In the nick of time
In the NBA, some players crave for the clutch shot that might or might not win a game. Others shy away from the pressure. Here's a look at some of the great clutch shots in NBA history:Magic JohnsonIn Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals against Boston, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson dribbled across the lane and buried a "junior" sky hook over Kevin McHale, Larry Bird and Robert Parish with 2 seconds left that propelled the Lakers to a commanding 3-1 lead in that best-of-seven series, which the Lakers eventually won in six games.Michael JordanBefore Michael Jordan was walking away with NBA championship after NBA championship, he was already known for hitting a few gut-check game-winners. None was more spectacular than the jumper Jordan made at the buzzer against Cleveland over Craig Ehlo in Game 5 of the series-clinching triumph over the Cavaliers.Robert HorryRobert Horry, the king of the big shots, all but snatched a possible championship away from Sacramento when he hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer that catapulted the Lakers to a 100-99 victory in the 2002 Western Conference Finals. The win prevented the Kings from going back home with a 3-1 lead in that best-of-seven series, which the Lakers eventually won in seven games.Michael JordanIn what was to be his final game as a Chicago Bull, Michael Jordan saved his best for last as he drilled an 18-footer with 5.2 seconds left that sealed the Bulls' 87-86 victory over Utah in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. As Jordan did his signature pose when the ball went through the basket, Jazz fans were livid, claiming that Jordan should have been charged with an offensive foul for pushing off on Bryon Russell.Derek FisherSan Antonio forward Tim Duncan had just hit an off-balanced shot with 0.4 seconds left to give the Spurs a 73-72 lead that would have eliminated the LA Lakers in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference semifinals. However, Lakers guard Derek Fisher took an inbounds pass and tossed up his own off-balanced shot as time expired that gave the Lakers a 74-73 win, stunning the crowd in San Antonio.Gar HeardIt became known as the Shot Heard Round The World. Gar Heard buried a 20-footer at the buzzer against Boston that sent Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals into a dramatic third overtime. The Suns brought the ball inbounds with just 1 second left. But that was more than enough time for Heard to silence the Boston Garden with his mind-boggling shot over Don Nelson.Jerry WestThe New York Knicks were leading 102-100 very late in Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals and were on the verge of celebrating a triumph over the LA Lakers. But Lakers guard Jerry West received an inbounds pass from Wilt Chamberlain with 3 seconds left, took two dribbles and drilled a 60-footer at the buzzer that sent the game into overtime.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
