Buzzer beater
Encyclopedia
In basketball
, a buzzer beater is a shot taken just before the game clock of a period expires, when the buzzer
sounds. The term is normally reserved for baskets that win or tie the game, but also refers to shots that beat an end-of-quarter or halftime buzzer. If a player releases the ball, "beating" the buzzer, so that it sounds while the ball is in mid-air, the shot still counts if it goes in. Often, a buzzer-beating shot will be released from long range (even from beyond half court), making for a spectacular play if it connects.
Officials in the NCAA
, NBA
, Serie A
(Italy), and Euroleague
(Final Four
series only, effective 2006) are required to use instant replay
to assess whether a basket made at the end of a period was in fact before the game clock expired. Since 2002, the NBA also has mandated duplicate light strips on both the backboard and on the scorer's table for the purpose of identifying the end of period.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
, a buzzer beater is a shot taken just before the game clock of a period expires, when the buzzer
Buzzer
A buzzer or beeper is an audio signaling device, which may be mechanical, electromechanical, or piezoelectric. Typical uses of buzzers and beepers include alarm devices, timers and confirmation of user input such as a mouse click or keystroke....
sounds. The term is normally reserved for baskets that win or tie the game, but also refers to shots that beat an end-of-quarter or halftime buzzer. If a player releases the ball, "beating" the buzzer, so that it sounds while the ball is in mid-air, the shot still counts if it goes in. Often, a buzzer-beating shot will be released from long range (even from beyond half court), making for a spectacular play if it connects.
Officials in the NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
, NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
, Serie A
Serie A (basketball)
Lega Basket Serie A is the highest level club competition in Italian professional basketball where play determines the national champion. The season consists of a home-and-away schedule of 30 games, followed by an eight-team playoff round. Quarterfinals and semifinals series are best-of-five, and...
(Italy), and Euroleague
Euroleague
Euroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
(Final Four
Final four
Final Four isa sports term that is commonly applied to the last four teams remaining in a playoff tournament, most notably NCAA Division I college basketball tournaments. The term usually refers to the four teams who compete in the two games of a single-elimination tournament's semi-final round...
series only, effective 2006) are required to use instant replay
Instant replay
Instant replay is the replaying of video footage of an event or incident very soon after it has occurred. In television broadcasting of sports events, instant replay is often used during live broadcast, to show a passage of play which was important or remarkable, or which was unclear on first...
to assess whether a basket made at the end of a period was in fact before the game clock expired. Since 2002, the NBA also has mandated duplicate light strips on both the backboard and on the scorer's table for the purpose of identifying the end of period.
Remarkable buzzer beaters
Although buzzer beaters are fairly common, several instances have been recognized as special occasions:NCAA
- In the 1990 Sweet 16, with Connecticut down 1 with 1 second left, Scott BurrellScott BurrellScott David Burrell is an American retired professional basketball player and current assistant coach for Quinnipiac University. He has played internationally and was also a professional baseball player...
threw the ball the length of the court to Tate GeorgeTate GeorgeTate Claude George is an American businessman and former professional basketball player who was selected by the New Jersey Nets with the 22nd overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft from the University of Connecticut...
, who hit a turnaround jumper at the buzzer. However, that shot was short-lived, as Duke's Christian LaettnerChristian LaettnerChristian Donald Laettner is a retired American professional basketball player and entrepreneur. He had a distinguished college and national career, and played in the National Basketball Association for thirteen seasons, from 1992–2005. He is presently a minority holder for the Major League...
beat UCONN in the Elite 8 79-78, with a buzzer beater of his own. - In the 1992 East Regional Finals, Duke forward Christian LaettnerChristian LaettnerChristian Donald Laettner is a retired American professional basketball player and entrepreneur. He had a distinguished college and national career, and played in the National Basketball Association for thirteen seasons, from 1992–2005. He is presently a minority holder for the Major League...
caught the inbounds pass from Grant HillGrant HillGrant Hill is the name of:* Grant Hill, American basketball player* Grant Hill , Canadian politician* Grant Hill, San Diego, California, an urban neighboorhood in central San Diego...
, turned and drained a 17-footer at the buzzer to give Duke the 104-103 victory over Kentucky. The lead changed hands 5 times in the last 31.5 seconds. - In the 1992 NCAA Tournament, Georgia Tech's legendary coach Bobby Cremins led an inexperienced Tech team to the Sweet 16, thanks in no small part to James Forrest's buzzer-beating game-winning 3-pointer in the second round against USC (to which CBS commentator Al McGuire famously shouted, "Holy mackerel! Holy mackerel! Holy mackerel!"). With 8 tenths left, Forrest received a half-court inbounds pass, rotated 180 degrees and nailed the 3 at the buzzer for the win.
