Hidden NBA History Revealed: The Shocking Truths Behind Basketball’s Greatest Showdowns. You Won’t Believe the Legends and Moments That Shaped the Game

Overview of NBA History

The NBA traces its origins to June 6, 1946, when the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was founded in New York City by arena owners led by Boston’s Walter Brown careers.nba.com. The league’s first game was played in Toronto on November 1, 1946, and three seasons later the BAA merged with its rival, the National Basketball League (NBL), to form the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949 britannica.com. Early NBA seasons were marked by low scoring and stalling tactics – epitomized by a notorious 19–18 game in 1950 wbur.org – until the introduction of the 24-second shot clock in 1954 revolutionized the sport by forcing a faster pace wbur.org. The 1950s also saw the integration of the league, as pioneers like Chuck Cooper and Earl Lloyd became the first Black players in 1950, breaking the NBA’s color barrier.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, the Boston Celtics established the NBA’s first great dynasty. Led on the court by center Bill Russell and guided by coach Red Auerbach, Boston won 11 championships in 13 seasons from 1957 to 1969 britannica.com. Russell’s rivalry with dominant scorer Wilt Chamberlain (who in 1962 set a single-game record by scoring 100 points en.wikipedia.org) became a centerpiece of the era. Major milestones followed as the league expanded westward (the Minneapolis Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960, the Philadelphia Warriors to San Francisco in 1962) and added new franchises. In 1976, the NBA merged with the upstart American Basketball Association (ABA), absorbing four ABA teams (the Spurs, Nuggets, Pacers, and Nets) and with them the ABA’s freewheeling style and the three-point shot, which the NBA adopted in 1979 britannica.com.

By the early 1980s, the NBA was struggling financially and on television, but a resurgence came on the shoulders of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Their famed Celtics–Lakers rivalry – meeting in the NBA Finals three times in the 1980s – along with the marketing vision of commissioner David Stern (who took office in 1984), helped transform the NBA into a globally popular entertainment entity britannica.com. Under Stern’s leadership, star players were promoted as household names, lucrative TV deals were struck, and the league’s appeal skyrocketed. The arrival of Michael Jordan in the mid-1980s took things to another level: Jordan’s acrobatic skill and competitive fire, combined with Nike’s marketing, made him a worldwide icon and pushed the NBA’s popularity to new heights in the 1990s. Jordan’s Chicago Bulls dominated the decade with six championships (1991–1993 and 1996–1998), each Finals MVP being Jordan himself, firmly cementing his legacy.

The post-Jordan era saw the balance of power shift and the emergence of new stars. The late 1990s and 2000s featured the Los Angeles Lakers (led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant) and the San Antonio Spurs (led by Tim Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich) combining to win nine titles from 1999 to 2010. The NBA also became truly international – by the 2000s, an influx of international players like Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, and Yao Ming had made a huge impact, expanding the league’s global fanbase. In the 2010s, LeBron James emerged as the era’s defining player, reaching eight consecutive Finals (2011–2018) and winning titles with Miami, Cleveland, and later the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors led by Stephen Curry ushered in a three-point revolution, capturing four championships in 2015–2022 with a fast-paced, long-range shooting style that changed how the game is played. Today, the NBA is a thriving global league with 30 teams, a massive international audience, and a reputation for drama and excitement built on decades of memorable moments and legendary figures. From its humble beginnings in 1946 to its current status as a cultural phenomenon, the NBA’s evolution has been defined by innovation, superstar talent, and an expanding reach around the world britannica.com.

Most Popular NBA Teams of All Time

Certain franchises have cultivated enormous fan followings and worldwide appeal due to their success, star players, and storied histories. Here are some of the most popular NBA teams ever and what makes them so iconic:

