Top 10 Greatest Moments in NBA Basketball History

National Basketball Association

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded on June 6, 1946, in New York City as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). Initially formed to organize professional basketball games in large arenas, the league merged with its rival, the National Basketball League (NBL), in 1949, creating what we now know as the NBA. With 17 original teams, the league steadily grew in popularity, thanks to the rise of legendary players like George Mikan, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain. Today, the NBA is a global sports powerhouse, featuring 30 teams across the United States and Canada. Known for its high-flying dunks, fast-paced action, and incredible athleticism, the NBA has evolved into one of the world’s most-watched sports leagues, producing global icons such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. The league’s rich history and culture have made it an integral part of the basketball world. Check out some of the Greatest moments in NBA history.

1. Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” – 1997 NBA Finals

Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls were tied 2-2 with the Utah Jazz. The stakes were incredibly high for this pivotal game, and Michael Jordan was severely ill with flu-like symptoms.

Jordan, visibly weakened, played 44 minutes and delivered one of the most iconic performances in NBA history, scoring 38 points. Despite his condition, he hit a crucial three-pointer in the final moments, helping the Bulls secure a 90-88 victory.

Jordan finished the game with 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The “Flu Game” became a symbol of Jordan’s legendary willpower and further solidified his status as the greatest basketball player of all time.

2. Magic Johnson’s Rookie Finals MVP – 1980 NBA Finals

Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Philadelphia 76ers. With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sidelined by injury, rookie Magic Johnson was forced to take center stage.

Johnson played all five positions throughout the game, leading the Lakers to a 123-107 win. He scored 42 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists, securing the Lakers’ victory.

Johnson’s 42 points are the most by a rookie in NBA Finals history, earning him Finals MVP honors.

This moment launched Magic’s Hall of Fame career and set the foundation for the Lakers’ dominance in the 1980s.

3. LeBron James’ Block in Game 7 – 2016 NBA Finals

Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers were tied 3-3 with the Golden State Warriors. The Cavs were looking to win their first-ever NBA championship.

With less than two minutes remaining and the score tied at 89, LeBron James made a dramatic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala’s layup attempt. This play shifted the momentum, and the Cavaliers went on to win 93-89.

LeBron recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

LeBron’s block became a defining moment in his career, securing the Cavaliers’ first championship and enhancing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

4. Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game – 1962

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain played for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and delivered the greatest scoring performance in NBA history.

Chamberlain was unstoppable, scoring 100 points, leading his team to a 169-147 victory. Chamberlain hit 36 field goals and 28 free throws to achieve this legendary feat.

Chamberlain’s 100 points in a single game remain an unbroken NBA record.

This game solidified Chamberlain’s place as one of the most dominant players in the history of basketball, and his 100-point record remains a monumental achievement in sports.

5. Ray Allen’s Game-Tying 3 in Game 6 – 2013 NBA Finals

In Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat were on the verge of elimination, trailing by three points to the San Antonio Spurs with just seconds left.

After a missed three-pointer by LeBron James, Chris Bosh grabbed the rebound and passed it to Ray Allen, who hit a game-tying three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left on the clock. The Heat won the game in overtime, 103-100, forcing a Game 7.

Allen’s clutch shot is considered one of the most iconic in NBA Finals history, helping the Heat win their second consecutive championship.

Allen’s three-pointer is remembered as one of the greatest shots in NBA history, saving the Heat’s season and securing Allen’s legacy as one of the league’s most clutch shooters.

6. Dirk Nowitzki’s Finals MVP – 2011 NBA Finals

The 2011 NBA Finals featured the underdog Dallas Mavericks against the Miami Heat’s star-studded trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Mavericks were looking to win their first NBA title in franchise history.

Despite battling illness and facing immense pressure, Dirk Nowitzki delivered clutch performances throughout the series. His game-winning layup in Game 2 and key plays in Game 6 sealed the Mavericks’ victory in six games.

Nowitzki averaged 26 points and 9.7 rebounds throughout the series, earning Finals MVP honors.

Dirk’s performance cemented his legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, delivering the Mavericks their first-ever NBA championship.

7. Shaquille O’Neal’s Dominant Performance – 2000 NBA Finals

The 2000 NBA Finals marked the beginning of the Los Angeles Lakers’ three-peat championship run under the leadership of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The Lakers faced the Indiana Pacers in this series.

O’Neal dominated the Finals, using his physicality to overwhelm the Pacers. In Game 1, he scored 43 points and grabbed 19 rebounds. He averaged 38 points and 16.7 rebounds throughout the series, leading the Lakers to a 4-2 victory.

O’Neal was named Finals MVP, a title he would win for the next two seasons as well.

O’Neal’s dominance in the 2000 Finals solidified him as one of the most unstoppable forces in NBA history, and his leadership contributed to the Lakers’ dynasty in the early 2000s.

8. Dwyane Wade’s Heroics – 2006 NBA Finals

In the 2006 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat faced the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat trailed 0-2 in the series before Dwyane Wade put the team on his back for a historic comeback.

Wade delivered one of the greatest Finals performances, averaging 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over the series. His clutch play helped the Heat win four consecutive games and secure their first-ever NBA championship.

Wade was named Finals MVP, capping off a stunning series comeback.

Wade’s performance in the 2006 Finals solidified him as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, and his heroics in this series remain legendary.

9. Allen Iverson’s Crossover on Michael Jordan – 1997 Regular Season

In 1997, Allen Iverson, a rookie for the Philadelphia 76ers, faced off against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls during a regular-season matchup.

Iverson, known for his quickness and ball-handling, famously crossed over Jordan on one play, hitting a jump shot afterward. It became an iconic moment that symbolized Iverson’s fearless attitude, even against the greatest player of all time.

Iverson scored 37 points in the game, but the Bulls won 108-104.

This moment is remembered as Iverson’s arrival as a star in the NBA and is often cited as a changing of the guard, with a young player fearlessly taking on the league’s best.

10. Kawhi Leonard’s Buzzer-Beater – 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals

In Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Toronto Raptors faced the Philadelphia 76ers. The series was tied 3-3, and the winner would advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

With the game tied at 90 in the final seconds, Kawhi Leonard took a contested jumper over Joel Embiid. The ball bounced four times on the rim before dropping in, securing a 92-90 victory for the Raptors. This was the first Game 7 buzzer-beater in NBA history.

Leonard finished the game with 41 points and hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA history.

Leonard’s shot not only secured the Raptors’ spot in the Finals, but it also propelled them to their first-ever NBA championship, solidifying Kawhi as one of the league’s top players.

These additional moments capture the passion, drama, and excitement that make NBA basketball one of the most thrilling sports in the world. Each event has contributed to shaping the history and legacy of the league, creating memories that continue to inspire players and fans alike.