- On January 5, 2004, Texas forward P. J. TuckerP. J. TuckerAnthony Leon "P. J." Tucker, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who formerly played in the NBA. He is currently playing for Brose Baskets.-College:...
hit a buzzer-beater in a game against Providence CollegeProvidence CollegeProvidence College is a private, coeducational, Catholic university located about two miles west of downtown Providence, Rhode Island, United States, the state's capital city. With a 2010–2011 enrollment of 3,850 undergraduate students and 735 graduate students, the College specializes in academic...
to win 79-77 in OT. After extensive looks at instant replay, it was clear that the ball was in his hand when the game clock hit 0.0, but out before the red backboard light came on. By rule, the game ends when the red light comes on, so the basket counted and Texas won the game. - On January 31, 2005 Division III school Guilford CollegeGuilford CollegeGuilford College, founded in 1837 by members of the Religious Society of Friends , is an independent college whose stated mission is to: provide a transformative, practical and excellent liberal arts education that produces critical thinkers in an inclusive, diverse environment, guided by Quaker...
was tied at 88 with Randolph-Macon CollegeRandolph-Macon CollegeRandolph–Macon College is a private, co-educational liberal arts college located in Ashland, Virginia, United States, near the capital city of Richmond. Founded in 1830, the school has an enrollment of over 1,200 students...
with Randolph-Macon shooting two free throws and 0.6 seconds on the clock. After making the first to take a 89-88 lead, the second shot missed. Guilford player Jordan Snipes grabbed the rebound under the basket and blindly threw the ball towards the other goal. Incredibly, the shot went through the hoop, giving Guilford the 91-89 victory. Amazingly, Snipes duplicated the feat several days later on the air with the WFMY-2 local news network in Greensboro, North Carolina. - Mario Chalmers of the Jayhawks drained a 3 with 2.1 seconds to force the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship into OT in which the Jayhawks eventually won 75-68.
- In the 2003 NCAA Tournament First Round, Drew NicholasDrew Nicholas#REDIRECT Target page nameAndrew "Drew" Lawrence Nicholas is an American professional basketball player...
of the #6 seed defending National Champions Maryland TerrapinsMaryland TerrapinsThe Maryland Terrapins, commonly referred to as the Terps, consist of 27 men's and women's athletic teams that represent the University of Maryland, College Park in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I competition...
ran the length of the court and hit a 3 on the run at the buzzer, to defeat #11 seed UNC-Wilmington 75-73. - In the 2006 NCAA Tournament First Round, #14 seed Northwestern State (LA) stunned #3 seeded Iowa, 64-63 with a last second 3-pointer "off the heels" in the far corner by Northwestern State's Jermaine Wallace. Northwestern State came back from 17 points down with 8 minutes to play.
- In the 2009 NCAA Tournament first round, #9 seed Siena's Ronald Moore drained a three with 3.9 seconds left to beat Ohio State in double OT. Moore nailed a three in the first OT with 2.5 seconds left to send the game into the second OT.
- In a 2010 NCAA regular season game against Georgia Tech, the Maryland TerrapinsMaryland TerrapinsThe Maryland Terrapins, commonly referred to as the Terps, consist of 27 men's and women's athletic teams that represent the University of Maryland, College Park in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I competition...
made 2 buzzer-beaters (but only the second one counted). 1st, with 3 seconds on the clock, Greivis VasquezGreivis VasquezGreivis Vásquez is a Venezuelan basketball player with the Memphis Grizzlies, who selected him in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft. He was chosen after a stellar U.S. college career with the University of Maryland men's basketball team...
made a half-court shot on the run to beat the buzzer. However, Maryland coach Keith BoothKeith BoothKeith Eugene Booth is an American basketball coach and former player. Booth played college basketball at the University of Maryland from 1994 to 1997. He was an assistant coach at his alma mater under Gary Williams from 2004 to 2011...
called timeout with 1.5 seconds left. Then, Eric Hayes passed to Cliff TuckerCliff TuckerClifford Lewis Tucker was a British industrial relations executive, magistrate and politician.He was educated at Monmouth School and St David's College, Lampeter...
who made a 3 at the buzzer to win the game 76-74. - In January 2010, the Florida Gators beat NC State on a 3/4 court shot by forward Chandler ParsonsChandler ParsonsChandler E. Parsons is an American professional basketball power forward with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association . Parsons played college basketball at the University of Florida, and was drafted by the Rockets in second round of the 2011 NBA Draft.- Early years :Parsons...
at the buzzer.
NBA regular season
- On January 8, 1982, Dan RoundfieldDan RoundfieldDanny Thomas Roundfield is a retired American professional basketball player. The 6'8" forward/center graduated from Chadsey Senior High School in 1971. On the collegiate scene, Roundfield was twice selected to the All-Mid-American Conference Team for Central Michigan University; he was also the...
of the HawksAtlanta HawksThe Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
scored when the BucksMilwaukee BucksThe Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
' Harvey CatchingsHarvey CatchingsHarvey Lee Catchings is an American former professional basketball player in the NBA.He played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Milwaukee Bucks, and finished his career with the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985...
accidentally deflected a last-second inbounds pass from the Hawks' Tom McMillen into the basket, with the Hawks winning, 90-88. By NBA rules, a shot into the own basket is credited with the scoring team's player closest to the basket. - On January 3, 1984, Jeff MaloneJeff MaloneJeffrey Nigel Malone is a retired American professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Mississippi State University, and is mostly known for his time with the Washington Bullets of the NBA, where he was an NBA All-Star twice, playing the shooting guard position...