• Los Angeles Lakers: One of the league’s most storied franchises, the Lakers have an NBA-record 17 championships (tied for first) and have featured a who’s who of stars, from George Mikan in the early days to Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. Located in the huge Los Angeles market, the team has the NBA’s largest fan base and never lacks superstar talent sleeper.com. The Lakers’ sustained success – including famous “Showtime” teams of the 1980s and the Bryant-led championship runs in the 2000s – combined with their Hollywood flair, has made them one of the most popular teams in all of sports sleeper.com.
• Boston Celtics: The Celtics are tied for the most NBA titles ever with 18 championships, a legacy of winning that spans from Bill Russell’s 1960s dynasty to the Larry Bird era in the ’80s and a resurgence in 2008 sleeper.com foxsports.com. Boston’s fan base is famously passionate and loyal, sustained by the franchise’s rich history and blue-collar appeal. The team’s tradition of great players (Russell, Bird, Paul Pierce, etc.) and its storied rivalry with the Lakers have given the Celtics a massive following. Notably, the Celtics’ 2024 title gave them the outright lead with 18 championships sleeper.com, and the franchise remains synonymous with a culture of winning.
• Chicago Bulls: Thanks to Michael Jordan, the Bulls became a global phenomenon in the 1990s. Chicago won six championships in an eight-year span, and Jordan’s superstardom made the Bulls merchandise and brand iconic worldwide sleeper.com. Even in the seasons since, the Bulls have consistently led the NBA in attendance, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jordan era and the passion of Chicago fans sleeper.com. The Bulls brand – the red and black uniforms and the charging bull logo – became internationally recognized during the 90s, and the team still ranks among the NBA’s most popular, with millions of followers and sold-out crowds even in rebuilding years.
• Golden State Warriors: Long a middle-of-the-pack franchise, the Warriors have in recent years surged into prominence with a dynastic run that captured titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Behind superstar Stephen Curry (one of the most popular athletes in the world) and a thrilling style of play, Golden State gained a massive global following sleeper.com. The Warriors now boast the highest social media following of any NBA team and are among the most valuable franchises sleeper.com. Though founded in 1946 (as the Philadelphia Warriors), it was the recent “Splash Brothers” era – and a move to the San Francisco Bay Area’s big market – that launched the Warriors into the upper echelon of fan popularity. They’ve become known for loyal local support and a new generation of fans drawn by their three-point shooting heroics sleeper.com.
• New York Knicks: Despite relatively little on-court success since the 1970s (the Knicks’ last title was in 1973), New York’s team remains hugely popular due to the sheer size of the market and the storied basketball culture of NYC. The Knicks play at Madison Square Garden, often called the “Mecca of Basketball,” and have an incredibly intense and loyal fan base sleeper.com. The franchise’s value is consistently at or near the top of the league, and its classic blue-and-orange brand is globally recognized. From the Willis Reed–Walt Frazier championship teams to stars like Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks’ history and the lure of New York have kept the team in the spotlight, making it one of the NBA’s most followed teams even during long championship droughts sleeper.com.
• Miami Heat: A relatively young franchise (founded 1988) that has quickly built a large fan base after winning three NBA championships (2006, 2012, 2013) and reaching six Finals. The Heat’s “Big Three” era in the early 2010s – when LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade – attracted legions of new fans and turned the team into a pop-culture force sleeper.com. Even after those stars left, Miami remained competitive under legendary executive Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra, reaching the Finals in 2020 and 2023. Known for a flashy South Beach image and passionate home crowds, the Heat rank among the top teams in merchandise sales and maintain over 6 million Instagram followers sleeper.com sleeper.com, reflecting their broad popularity.
• Houston Rockets: The Rockets cemented their global popularity in the 1990s with back-to-back titles (1994, 1995) behind Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, but it was the 2002 arrival of Chinese superstar Yao Ming that made Houston a household name in Asia. Yao’s presence sparked an enormous following for the Rockets in China – even role players on those teams garnered massive All-Star vote totals due to the team’s international appeal sleeper.com. Along with other stars like Moses Malone, Tracy McGrady, and James Harden, the Rockets have remained relevant. They have over 6 million social media followers and are known as a truly global franchise, thanks largely to Yao’s legacy sleeper.com.

