Since Stephen Curry delivered what Ian Eagle aptly termed the “Golden Dagger” during this summer’s Olympics, I have been contemplating the position of that shot among the most memorable moments I have witnessed throughout my life. My viewing experience dates back to the early 1990s, when I began following NBA basketball closely.
However, this is a subjective and somewhat arbitrary starting point. Consequently, I decided to focus on the 2000s, which excludes numerous iconic moments such as those from Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller’s eight points in nine seconds, Larry Johnson’s four-point play, Mario Elie’s “kiss of death,” Alonzo Mourning’s buzzer-beater while falling, as well as the Finals-winning shots by Steve Kerr and John Paxson, Magic Johnson’s three-pointer in the All-Star Game, Patrick Ewing’s missed finger roll, among many others.
While these shots are etched in memory, they will not be included in this list. Additionally, certain types of shots will also be excluded: dunks and free throws. Dunks belong to a separate category, and free throws do not count as field goals. This criterion eliminates Klay Thompson’s free throws on a torn ACL during the 2019 Finals, the renowned lob from Kobe Bryant to Shaquille O’Neal in the 2000 Western Conference Finals, and Vince Carter’s dunk over the seven-foot Frederic Weis in the 2000 Olympics. All other shots are eligible.
Therefore, without further delay, I present my selection of the 21 most iconic shots made by NBA players in the 21st century. It is important to note that not all of these shots are game-winners, nor did they all occur during the playoffs. The primary measure for these rankings is how vividly the shot is remembered by the average fan, or how quickly it comes to mind. If a shot prompts an “oh yeah, I forgot about that one” reaction, it will be ranked lower on the list.
Let us begin!
21. Dirk stamps out Heat (2011)
In the 2011 Finals, Dallas was on the verge of falling behind 2-0, with Miami’s Big 3 establishing a 15-point lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, the Mavericks mounted an impressive comeback, finishing the game with a 22-5 run. Dirk Nowitzki contributed significantly, scoring the last nine points for Dallas, including a crucial left-handed scoop shot with just 3.6 seconds left, ultimately leading the team to win the series in six games.
20. Durant’s Game 3 dagger (2017)
In Game 3 of the 2017 Finals, Kevin Durant’s transition three-pointer, taken with the Warriors trailing by two and less than a minute remaining, sparked a flurry of discussions about its significance, particularly since it was made over LeBron James. Many suggested it marked Durant’s ascension as the top player in the world, but that assertion was exaggerated. Nonetheless, Durant was certainly in the conversation, showcasing his exceptional talent by averaging over 35 points per game in the series with impressive shooting splits of 56/47/93.
In the 2018 Finals, Durant delivered another crucial three-pointer in Game 3, but the Warriors were already ahead at that point. This situation was different; Cleveland was poised to take the lead and potentially shift the series to 2-1. Durant’s shot eliminated any chance of that happening. James appeared anxious about defending against Durant’s momentum, yet allowing KD that much space was a critical mistake, especially when a three-pointer could secure a win while a two-pointer would merely tie the game.
19. Luka dances on Gobert’s grave (2024)
This is the latest addition to our list of notable NBA shots. During Game 2 of the 2024 Western Conference Finals, the Mavericks found themselves down by two points as the clock wound down. Luka Doncic, known for his impressive shot-making ability at a young age, seized the opportunity to exploit a favorable matchup against Rudy Gobert. Isolated and unable to defend effectively, Gobert faced Doncic as he executed his signature step-back move.
Following the successful shot, Doncic had some pointed remarks for Gobert, who is not particularly favored among many players in the league. This interaction adds to the lasting impression of the moment. However, a critical question arises regarding Gobert’s presence on the court at that time. Minnesota’s coach, Chris Finch, later revealed that the strategy involved switching on all screens, making it inevitable for Doncic to target Gobert. This decision placed Gobert in a challenging position, and Doncic capitalized on it significantly.