of the Bullets made a crazy sprinting last-second three-pointer as he was falling out of bounds, winning the game 103-102 versus the PistonsDetroit PistonsThe Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
. The play has been acknowledged by the NBA as one of the greatest plays of all-time. - On November 27, 1992, after Dikembe MutomboDikembe MutomboDikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo , commonly referred to as Dikembe Mutombo, is a retired Congolese American professional basketball player who last played for the Houston Rockets of the NBA...
blocked a layup by Danny ManningDanny ManningDaniel Ricardo "Danny" Manning is a retired American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He is an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Manning won the National Championship with the Jayhawks in 1988 as a player, and...
, Chris JacksonMahmoud Abdul-RaufMahmoud Abdul-Rauf is an American professional basketball player.-Life and career:Abdul-Rauf was born in Gulfport, Mississippi. After a record-setting college career at Louisiana State University, he was selected with the third pick in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets...
caught the ball, raced upcourt and launched a running buzzer beater from beyond halfcourt which swished through to give Denver a dramatic 109-106 win over the Clippers. It was the Nuggets' only lead of the game. - On January 21, 1994, after Reggie Miller made a shot with 0.8 seconds left to put the Pacers up 95-93, Toni Kukoc took the inbounds pass and hit a 3 at the buzzer to give the Bulls the 96-95 win. It was the Bulls' 16th straight victory.
- In November 2005, the Pistons were down 81-80 to the Celtics with 0.8 seconds remaining. In need of a miracle, HamiltonRichard Hamilton (basketball)Richard "Rip" Hamilton is an American basketball player who currently plays for the Detroit Pistons. Hamilton is 6'7" tall, weighs 193 lbs , and plays shooting guard. He currently is the Pistons' team captain....
caught the pass from PrinceTayshaun PrinceTayshaun Durell Prince is an American basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association. Prince is a small forward, listed at and . A graduate of Dominguez High School and the University of Kentucky, Prince was drafted in the first round by the...
and drained a jumper to win it. - On December 20, 2006, in a double-overtime game against the BobcatsCharlotte BobcatsThe Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
with 1 tenth left, David Lee of the KnicksNew York KnicksThe New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
hit the game-winner on a tip-in without breaking the league's Trent Tucker RuleTrent Tucker RuleThe Trent Tucker Rule is a basketball rule that disallows any regular shot to be taken on the court if the ball is put into play with less than three-tenths of a second left on the game clock...
, whereby a player cannot legitimately make a field goal with less than three tenths of a second remaining on the clock. As this applies almost exclusively to jump shots, Lee's shot attempt was the first ever made with 1 tenth left on the clock post Trent Tucker Rule. - On March 26, 2007 the PistonsDetroit PistonsThe Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
trailed the NuggetsDenver NuggetsThe Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
98-95 with 1.5 seconds left. Denver had possession at midcourt with Marcus CambyMarcus CambyMarcus D. Camby is an American professional basketball player, who currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA. He is a former Defensive Player of the Year during the 2006–07 NBA season, leading the league in blocked shots per game...
throwing the inbounds pass. Tayshaun PrinceTayshaun PrinceTayshaun Durell Prince is an American basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association. Prince is a small forward, listed at and . A graduate of Dominguez High School and the University of Kentucky, Prince was drafted in the first round by the...
was able to deflect the ball to teammate Rasheed WallaceRasheed WallaceRasheed Abdul Wallace is a retired American professional basketball power forward and center who played from 1995 to 2010 in the National Basketball Association...
who proceeded to hit a desperation 60 feet (18.3 m) shot as time expired. The Pistons won the game in OT, 113-109. - On March 30, 2007 the RaptorsToronto RaptorsThe Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
were trailing the WizardsWashington WizardsThe Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
109-106 with 3.8 seconds left. Anthony ParkerAnthony ParkerAnthony Michael Parker is an American professional basketball player who last played with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association . After graduating from Bradley University with a major in liberal arts, he entered the 1997 NBA Draft and played briefly in the NBA before...
threw the inbounds pass down the court, only to have it intercepted by Michael RuffinMichael RuffinMichael David Ruffin is an American professional basketball player who plays for Obradoiro CAB in Spain. At 6'8" and 248 lbs, he plays as a forward/center....
. Ruffin tossed the ball up in an attempt to run out the clock, only to have it fall into Morris PetersonMorris PetersonMorris Peterson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent.- College career :...
's hands. Peterson quickly threw a desperation three from 31 feet out and hit it, barely beating the buzzer and tying the game at 109. The Raptors won in OT, 123-118. - On November 24, 2007, the CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
were trailing the BobcatsCharlotte BobcatsThe Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
95-93 with 4.7 seconds and didn't even have the ball when Eddie HouseEddie HouseEdward L. House II , commonly referred to as Eddie House, is an American professional basketball player in the NBA for the Miami Heat.-Early life:...
stole the inbounds pass from Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
and passed it to Ray AllenRay AllenWalter Ray Allen is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. He has played professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Boston Celtics; and collegiately for the University of...
