NBA: 66 Greatest Moments from the 66-Game Season

Though this year's NBA season was truncated in length, there were no shortage of great moments to appreciate and reflect upon.

Fresh off a span where we got to see the league's business dealings at their worst, and where some began to question their loyalty to the Association, the world was reminded of why it tolerates happenings like the lockout.

After all, the NBA is the place "where amazing happens," and despite a slew of uncertainty and bumps along the road, the league more than lived up to its self-proclaimed slogan this season.

A New Beginning

After 161 days of torture, cooler heads finally prevailed and the NBA reopened for business, clad with a new collective bargaining agreement. 

As entertaining as the league's and players association's fruitless late-night standoffs had become, this was a moment of jubilance. And relief.

Without an actual season, almost none of the ensuing greatness would have occurred. 

Kobe Breaks Nose in All-Star Game

The foul on Kobe Bryant by Dwyane Wade was undeniably gruesome in many respects, but it helped separate the All-Star Game from a mere exhibition.

Whether malice was intended or if Wade was simply just trying to prevent an easy bucket doesn't matter; he had to care enough to do either.

And so, along with Bryant's nose, down went the stigma that stated the NBA's All-Star Game meant next to nothing to its participants.

Hawks and Jazz Take Four Overtimes

In many contexts, this game was more lockout-ugly than great.

That said, numerous big shots were hit and missed as the Hawks and Jazz played their way to the longest game the NBA had seen in 15 years.

Danilo Gallinari Goes Rajon Rondo

After almost falling out of bounds, Danilo Gallinari recovered in time to dish out a wicked no-look, behind-the-back pass to the Manimal himself, Kenneth Faried.

The angle at which this pass was delivered was incredibly impressive, especially considering it came from the hands of Gallinari and not Rajon Rondo.

Who's one-dimensional now, Danilo? 

J.J. Hickson Posterizes DeAndre Jordan

J.J. Hickson hasn't exactly earned bragging rights over the course of his NBA career, but he stashed some away for a rainy day here.

For those who simply cannot appreciate this for what it was, Hickson rose clear over the 6'11" Jordan's outstretched hands to finish at the rim in style.

That was not just great; it was awesome.

Rudy Gay Sends Grizzlies-Raptors into Overtime

While the Grizzlies would go on to lose this game against the Raptors, Rudy Gay's game-tying three to send the contest into overtime was nothing short of spectacular.

The difficulty of a transition three in this situation can simply not be appreciated enough.

And neither can the oft-criticized Gay.

Nate Robinson Breaks Reggie Jackson's Ankles

Just look at how far Reggie Jackson slid as a result of Nate Robinson's brutal crossover.

Jackson finished feet away from the spot where Robinson drained his shot from, a true testament to an insanely effective crossover.

Robinson is hardly known for making good decisions, but his tactics paid undeniable dividends here.

Amar'e Stoudemire's Brief Rejuvenation

When Amar'e Stoudemire isn't busy rehabilitating from self-inflicted injuries or repairing his Twitter persona, he's actually still an athletic talent worth watching.

Here, Stoudemire steamrolled Tyrus Thomas' defense, bringing the house down with a rim-rocking jam while drawing the foul.

Though it came in a meaningless game against the Bobcats, we must cherish any opportunity we have to watch the Stoudemire of old.  

Pau Gasol Needs a Lesson in Boxing out

Blake Griffin showed Pau Gasol why properly boxing out your opponent is of the utmost importance.

Griffin soared over Gasol's shoulders for a powerful put-back slam that was just as much a lesson in defensive tactics as it was wildly entertaining.

Russell Westrook's Serge Ibaka Impression

Why must people insist on Russell Westbrook changing his in-game approach?

While the point guard does tend to dribble too much, he's a stud on the offensive glass and is also liable to make plays like this on the defensive end.

As long as he keeps playing like a center on defense, Westbrook should be allowed to take all the shots he wants.

JaVale McGee's Not-a-Dunk

Was it a dunk? 

Regardless of what it actually was, JaVale McGee's finish here was absolutely great.

Sure, it appears that McGee's hand didn't touch the rim, but this play showcased his freakishly long wingspan and overwhelming athleticism nonetheless.

Dunk or no dunk, that was a win for everyone watching who doesn't play for the Bucks.