(Honorable mentions: Other teams with large fan bases include the San Antonio Spurs (five titles under Tim Duncan and coach Popovich, with international fan favorites Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili), the Philadelphia 76ers (historically popular from the Wilt Chamberlain and Julius Erving years, with a dedicated Philly fan base), and the Toronto Raptors(whose 2019 championship – the first by a team outside the U.S. – ignited an entire nation of fans in Canada). These and other franchises all contribute to the rich tapestry of NBA fandom around the world.)*

NBA Champions By Year

Winning the NBA Finals and hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy is the ultimate goal for every team sleeper.com. The table below lists every NBA champion since the league’s inception, year by year. (From 1947–1949 the league was known as the BAA, but those championships are officially recognized as part of NBA history en.wikipedia.org usbasket.com.) Each year’s champion is a testament to that season’s triumph over the grueling playoffs and Finals.

 Championship celebrations – like this 2008 scene with the Boston Celtics – are the culmination of every NBA season’s journey. sleeper.com foxsports.com

Championship Facts: The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers stand atop the title count, with 18 and 17 championships respectively foxsports.com. The Golden State Warriors follow with 7, and the Chicago Bulls have 6, all of which came in the 1990s foxsports.com. Notably, the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers appeared in the Finals numerous times in the 1960s and 1980s but were often thwarted by Boston – the Celtics famously won 11 titles in 13 years behind Bill Russell. In recent years, new franchises have etched their names in history: the Toronto Raptors won their first title in 2019, and the Denver Nuggets won their first in 2023. Through every season, the list of champions is a who’s who of basketball’s best, each earning their place in NBA lore.

Iconic Matches and Moments in NBA History

The NBA’s rich history is filled with classic games and dramatic moments that have become legend. Here is a collection of some of the most important and iconic games ever played – battles defined by Game 7 thrillers, buzzer-beaters, and rivalry showdowns – and why they remain unforgettable:

