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Basketball history · Athlore editors

The 100 greatest NBA plays ever.

One possession can outlive an entire game. These are the shots, dunks, passes, handles and defensive plays that changed series, defined players or permanently entered basketball memory.

How this list works. The ranking is ordered editorially, not by an algorithm. Historical roundups—including Bleacher Report’s 50-play collection—are reference points alongside NBA archives, playoff stakes and a play’s lasting place in basketball culture. Performance nicknames are represented by a specific possession; the type filters never change a play’s overall rank.

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Showing 100 of 100

  1. 1The ShotShotsMichael Jordan1989 · Winner-take-all first-round Game 5Jordan rose over Craig Ehlo and hit the series-winning jumper as time expired.Open the play →
  2. 2The BlockDefenseLeBron James2016 · Tied NBA Finals Game 7James chased Iguodala across the floor and erased a go-ahead layup against the glass.Open the play →
  3. 3The championship threeShotsKyrie Irving2016 · Tied NBA Finals Game 7Irving isolated against Curry, used his dribble to create the matchup and buried the go-ahead three.Open the play →
  4. 4Back out to AllenShotsRay Allen & Chris Bosh2013 · NBA Finals elimination gameBosh secured the rebound and Allen backpedaled to the corner before tying the game with a three.Open the play →
  5. 5Four bouncesShotsKawhi Leonard2019 · Tied Eastern semifinals Game 7Leonard's fading corner jumper bounced on the rim four times before dropping.Open the play →
  6. 6The junior sky hookShotsMagic Johnson1987 · NBA Finals Game 4Magic floated a running hook over Kevin McHale and Robert Parish in Boston Garden.Open the play →
  7. 7The Last ShotShotsMichael Jordan1998 · NBA Finals Game 6After stealing the ball from Karl Malone, Jordan crossed over Bryon Russell and held the championship-winning follow-through.Open the play →
  8. 80.9 and a seriesShotsDamian Lillard2014 · First-round Game 6Lillard curled toward the sideline and hit a three before Houston could switch the coverage.Open the play →
  9. 9Pippen over EwingDunksScottie Pippen1994 · Eastern semifinals Game 6Pippen drove the baseline and detonated over Ewing before standing over him beneath the basket.Open the play →
  10. 10Kobe to ShaqDunksKobe Bryant & Shaquille O'Neal2000 · Western finals Game 7Bryant crossed into the lane and lofted a lob that O'Neal finished above the rim.Open the play →
  11. 11Rock the BabyDunksJulius Erving1983 · Rivalry game in PhiladelphiaErving cradled the ball on the break, swept it around Cooper and finished with one hand.Open the play →
  12. 12Baron Davis risesDunksBaron Davis2007 · Western semifinals Game 3Davis attacked the lane and finished a one-handed dunk over elite shot-blocker Kirilenko.Open the play →
  13. 130.4ShotsDerek Fisher2004 · Western semifinals Game 5Fisher caught, turned and released before the final four-tenths disappeared.Open the play →
  14. 14Big Shot RobShotsRobert Horry2002 · Western finals Game 4A loose rebound was batted to the arc, where Horry stepped into the series-tying three.Open the play →
  15. 15The step-overShotsAllen Iverson2001 · NBA Finals Game 1Iverson crossed back, hit the baseline jumper and stepped over Lue as he returned upcourt.Open the play →
  16. 16No regard for human lifeDunksLeBron James2013 · Miami's 23rd straight victoryWade stole Terry's pass, Cole pushed the break and Norris Cole's lob found James already above Terry at the rim.Open the play →
  17. 17Vince clears MourningDunksVince Carter2005 · Nets–Heat divisional matchupCarter launched from the lane and finished over one of the era's most feared rim protectors.Open the play →
  18. 18Welcome to your Kodak momentDunksDwyane Wade2009 · Early-season Cavaliers–Heat showcaseWade rejected a screen, split Anthony Parker and Shaquille O'Neal, then switched to two hands as Varejao arrived at the rim.Open the play →
  19. 19The Mozgov, againDunksBlake Griffin2012 · Contender matchup in Los AngelesGriffin caught the ball on the move, rose into Perkins and threw the ball down through contact.Open the play →
  20. 20The lob and the aftermathDunksDeAndre Jordan & Chris Paul2013 · Lob City at full speedPaul floated the lob and Jordan finished directly through Knight's attempt to take away the rim.Open the play →