18. LeBron works his Magic (2009)
In the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic, LeBron James delivered an extraordinary performance, averaging 38.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. Despite his remarkable efforts, the Cavaliers were ultimately defeated by Orlando in six games. However, LeBron left a lasting impression with a memorable buzzer-beater from beyond the arc that secured Game 2. That iconic shot and the ensuing reaction remain vividly ingrained in the memories of basketball fans everywhere.
17. Curry puts Clippers in blender (2015)
Stephen Curry revolutionized basketball in two significant ways: his remarkable capacity to shoot from nearly any distance and his proficiency in shooting off the dribble with an efficiency previously thought impossible. He fundamentally altered the criteria for what is considered a “good shot.” A prime illustration of this is when he navigated through the Clippers’ defense as if they were mere obstacles, ultimately spinning and making a shot that would have been deemed atrocious by any other player in basketball history.
16. Chris Paul finishes Spurs (2015)
Over the years, Paul has faced significant criticism for his inability to close out playoff series. Notably, he is the only player in history to have lost four series after leading 2-0. However, in 2015, he turned the narrative around when his Clippers came back from an 0-2 deficit to eliminate the defending champion Spurs. In a dramatic Game 7, it was Paul who secured the victory with a last-second shot.
This particular angle of the shot highlights the challenging position he was in, as he narrowly managed to get the ball past Tim Duncan’s outstretched fingers.
15. LeBron becomes scoring king (2023)
On February 7, 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with a 15-foot fallaway jumper against the Thunder. While the shot itself may not have been extraordinary, it remains etched in the memories of fans. In the weeks leading up to this milestone, the anticipation was palpable, with numerous media outlets conducting countdowns. Needing 36 points to break the record at home against Oklahoma City, James finished the game with a remarkable total of 38,390 career points, a figure that has since increased to 40,474.
14. Durant’s toe on the line (2021)
One of the most notable “what if” moments in league history occurred when Kevin Durant was just an inch away from eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks with a stunning turnaround jumper, seemingly giving the Brooklyn Nets a one-point lead with only one second remaining in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals. However, after review, it was determined that Durant’s foot was slightly on the line, converting what would have been a three-pointer into a two-pointer, thus tying the game instead.
Had Durant worn a size 17 shoe instead of his actual size 18, the Nets likely would have secured victory in that game and subsequently advanced to face the Atlanta Hawks in the conference finals. The implications of this scenario could lead to various outcomes.
For instance, Giannis Antetokounmpo might not have won a championship, while Chris Paul could have. Alternatively, Durant could have claimed his first title away from Steph Curry and the Warriors, which would have also resulted in James Harden and Kyrie Irving winning their first championships without LeBron. In such a scenario, it’s possible that Durant, Irving, and Harden would still be competing for the Nets rather than representing the Suns, Mavericks, and Clippers, respectively.
13. Kobe’s last shot (2016)
The final jump shot of Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career will forever be enshrined in the annals of NBA history. It capped off an astonishing sequence that marked what may be the most remarkable farewell performance in the realm of sports: a 60-point tour de force against the Jazz, who were ahead by six points with just 90 seconds remaining.
In that critical moment, Kobe maneuvered past two defenders and elevated from the right elbow, narrowing the gap to four points. On the subsequent possession, he sank a three-pointer from the wing, bringing Utah’s lead down to a single point. Then, he delivered yet another unforgettable moment…
As cliché as it may sound, Hollywood could not have crafted a more fitting conclusion. It encapsulated everything that defined Kobe: the signature fadeaway on his jump shots, his unwavering determination, the intense focus in his gaze, and the showmanship that captivated an entire team, arena, city, and the NBA community, all while he remained singularly focused on the basket. It is still difficult to accept that Kobe is no longer with us, but this shot and his enduring legacy will continue to resonate.