• 1947 Finals – Warriors Win First Championship: On April 22, 1947, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Chicago Stags 4–1 to win the inaugural BAA championship en.wikipedia.org. This first title, officially recognized as the NBA’s first championship, launched the tradition of the NBA Finals and introduced the basketball world to stars like “Jumpin’ Joe” Fulks. It set the stage for the league’s championship lore and is remembered as the beginning of the NBA’s history of champions.
• 1962 – Wilt’s 100-Point Game: On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain achieved a feat so astounding it feels mythical – he scored 100 points in a single game, leading his Philadelphia Warriors to a 169–147 win over the Knicks en.wikipedia.org. No other player has come close to this single-game scoring record, which is “widely considered one of the greatest records in the sport’s history” en.wikipedia.org. The game wasn’t televised, and only about 4,000 fans in Hershey, PA witnessed it, but Chamberlain’s 100-point night has become an immortal piece of NBA lore that symbolizes athletic dominance.
• 1965 Eastern Finals, Game 7 – “Havlicek Stole the Ball!”: In a do-or-die Game 7 of the Eastern Division Finals, the Boston Celtics clung to a one-point lead over the Philadelphia 76ers. As Philly tried to inbound the ball in the final seconds, Boston’s John Havlicek intercepted the pass, securing the win and a Finals berth. Celtics radio announcer Johnny Most’s ecstatic call – “Havlicek stole the ball! It’s all over!” – became the most famous radio call in basketball history according to the NBA en.wikipedia.org. This dramatic 1965 moment encapsulates the Celtics’ 60s dominance and remains a staple highlight in NBA history, often referenced whenever a clutch steal occurs.
• 1970 Finals, Game 7 – Willis Reed’s Triumphant Return: The New York Knicks faced the Los Angeles Lakers in a decisive Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Knicks captain Willis Reed, who had suffered a torn thigh muscle and missed Game 6, wasn’t expected to play. To the roaring delight of the home crowd, Reed hobbled out of the tunnel during warm-ups – a moment so dramatic that MSG nearly erupted in a “near-seismic event” abc7news.com. Reed proceeded to sink the first two baskets of the game, inspiring his team and demoralizing the Lakers en.wikipedia.org abc7news.com. Though Reed played limited minutes, his teammate Walt “Clyde” Frazier put on a 36-point, 19-assist masterpiece to seal the Knicks’ first championship en.wikipedia.org abc7news.com. Reed’s courageous appearance – a symbol of playing through pain for the title – became one of sports’ most legendary examples of leadership. Even today, “Willis Reed’s name will be uttered whenever a player returns to a big game after an injury”, and few moments in NBA lore match the emotional impact of that night abc7news.com.
• 1976 Finals, Game 5 – Triple-Overtime Thriller (“The Greatest Game Ever”): Often called the greatest NBA game ever played, Game 5 of the 1976 Finals saw the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns engage in an epic triple-overtime battle celticsblog.com. The game was a rollercoaster of clutch shots and bizarre twists – none more famous than Suns forward Gar Heard’s buzzer-beating turnaround jumper (the “Shot Heard ’Round the World”) to send the game into the third OT abc7news.com. Fans at the Boston Garden and a national TV audience were left “exhilarated and exhausted” by the contest’s endless drama celticsblog.com. Boston eventually prevailed 128–126. This classic is memorable not only for its length, but for the sheer drama: from a last-second Celtics steal and shot in the second OT that seemed to win it (Havlicek’s bank shot at the buzzer) to Heard’s miracle answer, and even a technical snafu where Suns coach Paul Westphal intentionally took a technical foul to get a last possession abc7news.com. Decades later, the 1976 triple-OT Game 5 is still “routinely referred to as the greatest NBA game ever” celticsblog.com – a benchmark for Finals excitement that has not been surpassed.
• 1980 Finals, Game 6 – Magic’s Magical Clincher: In the 1980 Finals, the Lakers and 76ers were tied 3-2 when Los Angeles’ 20-year-old rookie Magic Johnson delivered one of the most remarkable performances in Finals history. With superstar center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar injured, Magic – a 6’9” point guard – started at center and proceeded to play all five positions over the course of the game businessinsider.com. He piled up 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading L.A. to a championship-clinching win on the road in Game 6 businessinsider.com. Magic’s enthusiasm and versatility stunned the Philly crowd and earned him Finals MVP as a rookie. This game is iconic because it showcased the arrival of a transcendent player and set the foundation for the Lakers’ 1980s dynasty. As one account noted, “Magic played all five positions…and to top it off, he was a 20-year-old rookie!” businessinsider.com. The image of a jubilant Magic jumping for the opening tip (in Kareem’s place) and later embracing the trophy remains a vivid part of NBA lore.
