This year’s NBA playoffs delivered everything fans crave—last-second shots, breakout heroes, and stars rising to the moment. Stars picked up the game when it mattered most, while newcomers proved they belong on the biggest stage. These are the top performances that are worth looking back on.
Aaron Gordon’s Game-Winning Three vs. Thunder
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Game 1 against Oklahoma City looked destined for overtime—until Aaron Gordon pulled up from beyond the arc with 3.1 seconds on the clock. The Nuggets edged the Thunder 121–119, and Gordon became the unlikely closer on a team full of stars.
Nikola Jokić’s 42-Point Masterclass
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Only a handful of players have ever notched a playoff stat line of 40 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists—and Nikola Jokić just joined that club. His 42-22-6 outing against the Thunder reminded everyone why he owns the paint and the tempo.
Buddy Hield’s Record-Tying Game 7
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Buddy Hield torched Houston for 33 points and tied the all-time Game 7 record for made threes. He gave Golden State the early lead and never let go of the momentum.
Jalen Brunson’s Series-Winning Buzzer-Beater
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Brunson gave Madison Square Garden another reason to erupt when he hit a deep three in the closing seconds to eliminate Detroit in Game 6. He concluded the game with 40 points and sent the Knicks to the second round.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Overtime Heroics vs. Bucks
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Haliburton delivered in the clutch, sinking a game-winning layup in overtime that stunned the Bucks and ended their playoff hopes. The shot capped a furious Pacers comeback. Haliburton finished with 26 points in one of the most intense postseason wins.
Anthony Edwards Leads Timberwolves Past Lakers
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Edwards played like a franchise cornerstone, averaging nearly 27 points, over eight rebounds, and six assists per game during the Timberwolves’ five-game series win over the Lakers. His rebounding and defensive energy pushed Minnesota past LeBron’s squad and into the next round.
Jamal Murray’s 43-Point Explosion
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Murray lit up the Clippers for 43 points in Game 5. He dominated every quarter, finding seams in the defense and scoring at all three levels. His takeover performance kept their playoff run alive, with Denver on the ropes in the series.
Kawhi Leonard’s Vintage 39-Point Game
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Leonard looked like his old Finals MVP self in Game 2 versus Denver, racking up 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting with seven rebounds and four assists. He carved up the Nuggets’ defense with midrange jumpers and patient drives. The Clippers needed every bit of his veteran presence to claw out a win and even the series against the defending champs.
Cade Cunningham Ends Pistons’ Playoff Drought
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For Detroit fans, the win felt like a decade in the making—because it was. Cade Cunningham’s 33-point, 12-rebound performance in Game 2 against the Knicks ended the Pistons’ 15-game playoff losing streak dating back to 2008.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38-Point Clincher
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In Game 4 against Memphis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closed out the sweep with a cool 38-point performance. Fans witnessed his classic footwork and midrange pull-ups, which silenced the Grizzlies.
Jalen Green’s 38-Point Playoff Breakout
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Green erupted in Game 2 against Golden State while scoring 38 points and tying a franchise playoff record with eight made threes. The Rockets rolled to a blowout win as Green found his rhythm early and stayed hot.
OG Anunoby’s Two-Way Dominance
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After averaging over 22 points in the first round while locking down the other team’s top scorers, Anunoby quietly became New York’s glue. No headlines, just elite two-way play every night—and the Knicks thrived because of it.
Christian Braun’s Clutch Assist
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Denver trailed in the final seconds, but Christian Braun didn’t panic. He found Aaron Gordon open on the wing, delivered the pass on time, and watched as Gordon knocked down the game-winner. His poise under pressure was impressive for a young role player.
Patrick Mahomes Reacts to Knicks’ Comeback
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The Knicks stormed back from 20 points down to beat the Celtics in overtime, and even NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes had to react. His social media post summed up the moment’s shock, and fans were jumping on the trend.