, who hit a 3 as time expired to give them the 96-95 win. - On January 29, 2008, the Toronto Raptors were in a similar situation against the Washington Wizards, with the Wizards leading 95-92 with 1.3 seconds left. Raptors rookie Jamario Moon inbounded the ball to Anthony Parker, who hit a 3 at the buzzer to force OT. The Wizards eventually won 108-104.
- On November 5, 2008, the BlazersPortland Trail BlazersThe Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
were tied with the RocketsHouston RocketsThe Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
when Houston guard Tracy McGradyTracy McGradyTracy Lamar McGrady, Jr., is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons.Entering the league after graduating from high school, McGrady eventually became a seven-time All-Star. He led the league in scoring in 2003 and 2004. He has also played for the Toronto...
missed a shot and Portland forward Travis OutlawTravis OutlawTravis Marquez Outlaw is an American professional basketball player currently with the New Jersey Nets of the NBA.-NBA career:...
got the rebound. Coach Nate McMillanNate McMillanNathaniel "Nate" McMillan is a retired American professional basketball player and current head coach of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers...
chose not to call timeout and Brandon RoyBrandon RoyBrandon Dawayne Roy is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. He was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, having completed four years playing for the Washington Huskies. In 2009, he served as the team's co-captain, along...
brought the ball up the court and hit a fade-away with 1.9 seconds left to give Portland a 98-96 lead. Then with 0.8 seconds to go, Yao MingYao MingYao Ming is a retired Chinese professional basketball player who last played for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association...
hit a fade-away while Roy fouled him; Yao converted the and-1 to give Houston a 99-98 lead. After the timeout which Portland saved, Portland guard Steve BlakeSteve BlakeSteven Hanson "Steve" Blake is an American professional basketball point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Previously, he played for the Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers.-High school:Blake spent his freshman and sophomore year...
inbounded the ball to Roy, who hit a 30-ft fade-away 3 at the buzzer to give Portland the 101-99 OT victory. - On December 25, 2008, Roger MasonRoger MasonRoger Le Roy Mason is a retired American professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues primarily in relief from 1984–1987, 1989, and 1991–1994...
of the SpursSan Antonio SpursThe San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
made a game-winning buzzer-beating 3 to beat the Suns 91-90 on Christmas Day. - On February 8, 2009, with the Trail Blazers trailing the Knicks, Portland's Brandon Roy made a layup at the buzzer to win it 109–108.
- On January 2, 2009, the NetsNew Jersey NetsThe New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
were playing the HawksAtlanta HawksThe Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
in the Izod Center. With 5.3 seconds left in OT, the Hawks were up 91–90. After a timeout, Jarvis HayesJarvis HayesJarvis James Hayes is an American professional basketball player. A 6'8", 220 lbs. small forward from the University of Georgia and Western Carolina University, Hayes was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 10th overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft. Throughout his NBA career, Hayes has...
inbounded for the Nets. His intention was to get it to Vince CarterVince CarterVincent Lamar "Vince" Carter is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns. He is a shooting guard who can also play small forward....
, but Hayes missed. Carter eventually got the ball and dribbled up the court. With 2.5 seconds left, Carter pulled up for a 3 a few feet behind the arc and made it to give Nets the 93-91 victory. This was on a 3-buzzer-beater night as Denver's Carmelo AnthonyCarmelo AnthonyCarmelo Kiyan Anthony , nicknamed "Melo", is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association...
hit a 3 with 1 tenth left to beat Oklahoma City 122-120, and Indiana's Jarrett JackJarrett JackJarrett Matthew Jack is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA. At 6' 3" tall and weighing 197 lbs , he primarily plays at the guard position...
hit a jumper with 9 tenths left to beat New York, 105-103. - On February 23, 2009, the NetsNew Jersey NetsThe New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
were down 96-95 at home to the 76ersPhiladelphia 76ersThe Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
after Andre IguodalaAndre IguodalaAndre Tyler Iguodala is an American professional basketball player who plays small forward for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association . Iguodala is listed at 6 ft 6 in and 207 lbs. . Iguodala played his high school basketball for Lanphier High School in Springfield, Illinois...
made two free throws with 1.8 seconds left. With no timeouts left, Bobby SimmonsBobby SimmonsBobby Simmons is an American professional basketball player.-College career:Simmons played three years of college basketball for DePaul University...
inbounded the ball to Devin HarrisDevin HarrisDevin Lamar Harris is an American professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association . Harris attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison...
, who raced to midcourt. Harris thought Iguodala fouled him, but he threw it up from halfcourt and made it, giving the Nets the 98–96 victory. - On January 1, 2010, the Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
were playing the Kings at Staples CenterStaples CenterStaples Center is a multi-purpose sports arena in Downtown Los Angeles. Adjacent to the L.A. Live development, it is located next to the Los Angeles Convention Center complex along Figueroa Street. Opening on October 17, 1999, it is one of the major sporting facilities in the Greater Los Angeles...