• 1984 Finals, Game 7 – Celtics vs. Lakers Showdown: The Celtics and Lakers, archrivals who had not met in the Finals since the 1960s, finally clashed for the title in 1984. The series – a personal duel between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson – lived up to the hype, going a full seven games. In the decisive Game 7 in Boston Garden, the Celtics emerged victorious 111–102 to claim their 15th championship. While this game didn’t feature a single defining buzzer-beater, its significance was enormous: it rekindled the Celtics-Lakers rivalry that revived the NBA’s popularity britannica.com. Key moments from the series, like Gerald Henderson’s steal in Game 2 that saved Boston (prompting the famous call “Henderson steals the ball!”) businessinsider.com and Magic’s own mistakes in crunch time (earning him the nickname “Tragic Magic” that year), added to the drama. Game 7 itself saw Bird tally 20 points and 12 rebounds to earn Finals MVP. The 1984 Finals as a whole is often cited as one of the most important Finals in NBA history for its impact on fan interest and television viewership, and Game 7 was its fitting climax – the first Celtics-Lakers championship showdown that set the stage for more battles to come.
• 1987 Finals, Game 4 – Magic’s “Junior Skyhook”: Another classic Lakers-Celtics moment, this time in the Forum in Los Angeles. The 1987 Finals pitted Magic’s Lakers against Bird’s Celtics for the third time in the decade. In Game 4, with Boston leading by a point in the final seconds, Magic drove into the lane and, in a play drawn up for Kareem, hit a running baby hook shot over the outstretched arms of Celtics big men Kevin McHale and Robert Parish abc7news.com. Chick Hearn’s broadcast call – “…Magic Johnson, with a hook shot, scores with 2!” – and the scene of Magic’s jubilant fist-pump became an enduring image of the 80s Lakers. The shot silenced the Boston crowd and gave the Lakers a 107–106 win and a commanding 3-1 series lead, essentially sealing the championship. Los Angeles went on to win the series in 6, and Magic’s clutch “junior skyhook” is remembered as the dagger that crushed the Celtics’ last stand in the rivalry’s 80s chapter abc7news.com. To this day, that play is simply referred to as “the baby hook,” one of the most iconic shots in Finals history, symbolizing the Showtime Lakers’ flair and Magic’s knack for rising to big moments abc7news.com.
• 1989 Eastern First Round, Game 5 – “The Shot”: Some of the most iconic NBA moments have come outside the Finals. In 1989, Michael Jordan was still chasing his first title when he delivered one of the most famous buzzer-beaters in NBA history. In a winner-take-all Game 5 in Cleveland, Jordan’s Chicago Bulls trailed the Cavaliers 100–99 with 3 seconds left. Jordan caught the inbounds pass, took a couple of dribbles, and rose up over Craig Ehlo – hitting a hanging jumper at the buzzer to win the game 101–100 and clinch the series en.wikipedia.org. Jordan famously jumped in the air multiple times in celebration as Ehlo crumpled to the floor in despair. This play, forever known simply as “The Shot,” became an indelible image of Jordan’s clutch gene. It “is considered one of [Jordan’s] greatest clutch moments, and the game itself is regarded as a classic” en.wikipedia.org. In retrospect, The Shot also “symbolized the beginning of the ascent of the Jordan-led Chicago Bulls”, as it was a turning point that propelled them past a key rival en.wikipedia.org. For many fans, that shot over Ehlo was the moment Michael Jordan’s legend truly began.
• 1997 Finals, Game 5 – The Flu Game: Michael Jordan already had a reputation for heroics, but Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals cemented his mythos. With the series tied 2-2 between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz, Jordan fell ill with a severe flu (or food poisoning, by some accounts) prior to the crucial Game 5 in Utah. Pale and dehydrated, Jordan mustered one of the grittiest performances ever: 38 points, including a game-deciding three-pointer in the final half-minute, to lead Chicago to a 90–88 win businessinsider.com. Jordan was seen gasping for air and leaning on teammate Scottie Pippen for support in time-outs, yet he somehow found the strength to dominate when it mattered. He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and hit the go-ahead 3 with 25 seconds left. As Business Insider vividly put it: “Attempting to do anything with a serious case of the flu is torture. Playing in an NBA Finals game? Nearly impossible. Not only did Jordan play…he hit the game-winning shot” businessinsider.com. The image of a drained Jordan collapsing into Pippen’s arms after the victory is iconic. The Flu Game exemplified Jordan’s will to win and is often cited as one of the defining moments of his career and the Bulls’ 90s dynasty.
