Top 10 Greatest Game Winners in NBA History: Legendary Buzzer-Beaters and Clutch Shots

By Edcel Panganiban June 18, 2025 09:56

Few moments in sports capture the drama and excitement of a last-second game-winning shot. In NBA history, buzzer-beaters have immortalized players, defined careers, and etched unforgettable memories into basketball lore. From Michael Jordan’s iconic fadeaway to Kobe Bryant’s fearless pull-ups, these clutch shots symbolize the ultimate test of skill and composure under pressure. Here, we rank the top 10 greatest game winners in NBA history, blending context, stats, and quotes that highlight their legendary status.

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, 2009 Eastern Conference Finals
Trailing the Orlando Magic 95-93 in Game 2, LeBron caught an inbounds pass with one second left and nailed a fadeaway three to tie the series. Magic center Dwight Howard admitted, “I know I won’t be able to sleep and the rest of my teammates won’t be able to sleep” after the shot. This buzzer-beater was a defining moment early in LeBron’s career and showcased his clutch gene.

2. Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers, 2004 Playoffs
With only 0.4 seconds left in Game 5 of the second-round series against the Spurs, Fisher pulled off a miraculous shot over Tim Duncan’s defense. “I just wanted to get out of there and not give them an opportunity to think that we didn’t believe it went in,” Fisher recalled. This improbable buzzer-beater remains one of the shortest-clock shots ever made.

3. John Stockton, Utah Jazz, 1997 Western Conference Finals
Stockton’s buzzer-beating three-pointer over Charles Barkley clinched the Jazz’s first-ever NBA Finals appearance. With 2.8 seconds left, Stockton calmly received the inbounds pass, dribbled once, and released a shot that stunned Houston and sealed a 4-2 series victory.

4. Gar Heard, Phoenix Suns, 1976 NBA Finals
In one of the greatest games ever played, Heard’s turnaround jumper forced a third overtime against the Celtics in Game 5. The shot kept the Suns alive in a triple-overtime thriller, exemplifying clutch performance in the most intense moments.

5. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, 2006 Playoffs
Kobe’s pull-up jumper with 6.1 seconds left in overtime gave the Lakers a 99-98 win over the Phoenix Suns. Though the Suns won the series, this shot remains a classic example of Bryant’s cold-blooded scoring ability under pressure.

6. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls, 1998 NBA Finals
Jordan’s iconic jumper over Bryon Russell to clinch the Bulls’ sixth championship is arguably the most famous game-winner in NBA history. It perfectly encapsulated “His Airness” legacy of clutch greatness and competitive fire.

7. Joe Johnson, Utah Jazz, 2017 Playoffs
Johnson’s floater against the Clippers in Game 1 of the first round was a key moment in a series the Jazz eventually won. Known for his clutch gene, Johnson ranks second all-time with eight buzzer-beaters.

8. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics, 2008 Playoffs
Pierce’s seven buzzer-beaters include memorable go-ahead shots that helped the Celtics secure crucial wins en route to their 2008 championship. His calm under pressure earned him the nickname “The Truth”.

9. LeBron James, Multiple Seasons
LeBron is tied for second-most buzzer-beaters in NBA history with eight. His ability to deliver in the clutch has been a constant throughout his career, including memorable shots that shifted playoff momentum.

10. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards
Jordan leads NBA history with nine buzzer-beaters, including his legendary 1989 “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo and the 1998 Finals winner. His clutch performances define the gold standard for game-winning shots.

The Essence of Clutch

Buzzer-beaters are more than just points; they are moments that freeze time and define legacies. As Kobe Bryant once said, “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” These shots embody that relentless spirit.

With 826 buzzer-beaters recorded in NBA history, these top 10 moments stand out for their difficulty, stakes, and sheer drama. They remind us why basketball is a game of inches and why legends are made when the clock runs out.

Whether it’s Jordan’s ice-cold precision or Fisher’s improbable desperation, these game winners continue to inspire players and fans alike, proving that in the NBA, the final buzzer is where heroes are truly born.