. There was 4 seconds left in the 4th quarter and the Lakers were down 108-106. The ball was inbounded to closely guarded Pau GasolPau GasolPau Gasol Sáez is a Spanish professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . He was born to Marisa Sáez and Agustí Gasol, and he spent his childhood in Spain...
. Gasol got the ball to Kobe BryantKobe BryantKobe Bean Bryant is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school...
who was behind the arc. Bryant got the ball out of his hands with one-tenth left and hit the 3 at the buzzer to give the Lakers the 109-108 win. - On November 5, 2010, the SunsPhoenix SunsThe Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
were playing the GrizzliesMemphis GrizzliesThe Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
and were down 98-94 with 3.6 seconds left. The Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
had possession out of bounds, and inbounded to Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
, who banked in a three with 1.1 seconds left. The Grizzlies' Rudy GayRudy GayRudy Carlton Gay, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies...
inbounded the ball off Grant HillGrant HillGrant Hill is the name of:* Grant Hill, American basketball player* Grant Hill , Canadian politician* Grant Hill, San Diego, California, an urban neighboorhood in central San Diego...
's back, which time seemed to run out, but Steve NashSteve NashStephen John "Steve" Nash, OC, OBC is a South African-born Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association . Nash enjoyed a successful high-school basketball career, and he was eventually given a scholarship by Santa Clara...
fouled him with 4 tenths left. Rudy GayRudy GayRudy Carlton Gay, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies...
missed the first free throw, and while trying to miss it, he made the second to put them up 99-97. Phoenix advanced the ball to halfcourt. Grant HillGrant HillGrant Hill is the name of:* Grant Hill, American basketball player* Grant Hill , Canadian politician* Grant Hill, San Diego, California, an urban neighboorhood in central San Diego...
threw the ball close to the rim, and Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
caught it and scored. The game would go to double OT, in which the Suns would win. - On November 30, 2010, Rudy GayRudy GayRudy Carlton Gay, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies...
of the GrizzliesMemphis GrizzliesThe Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
hit a game-winning fadeaway over LeBron JamesLeBron JamesLeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Nicknamed "King James", he was a three-time "Mr. Basketball" of Ohio in high school, and was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar while a...
at the buzzer to give Memphis a 97-95 victory. - On December 29, 2010, the KingsSacramento KingsThe Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
were playing the GrizzliesMemphis GrizzliesThe Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
. The Kings led 97-96 with 5 seconds left in the 4th. O.J. Mayo hit a jumper to give the Grizzlies a 98-97 lead with 1.5 seconds left. With no timeouts left, Tyreke EvansTyreke EvansTyreke Jamir Evans is an American professional basketball player with Virtus Roma in Italy. He is also under contract with the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association , but is not currently playing with them because of the 2011 NBA lockout...
hit a 3 from beyond halfcourt, giving the Kings the 100-98 victory. - On March 18, 2011, the MagicOrlando MagicThe Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
were playing the NuggetsDenver NuggetsThe Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
. The game was tied at 82 with 5 seconds left in the 4th quarter after the Nuggets' Danilo GallinariDanilo GallinariDanilo Gallinari is an Italian professional basketball player with Olimpia Milano of the Italian basketball league. He is also under contract with the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, and is expected to return to that team when the 2011 NBA lockout ends. He is 2.08 m in height and 102.1 kg in...
hit 2 free-throws. Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu inbounded the ball to Jameer NelsonJameer NelsonJameer Nelson is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the NBA. He played college basketball at Saint Joseph's University and was drafted in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets but was traded to the Orlando Magic, where he has played for his...
, who made a 3 at the buzzer to win the game 85-82. - On March 25, 2011, Nicolas BatumNicolas BatumNicolas Batum is a French basketball player with SLUC Nancy of the Ligue Nationale de Basketball. He is also under contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, and is expected to return to that team once the 2011 NBA lockout ends. The Blazers acquired his rights during the 2008 NBA Draft for the...
of the BlazersPortland Trail BlazersThe Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
made an Alley-oop LayupLayupA layup in basketball is a two-point shot attempt made by leaping from below, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket. The motion and one-handed reach distinguish it from a jump shot. The layup is considered the most basic shot in...
with 9 tenths left to beat the SpursSan Antonio SpursThe San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
98-96.
NBA Playoffs
- In Game 1 of the 1950 NBA Finals1950 NBA FinalsThe 1950 NBA Finals was the championship round of the National Basketball Association's first season, the 1949–50 season.6'8" Dolph Schayes of Syracuse led his team out to the finals after a 16.8 ppg average during the regular season. George Mikan, however, averaged 27.4 ppg and led the league...
, Bob Harrison hit a 40-ft buzzer-beater to win the game for the Lakers, 68–66. - In Game 4 of the 1969 NBA Finals1969 NBA FinalsThe 1969 NBA World Championship Series to determine the champion of the 1968-69 NBA season was played between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, the Lakers being heavily favored due to the presence of three formidable stars: Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West...