  21. 21Ja cocks it backDunksJa Morant2023 · Protecting an eighth straight winMorant drove left, took off outside the restricted area and hammered a right-handed dunk over Poeltl.Open the play →
  22. 22Teenage Dwight meets KobeDunksKobe Bryant2004 · Howard's rookie seasonBryant turned the corner, took off and finished over the rookie center's full contest.Open the play →
  23. 23Iverson's crossoverHandlesAllen Iverson1997 · A rookie testing the reigning championsIverson sold the drive with a long left-hand dribble, snapped the ball back across his body and rose before Jordan could recover.Open the play →
  24. 24Curry sends Paul backwardHandlesStephen Curry2015 · Pacific rivals chasing playoff positionPinned at the right baseline, Curry went behind his back twice, changed direction a third time and watched Paul lose his footing before the jumper.Open the play →
  25. 25The stare before the threeHandlesJames Harden2018 · Houston's 14th consecutive winHarden crossed left, stopped as Johnson fell, paused to inspect the space and then made the three.Open the play →
  26. 26Gerald Green in the blenderHandlesKyrie Irving2017 · Eastern Conference finals Game 2Irving rejected the screen, crossed left, wrapped the ball behind his back, spun back to his right and floated it in before help could arrive.Open the play →
  27. 27The UTEP two-stepHandlesTim Hardaway1991 · Western semifinals Game 2Hardaway chained a between-the-legs dribble into his instant crossover and burst beyond the first line of defense.Open the play →
  28. 28The one-leg fadeawayShotsDirk Nowitzki2011 · NBA Finals Game 2 comebackDirk posted on the left side, leaned his shoulder into the defender, lifted his left knee as a shield and released from an unreachable angle.Open the play →
  29. 29The bank shotShotsTim Duncan2013 · NBA Finals Game 1Duncan settled into the right mid-post, squared his shoulders and sent the ball softly toward the upper corner of the backboard.Open the play →
  30. 30The finger rollShotsGeorge Gervin1978 · The final-day scoring-title raceGervin carried the ball upward in one hand, extended past the rim protector and rolled it from his fingertips high above the glass.Open the play →
  31. 31The Dream ShakeSignature movesHakeem Olajuwon1995 · Western Conference finals Game 2Olajuwon showed the middle, spun baseline, pump-faked Robinson into the air and stepped through for the finish.Open the play →
  32. 32The skyhookShotsKareem Abdul-Jabbar1974 · NBA Finals Game 6Kareem caught on the right block, turned his left shoulder toward the defense and released the hook from his fully extended right arm.Open the play →
  33. 33The bad shotShotsDamian Lillard2019 · Series-clinching first-round Game 5Lillard crossed half court, rocked the ball against George and launched a 37-footer that dropped as time expired.Open the play →
  34. 34Havlicek stole the ballDefenseJohn Havlicek1965 · Eastern Division finals Game 7Havlicek baited the inbound pass, turned at the release and tipped it to Sam Jones before Philadelphia could attempt the winning shot.Open the play →
  35. 35West from 60 feetShotsJerry West1970 · NBA Finals Game 3West took the inbound pass, dribbled past half court and launched from 60 feet to tie the game at the horn.Open the play →
  36. 36Here comes WillisShotsWillis Reed1970 · NBA Finals Game 7After limping out of the tunnel, Reed won the opening tip and made a jumper from the top of the key on New York's first possession.Open the play →
  37. 37The Shot Heard 'Round the WorldShotsGar Heard1976 · NBA Finals Game 5With one second available, Heard caught near the top of the key, turned and hit a high-arcing jumper at the horn.Open the play →
  38. 38The high bounceShotsDon Nelson1969 · NBA Finals Game 7Nelson collected a loose ball at the foul line and beat the shot clock with a jumper that kicked high off the back rim before falling.Open the play →
  39. 39The ShrugShotsMichael Jordan1992 · NBA Finals Game 1Jordan buried his sixth three of the first half, turned toward the broadcast table and shrugged as he ran back on defense.Open the play →
  40. 40Paxson for the three-peatShotsJohn Paxson & Horace Grant1993 · NBA Finals Game 6Grant found Paxson alone on the left wing, and the guard made Chicago's first field goal of the fourth quarter.Open the play →