12. LeBron’s banked buzzer-beater (2018)
LeBron James’ impact on the Raptors following his return to Cleveland from Miami was nothing short of ruthless, as he eliminated them for three consecutive years, with the last two instances resulting in sweeps. The decisive moment came during Game 3 of the 2018 Eastern Conference semifinals, when LeBron made a game-winning shot, sprinting the length of the court to deliver a floating bank shot just as the clock ran out, securing a 105-103 victory for Cleveland and a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
11. Derek Fisher 0.4 seconds (2004)
Two decades have passed, yet the vivid recollection of Fisher receiving an inbound pass with his back to the basket and just 0.4 seconds remaining on the clock remains as strong as ever. In a remarkable display of skill, he managed to pivot and release a quick jumper that swished through the net, leaving the Spurs in disbelief during Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference finals. The minimum time needed for a catch-and-shoot is 0.3 seconds, and Fisher had only 0.4, all while facing away from the basket. I recall watching that moment unfold live, nearly losing my balance in excitement. Like countless other NBA fans, that unforgettable shot is etched in my memory.
10. Curry’s golden dagger (2024)
Is this an example of recency bias? I would argue not. Ultimately, I believe that this extraordinary, off-balance, high-arching three-pointer, which capped off a personal streak of four three-pointers in just two minutes and secured a gold medal for the United States, will be remembered as the second most iconic shot in Stephen Curry’s career.
When evaluating the significance of shots like these, context plays a crucial role. Considering it was Curry’s inaugural Olympic appearance, coupled with the excitement surrounding the collaboration of Curry and LeBron, the anticipation for this Olympic journey was unprecedented. Remarkably, after a challenging start to the tournament, Curry not only met the expectations but surpassed them. This shot served as the definitive highlight.
9. Kobe pulls up on Suns (2006)
This period was characterized by the notion that while the Lakers were struggling, Kobe Bryant was determined to take on the world single-handedly. In the 2005-06 season, he averaged an impressive 35 points per game, securing the first of two consecutive scoring titles, and appeared poised to eliminate the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.
During Game 4, with the Lakers leading the series 2-1, Kobe tied the game with a remarkable twisting layup following a steal by Smush Parker in the final moments of regulation. In overtime, as the ball was heading out of bounds, he sprinted to retrieve a jump ball and, with the Lakers trailing by one, swiftly moved to the right elbow for his signature pull-up jumper.
For anyone watching, this was one of those shots that you would have confidently wagered would find the net the moment it left his hand. Personally, the iconic fist-pump that followed makes this shot the most unforgettable moment of Kobe’s career, and I believe many would share that sentiment.
8. Lillard grounds Rockets (2014)
Damian Lillard has somewhat eclipsed this moment with a more recent game-winner that we will discuss shortly, but this particular shot marked the beginning of Lillard’s legendary status. It was a remarkable 30-foot jumper taken off the catch that propelled the Blazers into the second round, occurring with less than a second remaining in Game 6 of their 2014 first-round playoff series against Houston.
Reflecting on this moment, what is equally striking as the shot itself is Lillard’s fervent demand for the ball, as he claps his hands and races toward the in-bounder, recognizing the space he has created from the trailing Chandler Parsons. It is important to note that this was Lillard’s inaugural playoff series and only his second season in the NBA, showcasing his determination for this shot. This moment marked the emergence of one of the most clutch shooters in basketball history.
7. Curry pulls up on OKC (2016)
It wasn’t part of the Olympics, nor was it during the playoffs. However, Steph Curry’s remarkable 38-foot pull-up shot against Oklahoma City in February 2016 stands as an iconic moment in basketball history. Personally, I have never reacted to a shot with such intensity as I did to this one. Mike Breen’s famous double-bang encapsulates the disbelief of the moment; it was something no one could have anticipated.
Throughout that season, Curry was performing at an extraordinary level. In every game, he consistently made shots that seemed impossible, and he did so with remarkable frequency. He scored 46 points in this particular matchup against the Thunder, even as the Warriors trailed by 11 with less than five minutes remaining.
During that season, when Curry made an astounding 402 three-pointers at an impressive 45% accuracy, even a 30-point lead against the Warriors felt precarious. Curry continued to shoot with confidence, and more often than not, he found his rhythm. He became must-see television, effortlessly pulling up from nearly half court during a tied game in overtime, all while his team had a timeout available.
Beyond his undeniable talent, the sheer boldness of this shot deserves a place among the top ten moments in basketball history. It is unlikely that Curry will ever replicate a moment as unforgettable as this one.