, Sam JonesSam Jones (basketball)Samuel Jones is a retired American professional basketball player at shooting guard and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was known for his quickness and game-winning shots, especially during the NBA Playoffs...
hit an off-balance 18-foot jumper as time expired to lift his CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
to a series-tying 89-88 win over the LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. - In Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals1970 NBA FinalsThe 1970 NBA Finals was a best-of-7 series for the world championship of the National Basketball Association. It featured the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks and the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers...
, Jerry WestJerry WestJerry Alan West is a retired American basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . His nicknames include "Mr...
sank a desperation buzzer-beating 60-ft shot to tie the game at 102. However, his Lakers still lost to the KnicksNew York KnicksThe New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in OT, 111-108. - In Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals1976 NBA FinalsThe 1976 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round for the 1975-76 NBA season.-Background:The Phoenix Suns finished the season with 42 wins and 40 losses, but beat the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors in the playoffs and went on to play the Boston Celtics in the NBA...
, Gar HeardGar HeardGarfield "Gar" Heard, is a retired American professional basketball player and coach. He played collegiately at the University of Oklahoma and was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the third round of the 1970 NBA Draft...
hit a buzzer beater against the CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
to tie the game at 112 and force a 3rd overtime. This was one of the many high points of the game, which the Celtics won 128-126. Heard's shot is one of the many reasons the NBA refers to Game 5 as "The Greatest Game Ever Played". - In Game 1 of the 1986 Eastern Conference First Round, Dudley BradleyDudley BradleyDudley Leroy Bradley is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA.Bradley played collegiately at the University of North Carolina and was selected 13th overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers...
made a buzzer-beating 3 that won the game 95-94 after the 76ers led 94-77 with 3 minutes left. - In Game 3 of the 1986 Western Conference Semifinals, Derek HarperDerek HarperDerek Ricardo Harper is a retired American professional basketball player from the University of Illinois, who spent 16 seasons as a point guard in the National Basketball Association with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers.-College:After graduating from...
hit a long 3 with 3 seconds left that beat the LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
110-108. - In Game 5 of the 1986 Western Conference Finals, the Rockets were tied with the Lakers at 112 with 1 second left and the ball at half-court. Ralph SampsonRalph SampsonRalph Lee Sampson, Jr. is a retired American college and professional basketball player.A 7-foot-4 phenom, three-time College Player of the Year, and No...
hit a turn-around shot at the buzzer, to win the series 4-1 for the Rockets. - In Game 5 of the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round, Michael JordanMichael JordanMichael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
took the inbounds pass with 3 seconds left, sprinted to the free throw line and hit The ShotThe ShotThe Shot is the name of the series-winning basket made by Michael Jordan in the 5th game of the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round against the Cavs, in the Coliseum at Richfield...
over Craig EhloCraig EhloJoel Craig Ehlo, , is a retired American National Basketball Association player.A guard/forward from Odessa Junior College and Washington State University, Ehlo was selected in the third round of the 1983 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, and went with the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals in a...
at the buzzer, beating the Cavs 101-100. - In Game 4 of the 1993 Eastern Conference First Round, with Charlotte down 103-102 with 3.3 seconds left, Alonzo Mourning took the inbounds pass and hit a 20-footer with 0.4 seconds left.
- In Game 3 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals with 1.8 seconds left and the Bulls down 2-0 in the series, Toni KukočToni KukocToni Kukoč is a retired Croatian professional basketball player. He was renowned for his versatility and passing ability; although his natural position was small forward, he played all five positions on the court with prowess and demonstrated court vision and an outside shooting touch that were...
sank a 23-ft fadeaway at the buzzer to give Chicago a 104-102 victory over the Knicks. - In Game 5 of the 1995 Western Conference Semifinals, Nick Van ExelNick Van ExelNickey Maxwell "Nick" Van Exel is a retired American professional basketball player and currently an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks...
hit a 3 with 3 tenths left in OT to give the LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
a 98-96 win over the SpursSan Antonio SpursThe San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
. - In Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Reggie MillerReggie MillerReginald Wayne "Reggie" Miller is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire 18-year National Basketball Association career with the Indiana Pacers...
scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds to erase a 6-point deficit and beat the Knicks, 107-105. - In Game 4 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals, Indiana's Rik SmitsRik SmitsRik Smits is a retired Dutch professional basketball player who spent his entire professional career with the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association. The 7'4" center was drafted by the Pacers out of Marist College with the second overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft...
faked a shot over Tree RollinsTree RollinsWayne Monte "Tree" Rollins is a retired American professional basketball player who played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association for the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. He was primarily known under his playing name, Tree...