  41. 41The Flu Game threeShotsMichael Jordan1997 · Tied NBA Finals Game 5Jordan passed out of a double-team, relocated behind the arc and buried the go-ahead three before collapsing into Scottie Pippen's arms moments later.Open the play →
  42. 42Kobe at the hornShotsKobe Bryant2006 · First-round Game 4After Luke Walton forced a jump ball, Bryant took the loose possession and rose for a fading jumper over two defenders as overtime expired.Open the play →
  43. 43Twenty-five straightDunksLeBron James2007 · Eastern Conference finals Game 5James split Detroit's defense and finished the winning layup, the last basket in a run of 25 consecutive Cleveland points scored by him.Open the play →
  44. 44Noah takes it the other wayDefenseJoakim Noah2009 · First-round elimination gameNoah stripped Pierce near midcourt, raced the other direction and dunked through the foul that ended Pierce's night.Open the play →
  45. 45Artest's redemption threeShotsRon Artest & Kobe Bryant2010 · NBA Finals Game 7Bryant kicked the ball to Artest, who stayed composed and made the three over Paul Pierce's outstretched contest.Open the play →
  46. 46Dirk goes leftShotsDirk Nowitzki2011 · NBA Finals Game 2Nowitzki drove right, spun back across the lane and finished with his injured left hand before Miami could bring help.Open the play →
  47. 47Bang! Bang!ShotsStephen Curry2016 · Record-chasing contender showdownCurry crossed half court, pulled up from 38 feet and made the winning three with the defense still retreating.Open the play →
  48. 48Klay's record-setting 10th threeShotsKlay Thompson2016 · Western Conference finals elimination gameThompson pulled up from well behind the arc for his record-setting 10th three, cutting Oklahoma City's lead to four before adding one more.Open the play →
  49. 49One last leadShotsKobe Bryant2016 · Final NBA gameBryant rose from the right elbow for a 19-foot jumper that put the Lakers ahead during the last scoring burst of his career.Open the play →
  50. 50A game of inchesShotsKevin Durant2021 · Eastern Conference semifinals Game 7Durant turned over P.J. Tucker and hit a fading jumper at the regulation horn, with the front of his shoe touching the three-point line.Open the play →
  51. 510.1ShotsDerrick White2023 · Eastern Conference finals elimination gameAfter inbounding, White sprinted to the rim and released Marcus Smart's missed three just before the horn.Open the play →
  52. 52The Little General deliversShotsAvery Johnson & Sean Elliott1999 · NBA Finals Game 5Elliott found Johnson along the left baseline, where the guard rose for the jumper that put San Antonio ahead for good.Open the play →
  53. 53T-Mac climbs BradleyDunksTracy McGrady2005 · Western first-round Game 2McGrady drove from the wing, launched outside the restricted area and finished through the 7-foot-6 Bradley's contest.Open the play →
  54. 54LeBron clears LucasDunksLeBron James & Dwyane Wade2012 · Bulls–Heat contender matchupWade lofted the baseline alley-oop and James jumped over Lucas before catching and finishing it in one motion.Open the play →
  55. 55He has no regardDunksLeBron James2018 · Late-season road game in PortlandJames accelerated down the center of the lane and powered a right-handed dunk directly through Nurkic at the rim.Open the play →
  56. 56The MozgovDunksBlake Griffin2010 · Griffin's rookie seasonGriffin took off through Mozgov's chest and threw the ball down while contact bent his body away from the rim.Open the play →
  57. 57Blake meets PauDunksBlake Griffin & Chris Paul2012 · Battle for Los AngelesPaul hit Griffin on the roll, and Griffin extended one hand above Gasol before hammering the ball through contact.Open the play →
  58. 58What are you doing, Dragic?DunksDerrick Rose2010 · Road game against the SunsRose sprinted the break, gathered off two feet and finished a two-handed dunk through Dragic's attempt to take away the rim.Open the play →
  59. 59The windmill alley-oopDunksGerald Green & MarShon Brooks2012 · Green fighting his way back into the NBAGreen caught Brooks' lob with his head near the rim and completed a full windmill before throwing it down.Open the play →
  60. 60PG challenges BirdmanDunksPaul George2013 · Eastern Conference finals Game 2George beat LeBron James from the wing, gathered in the paint and slammed over Andersen's rotating contest.Open the play →