• 1998 Finals, Game 6 – Jordan’s Last Shot (The “Final” Last Shot): In what was then believed to be the final game of Michael Jordan’s career (he retired for a second time afterward), Jordan provided a storybook ending. The Bulls, up 3-2 in the series against the Utah Jazz, trailed 86–85 with 20 seconds left in Game 6. Jordan stole the ball on defense, dribbled up court, and with about 6 seconds remaining, executed a crossover and pull-up jumper from the top of the key over Bryon Russell. The shot swished, putting Chicago ahead 87–86. That sequence – Jordan’s strip steal on Karl Malone, the calm dribble into his spot, and the iconic follow-through pose – is perhaps the most replayed highlight in NBA history. It sealed the Bulls’ sixth championship and Jordan’s sixth Finals MVP. As one description marveled, fans can never forget “the image captured with the basketball at its apex… and the extended pose” of Jordan’s follow-through as time stood still abc7news.com. It was the perfect capstone to Jordan’s Bulls era – often simply called “The Last Shot.” Utah fans still debate whether Jordan pushed off Russell, but regardless, the moment is frozen in time. Had Jordan not later come back with Washington, this shot (with 5.2 seconds left) would have indeed been the final shot of his career – a walk-off championship winner. Even so, it remains “forever etched in our memories” abc7news.com as the defining image of arguably the game’s greatest player.
• 2013 Finals, Game 6 – Ray Allen’s Miracle Three: The Miami Heat faced the San Antonio Spurs in a Game 6 they had to win (trailing 3-2 in the series). This game became an instant classic due to its ending. The Spurs were seconds away from winning the championship – yellow rope had even been brought out around the court for a potential trophy ceremony. Miami, down 5 points with 28 seconds left, staged a furious rally. LeBron James hit a three, and after a missed Spurs free throw, the Heat had one last chance. Chris Bosh grabbed an offensive rebound and passed to Ray Allen, backpedaling to the corner. Allen, one of the greatest shooters ever, drilled a corner three with 5.2 seconds left to tie the game 95–95 abc7news.com. It was a shot of absolute cold-blooded precision – Allen had to retreat behind the line and launch in one motion. The crowd in Miami exploded, and the rope was quickly removed as the game went to overtime. Miami won in OT and eventually won Game 7 to claim the title. Allen’s shot is widely considered the greatest clutch shot in Finals history, saving the Heat’s season when defeat seemed certain. As ESPN recounted, it was immediately dubbed the “Get those [expletive] ropes outta here”shot abc7news.com. Even Spurs coach Gregg Popovich conceded it was a “hell of a shot.” This moment demonstrated how a single second can change NBA history and is replayed endlessly as a lesson: it’s never over until it’s truly over.
• 2016 Finals, Game 7 – Cavaliers End the Drought: The 2016 NBA Finals delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks ever. The Golden State Warriors had set a record with 73 wins in the regular season and took a 3–1 series lead in the Finals, seemingly assured of back-to-back championships. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, however, refused to quit. The Cavs won Game 5 on the road, Game 6 at home, and forced a deciding Game 7 back in Oakland – marking the first time a Finals had gone from 3-1 to 3-3. Game 7 was a tense, low-scoring classic. It’s remembered for three iconic plays in the final minutes: LeBron’s phenomenal chasedown blockon Andre Iguodala with under 2 minutes left (an incredible defensive highlight where James sprinted back to swat Iguodala’s layup from behind), Kyrie Irving’s go-ahead 3-pointer over Stephen Curry with 53 seconds left, and Kevin Love’s unexpectedly solid defense on Curry in the final 30 seconds. The Cavaliers won 93–89, completing the first 3–1 comeback in NBA Finals history espn.com. LeBron, a native of northeast Ohio, delivered on his promise to bring a championship to Cleveland, ending the city’s 52-year major sports title drought espn.com. His emotional reaction – collapsing to the floor in tears – said it all. This win was “improbable” and historic espn.com, cementing LeBron’s legacy. The final minutes of 2016 Game 7 (often dubbed simply “The Block, The Shot, The Stop”) are considered among the greatest clutch moments the sport has seen, and the Cavaliers’ upset of the 73-win Warriors stands as one of the NBA’s most significant Finals outcomes.
• 2019 East Semifinals, Game 7 – Kawhi’s Buzzer-Beater: In May 2019, Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard hit a shot that was literally one for the history books – it became the first Game 7 series-winning buzzer-beater in NBA playoff history espn.com. Tied 90–90 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the decisive game, Leonard took an inbound with 4 seconds left, dribbled to the right corner, and launched a high-arcing shot over 7-foot Joel Embiid as time expired. The ball hit the rim, bounced up, then bounced four more times on the iron – as the entire arena in Toronto held its breath – before dropping in espn.com. After the agonizing hang-time, the buzzer-beater fell and the arena erupted in euphoria. Leonard crouched in the corner watching it bounce, creating an iconic photo of the shooter and players on both teams all frozen, eyes on the ball. “It was the first winning buzzer-beater in a Game 7 in NBA history,” making it an instant classic moment espn.com. The shot sent Toronto to the Eastern Finals (they would go on to win the NBA title), and in Raptors lore it’s simply known as “The Shot” (sorry, MJ) or “Kawhi-miracle.” Its significance lies not only in its drama but its rarity – clutch buzzer-beaters in winner-take-all games are essentially a basketball holy grail, and Kawhi Leonard achieved it in spectacular, never-before-seen fashion.

