▪️ Deandre Ayton’s “Valley Oop” in Game 2 of the 2021 Western Conference Finals
▪️ Aaron Gordon’s buzzer-beating slam last night
When the clock is winding down and every possession feels like a battle for survival, the NBA playoffs take on a life of their own. Teams and players push their limits, hoping for a moment that will define their legacy. Among the most exciting, and often most dramatic, moments in NBA history are game-winning shots and dunks — but there’s something special about a dunk that happens in the final seconds of a playoff game. Not just any dunk, but one that seals the win when everything is on the line.
In the last 15 years, there have been a few legendary game-winning dunks in the final 5 seconds of a playoff game — moments that will forever be etched into NBA history. Let’s take a look at these electrifying plays and how they became iconic.
1. LeBron James – 2016 NBA Finals (Game 7)
While not necessarily a “dunk” in the traditional sense, LeBron James’ famous “The Block” in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors is one of the most legendary moments in NBA history. However, the ensuing sequence, capped off by a Kyrie Irving three-pointer, set the stage for a dramatic finish that involved physical play. What’s most relevant here is the culmination of James’ all-around influence, especially when considering his dominant offensive moments.
While the final seconds were not decided by a dunk, LeBron’s overwhelming athleticism and poise in clutch moments set the scene for some of the most memorable game-winning plays — showing us that even without a dunk, LeBron can elevate every moment to unforgettable.
2. Kawhi Leonard – 2019 NBA Playoffs (Game 7, Eastern Conference Semifinals)
Kawhi Leonard’s performance in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers remains one of the most iconic game-winning shots in playoff history, but this one doesn’t fit neatly into the “dunk” category. Leonard’s buzzer-beater from the corner — a four-bounce, soul-crushing shot — helped the Raptors move on to the next round, and it was as intense as they come. While we often think of LeBron’s defense and aggressive attack, Leonard’s efficiency, footwork, and clutch shooting were invaluable and show us what clutch moments look like.
3. DeAndre Jordan – 2014 Western Conference Playoffs (Round 1, Game 4)
One of the more underrated but impressive game-winning dunks came from DeAndre Jordan during the 2014 Western Conference Playoffs in a Game 4 matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. With just a few seconds left on the clock and the game tied, the Clippers inbounded the ball to Chris Paul. After a quick pass to Blake Griffin, Griffin lobbed an alley-oop to Jordan, who finished with an emphatic dunk over Warriors’ defenders, lifting the Clippers to a dramatic victory.
This dunk wasn’t just a game-winner; it symbolized the power and athleticism of DeAndre Jordan at his peak. The Clippers would go on to win the series, and this dunk served as a statement of their dominance in that moment.
4. Derrick Jones Jr. – 2020 NBA Playoffs (First Round, Game 2)
While not always known for his scoring, Derrick Jones Jr. of the Miami Heat made an unforgettable dunk in the 2020 NBA Playoffs that sent his team to the next round. With only 2.9 seconds remaining in a tie game, Jones Jr. soared for an alley-oop feed from Goran Dragic, finishing with a dunk that sealed Miami’s victory over the Indiana Pacers.
The play was the ultimate exclamation point in what was a highly competitive matchup, and Jones Jr.’s athleticism and ability to perform in clutch moments showed his growth as a key player for the Heat during their playoff run.
5. Zach LaVine – 2021 NBA Playoffs (Round 1, Game 3)
In a 2021 matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics, Zach LaVine took control of the game in the final seconds. After a back-and-forth series of possessions, the game was tied with less than five seconds remaining. LaVine, known for his aerial acrobatics, took the inbound pass, drove through the lane, and delivered a thunderous dunk on Celtics’ defenders to win the game at the buzzer. His explosive athleticism left the Celtics helpless as he finished the play with authority.
This dunk solidified LaVine’s status as one of the most exciting and fearless players in the league, and it was a perfect example of how a game-winning dunk in the final seconds can electrify both a team and its fanbase.
Honorable Mentions
While the above dunks are among the most memorable, there are several other notable plays that come close to making the list. Players like LeBron James, Blake Griffin, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have all had their moments of incredible athleticism, and the NBA continues to evolve with players who can win games in dramatic, game-winning dunk style.
These moments are why fans love the NBA playoffs. When the final seconds of a game are winding down, and the entire arena is holding its breath, a game-winning dunk is as thrilling as it gets. The explosiveness, the crowd’s reaction, and the ability to deliver in clutch moments make these dunks stand out in the history of the league. They remind us that in the NBA, greatness is sometimes defined by a single moment — a single dunk — when the game’s outcome is on the line.
