even in the series. That is, until Magic Johnson drove across the lane and put up his famous sky hook, over the outstretched arms of Larry Bird, snagging Game 4 from the Celtics. The Celtics would end up losing the series, and not making it back to the playoffs for another 21 years.

1. Michael Jordan — The Shot

Everyone knows Michael Jordan — he’s widely regarded as being the greatest basketball player who has ever lived. His 12 year span with the Chicago Bulls from 1984-1998 (with a two year retirement from 1993-1995) won him 6 NBA Championships and 5 MVP awards. His talent and competitive spirit were dominant, and he is still an American sports legend. His greatest moment may have come in the first round of the 1989 playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the 5th and deciding game, with 3 seconds left, Jordan receives an inbound pass while double teamed and shoots an amazing floating jumper over Craig Ehlo to win the game, and the series. It’s known as “The Shot” and has been replayed countless times. Enjoy this gem of American sports history and the NBA playoffs.

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