  61. 61The in-game 360 windmillDunksPaul George2014 · Contender matchup in IndianaAlone on the break, George rotated through a full 360 and completed a windmill without sacrificing speed or control.Open the play →
  62. 62Giannis jumps a KnickDunksGiannis Antetokounmpo & Khris Middleton2018 · Madison Square Garden showcaseMiddleton's high lob carried Giannis over Hardaway, whose attempted charge became a hurdle beneath the finish.Open the play →
  63. 63Kawhi rises over GiannisDunksKawhi Leonard & Kyle Lowry2019 · Eastern Conference finals Game 6Lowry pushed the break and fed Leonard, who took off into Giannis' recovery and finished a left-handed dunk through contact.Open the play →
  64. 64Ant meets YutaDunksAnthony Edwards2021 · Rookie-season showcaseEdwards drove the left baseline, gathered outside the lane and rose over Watanabe for a fully extended right-handed finish.Open the play →
  65. 65Ant detonates in UtahDunksAnthony Edwards2024 · Short-handed road comebackEdwards attacked the middle, elevated above Collins and finished so forcefully that both players left the floor for medical attention.Open the play →
  66. 66Ja takes flight in Game 5DunksJa Morant2022 · Western first-round Game 5Morant cut down the lane, cocked the ball far behind his head and vaulted over Beasley's charge attempt at the horn.Open the play →
  67. 67Ja's full-extension tomahawkDunksJa Morant2023 · Memphis chasing a ninth straight winMorant found a gap, drew the ball far behind his head and kept extending as Smith rose to meet him.Open the play →
  68. 68Christmas flightDunksAaron Gordon2022 · Christmas Day overtimeGordon raced the right sideline, took off outside the lane and finished over Shamet as the defender slid across the restricted area.Open the play →
  69. 69The 360 that started a scrumDunksZion Williamson2022 · Top-two Western Conference matchupWith the result settled, Williamson took the open floor and finished a one-handed 360 that brought both teams together afterward.Open the play →
  70. 70The rookie challenges the KingDunksJayson Tatum2018 · Eastern Conference finals Game 7Tatum attacked from the right wing and finished a one-handed dunk directly over James before bumping him on the way back.Open the play →
  71. 71Knocked away and stolen by HolidayDunksGiannis Antetokounmpo & Jrue Holiday2021 · NBA Finals Game 5Holiday stripped Devin Booker, pushed into transition and trusted Giannis with a high lob despite protecting a one-point lead.Open the play →
  72. 72Cam Johnson meets P.J. TuckerDunksCameron Johnson2021 · NBA Finals Game 3Johnson drove the middle with a head of steam and finished over Tucker as the veteran stepped across to take contact.Open the play →
  73. 73The dagger posterDunksRussell Westbrook2016 · One-possession division matchupWestbrook curled toward the lane and ended Houston's final chance with a left-handed power dunk over Capela.Open the play →
  74. 74DeRozan's 360 in transitionDunksDeMar DeRozan2018 · Overtime road thrillerDeRozan stole the outlet, gathered in the open floor and rotated through a 360 before hammering the ball with two hands.Open the play →
  75. 75Mitchell catches his own missDunksDonovan Mitchell2018 · Western semifinals Game 2Mitchell missed a one-handed attempt, tracked the rebound above the rim and immediately threw it down with both hands.Open the play →
  76. 76Elevation and detonationDunksAmar'e Stoudemire2010 · Suns comeback in Golden StateStoudemire attacked the lane at full speed, rose through Tolliver's contest and drove the ball down with one hand.Open the play →
  77. 77Jordan's turnaround fadeawayShotsMichael Jordan1990 · Overtime road showcaseJordan repeatedly created an uncontestable release from the mid-post by turning, rising and fading above smaller defenders.Open the play →
  78. 78Rondo freezes SmithHandlesRajon Rondo2012 · Eastern Conference first-round Game 4Rondo wrapped the ball behind his back as if passing to the corner, kept it, and finished after Smith followed the fake out of the lane.Open the play →
  79. 79Three blocks, three finger wagsDefenseDikembe Mutombo1997 · Late-season Atlantic City showcaseMutombo rejected Weatherspoon three times in the same sequence and answered every attempt with his unmistakable finger wag.Open the play →