, then hit a 10-footer at the buzzer to beat Orlando 94-93. - In Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals, Hakeem OlajuwonHakeem OlajuwonHakeem Abdul Olajuwon is a retired Nigerian-American professional basketball player. From 1984 to 2002, he played the center position in the National Basketball Association for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. In 2008,...
of the Rockets tipped in a missed layup by Clyde DrexlerClyde DrexlerClyde Austin "Clyde The Glide" Drexler is a former National Basketball Association shooting guard and small forward. A ten-time All-Star and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, the NBA named him one of basketball's fifty greatest players as of 1996. Drexler won an Olympic gold medal in 1992 and...
with 3 tenths left in OT to beat the Magic 120–118. - In Game 4 of the 1997 Western Conference First Round, the Suns' Rex ChapmanRex ChapmanRex Everett Chapman is a retired American professional basketball player. Chapman was a college standout at the University of Kentucky and went on to play for four NBA teams through his 12-year career in the league...
caught an overthrown Jason KiddJason KiddJason Frederick Kidd is an American professional basketball point guard who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. Raised in Oakland, California, Kidd played college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley and was drafted second overall by the Dallas...
pass and made a falling-out-of-bounds 3 with 1.9 seconds left to tie the game at 107. The Suns still lost 122-115. - In Game 4 of the 1997 Western Conference Finals, Houston's Eddie Johnson hit a buzzer-beating 3 to beat Utah 95-92.
- In Game 6 of the 1997 Western Conference Finals, John StocktonJohn StocktonJohn Houston Stockton is a retired American professional basketball player who spent his entire career as a point guard for the Utah Jazz of the NBA from 1984 to 2003. Stockton is regarded as one of the best point guards of all time, holding the NBA records for most career assists and steals by...
hit a 3 as time expired, lifting Utah over HoustonHouston RocketsThe Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
103-100 to win the series 4-2. - In Game 1 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael JordanMichael JordanMichael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
hit a jumper over Bryon Russell at the buzzer to give Chicago the 84–82 victory. - In Game 4 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, Indiana was down to Chicago 94-93 with 2.9 seconds left. Derrick McKey inbounded to Reggie Miller, who hit the game-winning 3 with 7 tenths left.
- In Game 5 of the 1999 Eastern Conference First Round, Allan Houston hit a runner with 8 tenths left to beat Miami 78-77. The victory also meant New York was just the 2nd No. 8 seed at the time to beat a No. 1 seed.
- In Game 4 of the 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals, the LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
were trailing the KingsSacramento KingsThe Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
99-97 with 11.8 seconds left. The Lakers were trailing 2-1 in the series and faced Game 5 in Sacramento. After KobeKobe BryantKobe Bean Bryant is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school...
and ShaqShaquille O'NealShaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
missed consecutive layups, Vlade Divac swatted the ball away in a vain attempt to run out the clock. However, it went right to Robert HorryRobert HorryRobert Keith Horry Jr. is a retired American basketball player and current sports commentator. He played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association , winning seven championships, the most of any player not to have played on the 1960s Boston Celtics...
, who caught the ball and hit a 3 at the buzzer to give the Lakers the 100-99 victory. - In Game 5 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals, with the series tied at 2, the PistonsDetroit PistonsThe Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
were down 88-85 to the Nets with no timeouts. Chauncey BillupsChauncey BillupsChauncey Ray Billups is an American professional basketball point guard for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association . He has also played for Team USA. Billups won the NBA Finals MVP in 2004, helping the Detroit Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, and was given the...
ran upcourt and banked in a 3 at the buzzer to tie the game at 88. Detroit lost in 3OT, but won the series in 7 and proceeded to defeat the Lakers 4-1 in the NBA Finals. - In Game 4 of the 2006 Western Conference First Round, Kobe BryantKobe BryantKobe Bean Bryant is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school...
made a buzzer beater to defeat Phoenix 99-98 and give the Lakers a 3-1 series lead. - In Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James took the inbounds pass and hit a 3 at the buzzer to give the Cavs the 96-95 victory.
- In Game 3 of the 2010 Eastern Conference First Round, Paul PiercePaul PiercePaul Anthony Pierce , nicknamed The Truth, is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the NBA. He earned First Team All-America honors in his junior year at Kansas, and has been a starter every season since being selected by the Celtics with the 10th overall pick in the...
made a jumper from the free-throw line at the buzzer, giving the Celtics a 100-98 victory and a 3-0 series lead over the HeatMiami HeatThe Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
. - In Game 5 of the 2010 Western Conference Finals, after Kobe BryantKobe BryantKobe Bean Bryant is an American professional basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School, where he was recognized as the top high school...
missed a 3, Ron Artest hits the putback at the buzzer to give the Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
a 103-101 win over the SunsPhoenix SunsThe Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
to give the Lakers a 3-2 series lead. The Lakers won the series 4-2 and went on to win their 2nd straight title.
Olympics and Europe
- In the 1972 Olympic Finals, Alexander Belov of the Soviet Union scored a last-second basket after catching a full-court desperation launch by a team mate. As time expired, Belov hit a layup that won the game 51-50 against the U.S. team.
- In the second round of the 1997 EurobasketEuroBasket 1997-Venues:The tournament was played at three venues in Spain. Girona and Badalona hosted the first and the second round, while the entire knockout stage was played at Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona.-First round:-Group A:-Group B:-Group C:...
, in a high-strung game between FR YugoslaviaYugoslavia national basketball teamThe Yugoslavian national basketball team represented the Kingdom and socialist Yugoslavia. Its of governing body was the Basketball Federation of Yugoslavia, whose seat was in Belgrade....
and CroatiaCroatia national basketball teamThe Croatian national basketball team represents Croatia at international tournaments. It is organized by the Croatian Basketball Federation...