These games and moments are just a sampling of the NBA’s most legendary highlights. From desperate last-second shots to performances that defy the odds, each has become part of NBA mythology – recalled by fans and often shown in highlight reels whenever the discussion turns to the “greatest games of all time.” They illustrate why the NBA is so compelling: the blend of superhuman talent and high-stakes drama that can produce unforgettable theatre on any given night.

Key Figures Who Shaped the NBA’s History

The NBA would not be what it is today without the superstars and leaders who elevated the game. Here we highlight some of the legendary players and coaches whose contributions fundamentally shaped NBA history and many of the iconic events mentioned above:

 A gathering of NBA legends from different eras (photo from 2005), each of whom left an indelible mark on the game’s history. en.m.wikipedia.org en.m.wikipedia.org

• Bill Russell & Red Auerbach (Celtics Dynasty): Russell, the ultimate champion, won 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics – the most championships ever by a player. As the defensive anchor and leader, he revolutionized how the game was played with shot-blocking and rebounding. Auerbach, the Celtics’ coach (and later GM), was the mastermind behind that dynasty, pioneering concepts like the sixth man and fast-break offense. Together, their Celtics dominated the late 1950s and 60s, and Russell’s “11 rings” remain an awe-inspiring benchmark of winning foxsports.com. Off the court, Russell also became the NBA’s first Black head coach (as a player-coach in 1966) and is remembered as a civil rights advocate and ambassador of the sport. The annual NBA Finals MVP award is now named in Russell’s honor.
• Wilt Chamberlain: A giant of the game – literally (7’1”) and statistically – Wilt was the NBA’s first true offensive powerhouse. He holds dozens of records, most famously scoring 100 points in a game and averaging 50.4 points over an entire season (1961–62). Chamberlain led the league in scoring, rebounding, and even assists at various times, and won 2 championships in the late 60s/early 70s. His rivalry with Bill Russell (offense vs defense, individual stats vs team success) defined the league’s early narrative. Many of Wilt’s records are so far-fetched they’re regarded as untouchable, and he forced rule changes (like widening the lane) due to his dominance. Wilt’s impact was such that he’s often on the short list of greatest players ever, and his statistical feats remain a big part of why fans revere the NBA’s history (he once averaged 48.5 minutes per game over a season, playing virtually every minute!). His 100-point game, especially, stands as a symbol of individual excellence en.wikipedia.org.
• Magic Johnson & Larry Bird: These two are forever linked for revitalizing the NBA in the 1980s. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a 6’9” point guard with unparalleled vision and charisma, led the Los Angeles Lakers to five titles (1980, ’82, ’85, ’87, ’88) with his infectious smile and flashy “Showtime” style. Larry Bird, a deadly shooter and fierce competitor, led the Boston Celtics to three titles (1981, ’84, ’86) and brought a blue-collar work ethic and swagger. Their rivalry – Lakers vs Celtics, West Coast glamour vs East Coast grit – caught the imagination of fans and is credited with saving the league from financial decline britannica.com. Magic and Bird’s personal respect and competitive drive were the subject of books and documentaries. On the court, both won three MVP awards and put up legendary performances (Bird’s back-to-back 40-point Finals games in 1984, Magic’s 42-15-7 clincher in 1980 as a rookie businessinsider.com, etc.). Perhaps most importantly, they ushered in the modern era of huge TV audiences and set the stage for the global NBA. When they retired, each left an enormous legacy: Bird is remembered as one of the clutchest shooters ever and Magic as the greatest point guard ever. Together, they laid the groundwork for the league’s explosion in popularity.
• Michael Jordan: Often hailed as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Michael Jordan transcended basketball to become a global cultural icon. With the Chicago Bulls, he won six championships in six Finals appearances (1991–93, 1996–98), never allowing a Finals to reach a Game 7. Jordan combined a scorer’s touch (10 scoring titles) with a competitive fire and defensive ferocity (a Defensive Player of the Year and 9 All-Defensive First Team honors). His gravity-defying plays and clutch shots (from “The Shot” in ’89 en.wikipedia.org to the last shot of ’98 abc7news.com) are ingrained in NBA lore. Jordan’s impact on the NBA’s popularity is immeasurable – his 1990s Bulls were a worldwide phenomenon, and he helped spread the NBA to new international heights (including the 1992 Olympic Dream Team, which was filled with NBA stars and showcased basketball to the globe). Off the court, his Nike Air Jordan brand and charismatic persona made him one of the most famous people on earth. Statistically, Jordan’s resume includes five MVP awards and the highest career scoring average in NBA history (30.1 PPG). Perhaps the most telling measure of his legacy: after his retirement, the league spent years searching for “the next Jordan,” underlining how singular his influence was. Decades later, fans still marvel at his legendary work ethic, competitive trash talk, and clutch performances (like the Flu Game businessinsider.com) as epitomizing what it means to be a sports hero.
• Phil Jackson & Gregg Popovich (Coaching Legends): These two coaches set the standard for excellence from the sidelines. Phil Jackson won 11 NBA championships as a head coach (the most all-time) – six with the Jordan-era Bulls and five with the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers. Nicknamed the “Zen Master” for his holistic approach, Jackson expertly managed superstar egos and introduced the triangle offense, a system that maximized team play. He had a knack for instilling calm and focus in his teams during high-pressure moments, contributing to clutch victories. Gregg Popovich, meanwhile, built the San Antonio Spurs into a model franchise, winning five championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) over a remarkable span with his “Big Three” of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili. Popovich is revered for his adaptive strategies, player development, and a team-first culture that emphasized humility and fundamentals. He also holds the record for most coaching wins in NBA history. Both Jackson and Popovich influenced the game far beyond their own teams: Jackson’s success popularized mindfulness and modern offensive spacing concepts, while Popovich’s Spurs were hailed for their beautiful ball movement (especially in the 2014 Finals) and international scouting. Many of today’s coaches and executives were mentored by these two. Together, Jackson and Popovich account for 16 of the last 30 NBA titles, which is staggering. Their leadership and innovation underscore how critical coaching can be in a league often dominated by star players.
• LeBron James: One of the most physically gifted and versatile players ever, LeBron James has been the defining superstar of the post-Jordan era. Bursting onto the scene straight from high school in 2003, LeBron carried the heavy expectations of being dubbed “The Chosen One” – and somehow exceeded them. As of 2025, he is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (having surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and ranks fourth in all-time assists, a testament to his extraordinary longevity and all-around game. LeBron has won four NBA championships with three different franchises (2012 and 2013 with Miami, 2016 with Cleveland, 2020 with Los Angeles), including delivering the promised title to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers in that historic 2016 comeback espn.com. A 4-time MVP and 4-time Finals MVP, James has appeared in 10 Finals, including eight straight from 2011–2018. Beyond the stats, LeBron’s influence is seen in player empowerment – he’s been a leader in charting his own career path (famously making “The Decision” to join Miami) and advocating for players’ social and financial interests. On the court, his blend of size (6’9”, 250 lbs), skill, and IQ allows him to play any position. Signature moments like “The Block” in 2016, or his 45-point elimination game performances, have added to his legend. At 38 years old in 2023, he was still playing at an All-NBA level, a longevity that is unprecedented for a superstar. LeBron’s career has been under the spotlight since day one, and remarkably he has lived up to the hype – becoming not just an all-time great player, but also using his platform to impact social issues, fund education initiatives, and blaze a trail for athlete activism. His journey from teen prodigy to elder statesman of the league is one of the great narratives in NBA history.

