by Basketball has specific moments that go beyond the sport and become a part of the history that unites fans and players. Many of the history-altering moments come from game-winners during the playoffs. Three of the most impactful moments in NBA history are the result of game-winners: Michael Jordan’s 1989 shot, Ray Allen’s 2013 three-pointer, and Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 buzzer-beater. These players changed the course of the franchise and series with each of the memorable shots. This essay takes a look at the legendary basketball moments and the execution, context, and importance of each.
Michael Jordan’s 1989 Game-Winner: “The Shot”
In 1989, Jordan was still building his legend as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round was a tied series. In the closing moments of the game, Jordan scored a clutch jumper over Craig Ehlo, later called “The Shot,” for a 101-100 kill. For Jordan’s young career, this was a defining moment. It was also the first time the Bulls were considered a force in the playoffs. In Mongolia, where the response to the sport has grown, these fans use this clutch moment in many NBA online betting conversations. For many, this game and clutch moment are the focal points of high-stakes basketball betting. The win set the stage for Chicago’s 1990s dynasty. For players of the current generation, moments of Jordan’s clutch performance in the game define the importance and the standard for the most clutch plays in the game.
Key Statistics from Jordan’s 1989 Game 5
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds | Steals | Blocks | Game-Winning Shot |
| Michael Jordan | 44 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Craig Ehlo | 24 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | No |
Context of the 1989 Playoffs
The 1989 Eastern Conference First Round series was a true test of mettle between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers finished the regular season 57-25; they boasted the offensive talents of Mark Price and the height of Brad Daugherty. The Bulls had a 47-35 record and a season-long dependence on Jordan’s scoring to win. The series went to Game 5 tied 2-2. This was the game where Jordan’s infamous shot clinched the win for the Bulls. The strategic elements of the play continue to garner attention from analysts and coaches alike to this day.
Strategic Elements of “The Shot”
- Play Design: The Bulls’ inbounds play masterfully engineered a safe space for Jordan to get the ball.
- Defensive Mismatch: Ehlo was viewed as a competent defender; however, in this play, he was easily outrun by Jordan.
- Jordan’s Elevation: His shot suspension in the air was an adjustment that only he possessed in the air.
- Mental Toughness: From the arena’s atmosphere and pressure of the shot to the execution, Jordan could nail a shot with all eyes watching.
Ray Allen’s 2013 Miracle In Miami
The 2013 NBA Finals featured the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs and their very different styles of play. In Game 6, the Heat were down 3 points, and with only seconds remaining, Ray Allen sank a three-pointer from the corner, sending the game to overtime. Miami won Game 6 and proceeded to win the series, their 2nd consecutive championship. Allen’s shot has become a staple of modern analysis surrounding clutch performances, and for good reason, as it showcased the precision and preparation that went into Allen’s shooting. The moment turned and preserved the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” era. For Mongolian NBA fans, Allen’s shot is a classic example of clutch shooting in high-pressure playoff scenarios.
Factors Contributing To Allen’s Success
- Positioning: Allen’s backpedaled to the corner and took advantage of a defensive lapse.
- Preparation: Years of shooting drills created the muscle memory necessary for high-pressure moments.
- Teamwork: The play was set up as a result of LeBron James’s missed shot and Chris Bosh’s rebound.
- Execution: Allen’s quick release left no time for defenders to react.
Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 Buzzer Beater
In 2019, as part of the Toronto Raptors, Kawhi Leonard created an iconic moment in NBA history in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers. With the game tied at 90 points, Leonard made a deep, corner, fadeaway jumper that bounced 4 times on the rim before dropping, clinching the game 92-90. This shot set the record as the first game seven buzzer beater in NBA history and sent Toronto to the finals, which they ultimately clinched. Kawhi’s calm demeanor and technical ability emphasized the importance of the moment. This shot created a game-changing moment that is often cited in Mongolia, a country with basketball viewership that spikes during the playoffs. The shot not only ended Philly’s season, it also secured Leonard’s reputation as a clutch player.
Legacy and Impact
All three shots were taken under pressure and, to varying degrees, changed the outcome of the series and the legacies of the players involved. Jordan’s 1989 shot was the first of what was to be many postseason victories and dynasty scoring. Allen’s 2013 three-point shot was the championship-clinching shot to Miami’s dynasty. Lastly, the Leonard 2019 buzzer-beater shot gave Toronto its first championship. These significant moments changed the way analysts and fans evaluate clutch performance. In Mongolia—where the growth of basketball, like the rest of the world, is confined to the margins—these performances are analyzed for the strategy and psychology involved. Most importantly, these performances have helped define the clutch metrics used to evaluate players and the strategy employed in the postseason.