(the first one after the breakup of SFR Yugoslavia and the ensuing Yugoslav warsYugoslav warsThe Yugoslav Wars were a series of wars, fought throughout the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 1995. The wars were complex: characterized by bitter ethnic conflicts among the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, mostly between Serbs on the one side and Croats and Bosniaks on the other; but also...
), Aleksandar Đorđević won the game for Yugoslavia 64-62 with a coast-to-coast three pointer. The same player won the 1992 Euroleague title for Partizan BelgradeKK PartizanKošarkaški klub Partizan is a Serbian professional basketball club. It is part of the multi-sports Belgrade-based club Partizan. The club competes in the Serbian League, Adriatic League and the Euroleague....
in a strikingly similar fashion (albeit with 2 seconds left on the clock). - (Euroleague) On April 7, 2004, Maccabi Tel Aviv was trailing ŽalgirisBC ŽalgirisBC Žalgiris is a professional basketball team that is based in Kaunas, Lithuania. It is one of the oldest teams in the Euroleague and plays domestically in the Lietuvos krepšinio lyga , and regionally in the VTB United League...
at homeNokia ArenaThe Yad Eliyahu Arena , commercially Nokia Arena , is a 11,700-seat multi-purpose indoor arena in southeastern Tel Aviv, Israel. The arena is home to the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club, a member of the Maccabi Tel Aviv sports club...
, on the decisive round-robin match to determine which team advances to the Final Four tournament, held later that month on Maccabi's home court in Tel AvivTel AvivTel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
. Maccabi's failure to advance would mean utter disaster, as team officials battled all season long against Euroleague attempts to relocate the tournament due to ensuing Al-Aqsa intifadaAl-Aqsa IntifadaThe Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada and the Oslo War, was the second Palestinian uprising, a period of intensified Palestinian-Israeli violence, which began in late September 2000...
and similar UEFAUEFAThe Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
ban on football (soccer) matches hosted in IsraelIsraelThe State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
. With 2 seconds remaining and Maccabi trailing by 3 points, Derrick SharpDerrick SharpDerrick Sharp is an American-Israeli former professional basketball player, and current basketball assistant coach for Maccabi Tel Aviv.Sharp was born in Orlando, Florida...
caught a long pass from Gur Shelef, turned to the basket and fired a game-tying fade-away three-pointer, forcing overtime. Maccabi won that game, advanced to the Final Four and became Euroleague ChampionEuroleague 2003-04The Euroleague is an international basketball club competition for elite clubs throughout Europe. The 2003–2004 season featured 24 competing teams from 13 different countries...
, winning the final game against Skipper BolognaFortitudo BolognaFortitudo Pallacanestro Bologna is an Legadue Basket professional basketball club that is based in Bologna. It's currently sponsored by Conad.-History:...
by the all-time record score of 118-74. - On August 15, 2004, in the first game of the Olympics Games, after a run of Alejandro Montecchia, Emanuel Ginobili received the ball trailing 82-81 against Serbia and Montenegro with 0.7 seconds left. He made the shot while falling sideways after it hit the board. Argentina then would win the Gold.
- In a friendly match between the US and Germany during the run-up to the 2004 Olympics, a less than stellar Team USA was saved by Allen IversonAllen IversonAllen Ezail Iverson is an American professional basketball point guard and shooting guard. He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the number one pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in the 1996–97 season...
(then of the Philadelphia 76ers), who hit a half-court shot to keep the game from going into overtime. - On April 25, 2010, in the title game of the 2009/10 seasonABA NLB League 2009–10The 2009–10 Liga AGA was the 9th season of the Liga ABA. 14 teams from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro participated in the NLB League: Union Olimpija, Helios, Cibona, Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Bosna, Široki Eronet, Partizan, Crvena Zvezda, FMP, Hemofarm, Radnički...
of the Adriatic League, Partizan BelgradeKK PartizanKošarkaški klub Partizan is a Serbian professional basketball club. It is part of the multi-sports Belgrade-based club Partizan. The club competes in the Serbian League, Adriatic League and the Euroleague....
topped Cibona ZagrebKK CibonaKošarkaški klub Cibona is a professional basketball club based in Zagreb, Croatia. It competes in the Croatian League and the Adriatic League.-History:The club was founded in 1946 under the name Sloboda...
in overtime in Arena Zagreb, thanks to an off-the-glass three-pointer by Dušan KecmanDušan KecmanDušan Kecman is a Serbian professional basketball player. The 1.97 m shooting guard–small forward currently plays with Partizan Belgrade.-Pro career:...
from half-court at the buzzer, bringing the celebration of Cibona players and staff (who already invaded the floor as Bojan BogdanovićBojan BogdanovićBojan Bogdanović is a Bosnia and Herzegovina-born Croatian professional basketball player for Turkish team Fenerbahçe Ülker.....
scored a corner three-pointer for Cibona with just 0.6 seconds left on the clock) to an abrupt end. Partizan thus won its fourth consecutive Adriatic League title. The final score was 75-74.