6. Robert Horry guts Kings (2002)
The playoff series between the Lakers and Kings in the early 2000s are considered iconic, particularly the 2002 Western Conference Finals. At one point, Sacramento held a 2-1 series advantage and was ahead by two points in the final moments of Game 4. Kobe Bryant attempted a layup to tie the game but missed, followed by Shaquille O’Neal’s unsuccessful putback attempt. In a critical moment, Vlade Divac attempted to deflect the ball away from the basket, hoping the clock would run out. Instead, his action inadvertently created a perfect chest-high pass for Robert Horry, who delivered a stunning buzzer-beater that devastated the Kings.
5. Dame waves goodbye (2019)
Regardless of the situation, witnessing Lillard drain the clock to its last moments before executing a sidestep 38-foot buzzer-beater to clinch a playoff series would have been remarkable. However, the tension between Lillard and the Thunder—stemming from years of media exchanges with Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder’s earlier mockery of Lillard’s “Dame Time” wrist gesture—elevated the moment significantly.
Forget about Steph’s “night-night” gesture, Kobe’s celebratory fist pump, or even Jordan’s iconic follow-through in Utah; Lillard’s farewell wave to the Thunder bench stands as the most ruthless farewell in NBA history.
4. Kawhi bounces 76ers (2019)
It’s hard to believe that this ball has been perched on the rim for nearly five years. Countless careers and the fate of franchises are at stake. If it were to drop, perhaps the 76ers would secure a victory in overtime, allowing Joel Embiid to add a conference finals appearance to his achievements, especially considering the Warriors were not at full strength. The trajectory of Ben Simmons’ career might have shifted, and Jimmy Butler could have remained with the team.
Instead, the ball swishes through the net, altering everything. The 76ers begin to dismantle their roster. The Raptors seize the opportunity to claim their first and only championship title. Kawhi Leonard emerges as the most coveted player in the league, even orchestrating a significant shift in the Thunder’s lineup by bringing Paul George to the Clippers.
This moment—the shot, the immediate reaction, and the subsequent impact on the future—encapsulated everything. It was a Game 7 buzzer beater that was truly unprecedented.
3. Allen Iverson’s Step Over (2001)
While it may not have clinched the series or even the game, the moment when Allen Iverson halted Ty Lue’s advance, executed a step-back, and sank a jumper from the corner remains unforgettable. Following this, Iverson famously stepped over Lue, who was left sitting on the court in Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals. In that match, Iverson was a remarkable solo force for the Philadelphia 76ers, amassing 48 points in 52 minutes during this overtime victory. Although the Lakers went on to win the next four games and secure the series, the iconic image of the step-over has left a lasting impression.
2. Ray Allen rescues the Heat (2013)
This pivotal shot had the potential to redefine legacies, but it was not Ray Allen’s legacy at stake; it was that of LeBron James, who had already transformed the NBA landscape by assembling the Big 3 in Miami. Had Allen missed this crucial shot in the final moments of Game 6, LeBron would have faced his second Finals defeat in three years with the Heat, leaving him with a career record of 3-7 in the Finals—a statistic that would carry a much heavier weight than 4-6. Allen made history by first understanding the precise distance to retreat to the corner following an offensive rebound by Chris Bosh, and then by successfully sinking the shot that tied the game. The Heat ultimately triumphed in overtime and secured the series victory just two days later in Game 7.
1. Kyrie Irving puts the Cavs ahead in Game 7 (2016)
Reflecting on this moment brings a bittersweet feeling for me as a lifelong Warriors supporter from Northern California. Despite my deep-rooted loyalties, I couldn’t help but smile when that shot went in. It was a small gesture, but I felt compelled to acknowledge Kyrie and the Cavaliers. To overcome a 3-1 deficit against a record-setting 73-win team and clinch the championship with a shot like that? Incredible.
That’s the scenario every young player imagines while shooting hoops in their driveway. Game 7. The score is tied. Facing off against the MVP. The burden of a championship drought in Cleveland, lasting over fifty years, rests on your shoulders, and you manage to deliver such a decisive blow? Regardless of opinions about Kyrie, this moment will always stand as one of the most iconic shots in NBA history.