Each of these figures – and many others, from Jerry West (the “Logo” of the NBA) to Kobe Bryant, from Julius “Dr. J” Erving to Stephen Curry – have left an indelible imprint on the NBA’s story. The common thread among them is greatness on the court and a legacy that extends beyond box scores. They have shaped how the game is played, how it’s perceived, and even how future generations approach basketball. As fans, we remember them not only for their statistics or championships but for the moments they gave us: the jaw-dropping plays, the leadership in clutch situations, the innovation and passion they brought to the sport. The NBA’s past is rich with icons, and as the league moves forward, new stars stand on the shoulders of these giants – aiming to carve out their own chapter in this ongoing, ever-exciting basketball saga.

Sources: Official NBA historical records, ESPN and Sports Illustrated archives, Basketball Reference, NBA.com history pages, and reputable news outlets were used to compile the factual data and accounts above careers.nba.com britannica.com foxsports.com en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org abc7news.com celticsblog.com businessinsider.com en.wikipedia.org businessinsider.com abc7news.com espn.com espn.com, among others. These sources document the NBA’s evolution, the championship lineages, and the legendary moments and people that have defined the league’s journey from 1946 to today. The information has been synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the NBA’s history, its most popular teams, its champions, its unforgettable games, and the figures who have shaped the sport.