  80. 80The elbow passHandlesJason Williams2000 · NBA All-Star Weekend Rookie ChallengeWilliams brought the ball behind his back and redirected it with his right elbow into Raef LaFrentz's path.Open the play →
  81. 81Shaq's power drop stepSignature movesShaquille O'Neal2000 · Birthday rivalry gameO'Neal established deep position, stepped around the defender's baseline hip and converted the seal into an immediate power finish.Open the play →
  82. 82McHale's up-and-underSignature movesKevin McHale1984 · NBA Finals Game 7McHale used the threat of his hook and turnaround to lift defenders, preserve his pivot and step beneath the contest.Open the play →
  83. 83The Sombor ShuffleShotsNikola Jokic2023 · Western Conference semifinals Game 4Jokic created his high release by jumping backward from his right foot and fading left—the off-balance geometry known as the Sombor Shuffle.Open the play →
  84. 84Magic's no-look passHandlesMagic Johnson1987 · NBA Finals Game 4Johnson used his eyes and shoulders to send the defense one way while his hands delivered the ball to a different lane.Open the play →
  85. 85Wade's pump fakeSignature movesDwyane Wade2006 · NBA Finals Game 3Wade made defenders honor the jumper with his eyes, ball and knees, then attacked the space created when they left the floor.Open the play →
  86. 86A spectacular moveShotsMichael Jordan1991 · NBA Finals Game 2Jordan rose with the ball in his right hand, changed hands in midair and spun a left-handed layup off the glass.Open the play →
  87. 87The baseline scoopShotsJulius Erving1980 · NBA Finals Game 4Erving took off on one side of the backboard, floated behind it and reached back beneath the rim for a reverse scoop.Open the play →
  88. 88Bird steals the inboundDefenseLarry Bird & Dennis Johnson1987 · Eastern Conference finals Game 5Bird anticipated Isiah Thomas' baseline inbound, stole the pass and found Johnson for the winning layup.Open the play →
  89. 89The steal and the tying threeShotsReggie Miller1995 · Eastern semifinals Game 1Miller hit a three, stole the inbound and retreated behind the arc for another three to erase six points in seconds.Open the play →
  90. 90Prince erases the layupDefenseTayshaun Prince2004 · Eastern Conference finals Game 2Prince sprinted from behind the play and pinned Miller's apparent tying layup against the backboard.Open the play →
  91. 91Olajuwon saves Game 6DefenseHakeem Olajuwon1994 · NBA Finals Game 6Olajuwon left the paint and deflected Starks' potential championship-winning three at the horn.Open the play →
  92. 92The Kiss of DeathShotsMario Elie1995 · Western semifinals Game 7Elie caught in the right corner and hit the go-ahead three before blowing a kiss toward the Phoenix crowd.Open the play →
  93. 93Stockton sends Utah to the FinalsShotsJohn Stockton1997 · Western Conference finals Game 6Stockton used Karl Malone's screen and buried a three at the horn to clinch Utah's first Finals trip.Open the play →
  94. 94One second, one layupShotsLeBron James2013 · Eastern Conference finals Game 1James caught the inbound with 2.2 seconds left, drove past the top side and finished the winning layup before the horn.Open the play →
  95. 95Rose calls bankShotsDerrick Rose2015 · Eastern semifinals Game 3Rose took two dribbles from the inbound and banked in a 26-foot three as time expired.Open the play →
  96. 96LeBron answers ChicagoShotsLeBron James2015 · Eastern semifinals Game 4James broke toward the left corner, caught the inbound and hit a fadeaway jumper over Jimmy Butler at the horn.Open the play →
  97. 97Manu blocks the final threeDefenseManu Ginóbili2017 · Western semifinals Game 5Ginóbili closed from behind and blocked Harden's potential tying three before it could leave cleanly.Open the play →
  98. 98The running bank at the hornShotsLeBron James2018 · Eastern semifinals Game 3James drove the length of the floor, leaned right and banked a one-handed runner over OG Anunoby at the buzzer.Open the play →
  99. 99Luka's bubble stepbackShotsLuka Dončić2020 · Western first-round Game 4Dončić crossed left, stepped back beyond the arc and hit the winning three on an injured ankle.Open the play →
  100. 100Giannis meets the lobDefenseGiannis Antetokounmpo2021 · NBA Finals Game 4Giannis recovered from Devin Booker's drive, turned and met Ayton's lob at the rim with his right hand.Open the play →