Unforgettable NBA Three-Pointers That Shocked the World
The three-point shot in the NBA has transformed the game. What was once a novelty, a distant long shot, is now a staple of modern basketball. But throughout the history of the league, there have been moments when players stepped beyond the arc, launching shots that weren't just about the points—they were about defining a moment, igniting a crowd, and sometimes, changing the course of history. Some three-pointers have left fans and players alike in absolute awe. Let’s revisit a few of the most jaw-dropping, game-changing three-pointers in NBA history.
1. Ray Allen’s 2013 Finals Game 6 Shot: The Shot That Saved a Dynasty
When people think of clutch three-pointers, Ray Allen’s iconic shot in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals instantly comes to mind. The Miami Heat were down by three points with just 5.2 seconds left in regulation, facing a must-win situation against the San Antonio Spurs, who were just one basket away from clinching the title. As LeBron James missed a three-pointer, the ball found its way to Allen, who was strategically stationed in the corner. With Spurs defenders closing in, Allen took the shot—a deep corner three, nothing but net.
It was more than just a tie game; it was a testament to the immense pressure and pinpoint accuracy required to make such a clutch shot. The Heat went on to win the game in overtime, and ultimately, the series in Game 7. Ray Allen’s three-pointer isn’t just remembered for keeping the Heat's championship hopes alive, but also for cementing his legacy as one of the greatest shooters of all time.
2. Stephen Curry’s 2016 Game 4 Finals Bomb: A Change in the Narrative
Stephen Curry’s journey to becoming the greatest shooter in NBA history has been defined by moments like his unforgettable three-pointer in Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals. The Golden State Warriors were down 2-1 in the series, and with just under a minute left in a pivotal Game 4, Curry launched a seemingly impossible three-pointer from nearly 30 feet. This wasn’t just any deep three—it was a dagger. With the shot, Curry gave the Warriors a four-point lead, which they would hold on to, evening the series at 2-2.
What made this three-pointer so remarkable wasn’t just the distance but the confidence with which Curry took it. He was in transition, running down the court like it was any other shot, the way only Curry can. His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, without hesitation, has redefined how the game is played. While the Warriors would eventually fall in the Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Curry’s Game 4 three was a pivotal moment in the Warriors’ dominance and the broader evolution of the three-point game.
3. Kyrie Irving’s 2016 Game 7 Finals Three: The Cold-Blooded Clutch Shot
The 2016 NBA Finals are remembered as one of the greatest series of all time, and while LeBron James’ block in Game 7 might be the moment most fans recall, it was Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer late in the game that arguably sealed the Cleveland Cavaliers' first-ever NBA Championship. With less than a minute remaining and the score tied at 89, Irving found himself with the ball in his hands, matched up against Stephen Curry.
With the clock winding down, Irving dribbled to the left wing, then launched a high-arcing three-pointer over Curry’s outstretched hand. The ball swished through the net, putting Cleveland ahead 92-89. This wasn’t just a shot—it was a statement. The Cavs would go on to win the game and the series, and Irving’s three-pointer became one of the most iconic moments in NBA Finals history. It wasn’t just about the points—it was about the confidence and fearlessness of a 24-year-old facing the best shooter in the game, knowing the magnitude of the moment.
4. Dame Lillard’s 2019 Playoffs Series-Winner: The Logo Shot
When we talk about the most jaw-dropping three-pointers, we can’t leave out Damian Lillard’s series-clinching 37-foot shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 playoffs. The game was tied at 115 with just 0.9 seconds left, and the Blazers were looking for a hero. Enter Lillard, who, with thunderous confidence, took a step back beyond the arc—the distance of a shot that would be considered unreasonable for almost any player.
And then, he drained it. Not just for the win, but for the series. Lillard’s three-pointer was from the logo, a spot that has become synonymous with his boldness and range. His calm demeanor after making the shot was almost as iconic as the shot itself. In that moment, Lillard solidified himself as one of the league’s most dangerous and unpredictable players, capable of hitting from anywhere and with nerves of steel.
5. Vince Carter’s 2000 Dunk Contest Performance: A Different Kind of Three-Point Moment
While the Dunk Contest doesn’t involve three-pointers, it’s worth mentioning Vince Carter’s incredible 2000 Dunk Contest performance, which redefined athleticism in the NBA. But more importantly, Carter’s performance in the regular season also demonstrated a fearlessness in launching from deep. While not a singular moment like the others listed here, Carter’s evolution into a perimeter threat paved the way for future players to take—and make—threes with confidence and power. His influence on the game’s style and the importance of perimeter shooting cannot be overstated.
The history of the NBA three-point shot is filled with moments that aren’t just about points on the board—they’re about cultural shifts, changes in strategy, and defining moments in the careers of some of the most iconic players to ever touch the basketball. From Ray Allen’s Finals heroics to Curry’s game-changing range and Lillard’s clutch shots, these three-pointers have shaped the game and changed the way we think about shooting in the NBA. As the game continues to evolve, it’s clear that the three-point shot will remain at the heart of it all