The Most Devastating Buzzer Beaters Ever

by Waterboy Sam Meyerkopf

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the shot that made POINT 3. No, not the gear…the rule - commonly referred to as the “Trent Tucker Rule”, when on MLK Day (1/15/90) he hit a game winner at MSG with 0.1 left on the clock to beat the Bulls. Then Commissioner David Stern was in attendance and realized that no one should be able to get a shot up in 0.1 seconds and thus, the 0.3 rule. So, 25 years later we here to celebrate all things Buzzer Beater!

Without further ado, in no particular order, here are some of the most memorable and devastating buzzer-beaters ever…

Lorenzo Charles Tips in for the National Championship

Does it get any better than this? The #6 seed North Carolina State Wolfpack knocking off Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and the rest of Phi Slama Jama. An air ball that gets dunked in for the National Title, Coach Jim Valvano running around looking for someone to hug in celebration, and the crowd going crazy. March Madness, baby!

Derek Fisher Ends it in 0.4

Western Conference Semi-Finals, two powerhouse teams of the era, and one shot that swung the series. Tim Duncan hits a crazy off-balanced shot to take the lead, then Fish goes icicles and bedlam ensues.

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Bird Steals the Ball

Back when the legend was still growing, Bird stole the ball, passed to DJ, and the Celtics won. One of the great last-second defensive plays ever. He's Larry Legend for a reason.

T-Spoon Connects from Deep

Game 2 of the 1999 WNBA Finals. New York vs. Houston. On the road, Liberty PG Theresa Weatherspoon connects from waaaaay downtown to tie up the series!

Magic Sky Hook

Magic. Skyhook vs. Celtics. NBA Finals. Good Night.

Dwayne Wade's Floater

Double OT, team on your back time, you’re on Defense. D-Wade goes steal and floater from behind the three for the W. Too smooth, too clutch.

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Robert Horry Being Robert Horry

No one was more clutch in big moments than Big Shot Rob. This was just one of many. Enjoy!

The King Holds Court

Just 11 months ago, LeBron James was leading the Miami Heat towards potential back-to-back NBA titles and the Golden State Warriors were up-and-coming challengers. LBJ played an overall amazing game, and the finishing touch was this sick game-winner with 0.1 left on the clock.

Tyler Ennis Keeps the ‘Cuse at #1

The Pitt Panthers had their home crowd rockin’ with the #1 team in the country on the ropes, but Orange PG Tyler Ennis was having none of that!

MJ

We elected not to do a whole separate post on MJ, but you know how it goes. Sorry Craig…

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Roy, Lillard, Blazers Icy Cold Guards

In 2008, Brandon Roy hit a three to beat the Rockets in the Playoffs. In 2014, Damian Lillard sent the Rockets home to Houston with a last-second three. Blazers guards don’t mess around.

"The Shot"

Grant Hill digs into his dad's football past and throws one of the best full-court passes in basketball history, and Christian Laettner does the rest. Those damn Dukies!