In Kevin Durant We Trust

Nothing like beginning the compressed season with a bang.

The Mavericks were 1.4 seconds away from victory when Kevin Durant drilled a fall-away three-pointer as time expired to give the Thunder the victory.

Durant's look was hardly an open one, but he nailed it anyway, setting the tone for the rest of Oklahoma City's season.

Sadly, for Dallas, this heartbreaking loss also set the tone for the rest of its season.

Tyreke Evans Coast to Coast

How Tyreke Evans didn't lose a handle on this one is beyond me.

Evans took the ball the length of the court and traipsed his way through the Jazz's defense to a prolific finish at the rim.

Take notice of how he palmed the ball on the way up.

Very Julius Erving right there.

LeBron Gets Fancy on the Sidelines

Seriously, who throws out a behind-the-back pass on an in-bounds play?

As it turns out, the NBA's MVP, LeBron James, does.

A tip of the hat to James for distributing in a manner that would make Rajon Rondo salivate with envy.

Kevin Love Stuns Clippers

The Timberwolves battled from 15 down to come back and tie a game in late January against the Clippers, setting the stage for Kevin Love to take care of business.

And take care of business he did, draining a long three-pointer as the buzzer sounded to lead Minnesota to an improbable victory.

Aren't buzzer-beaters just the best?

Sorry, I meant great.

JaVale McGee's Game-Winning Putback

As the announcer said, "Talk about hops!"

JaVale McGee didn't just turn Arron Afflalo's missed free throw into a game-winning two points; he hung in the air, waiting for the ball to clear the rim before dunking it.

Wow. Just wow.

Carmelo Anthony Goes off Against Bulls

Say what you will about Carmelo Anthony—and any Knicks fan, including yours truly will listen—but there's no denying how clutch he was for New York on Easter Sunday.

After four straight missed free throws by the Bulls, Anthony took the ball the length of the court and hit a game-tying three to force the contest into overtime.

But he wasn't done.

Anthony then hit a game-winning three in overtime to lead the Knicks to victory.

That's Melo-ball—and basketball—at its best.

Russell Westbrook Posterizes Omer Asik

For the record, Russell Westbrook stands at 6'3" and Omer Asik at 7'0", yet that didn't appear to matter here.

The ever-elusive Westbrook proved he's almost as unstoppable in the air as his perpetual dribble is on the hardwood, posterizing Asik in the most emphatic fashion possible.

Kudos, Westbrook.

Derrick Rose Breaks Brandon Jennings' Ankles

So this is what it was like to watch Derrick Rose before injuries completely ruined his season?

Rose broke the ankles of Bucks guard Brandon Jennings on his way to hitting a game-winning fadeaway on the road.

It's great moments like these that make you hope Rose makes a speedy recovery.

Kobe Being Kobe

Sure, it was only the Pistons, and yes, the Lakers wound up losing this game in overtime, but Kobe Bryant's late game heroics cannot go unnoticed.

With the lanky Tayshaun Prince's hand in his face, the face-masked Bryant drained a strong-side fadeaway to prolong the game.

Simply stunning.

Bulls Foil Kobe Bryant's Plan

The NBA opened its season with a bang on Christmas Day.

Few teams try and aggressively block a shot when the game is on the line, and the Bulls are one of them.

A combination of Luol Deng, Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah foil Kobe Bryant's last-second shot to secure the season-opening victory.

That's teamwork at its best.

Marvin Williams' Finest Hour

Marvin Williams literally wove his way through three Nets to drain a buzzer-beater from beyond mid-court.

No, the Nets aren't a top-tier team, but closing out a half in such fashion is great no matter which opposing team is on the floor.

Bobcats included.

Chris Paul Beats Shot Clock in Wild Fashion

There are plenty of reasons why the Clippers dealt for Chris Paul, and one of them is his ability to make the seemingly uncoordinated appear calculated.

Here Paul banked home a wild field-goal attempt to beat the shot clock. Sure, being forced into such an unruly shot was a direct result of his excessive ball-handling, but for now, focus on him scoring.

And appreciate the unsettling greatness of his execution—or lack thereof, depending upon how you look at it. 

Kobe Bryant Turns Back the Clock

Just because Kobe Bryant doesn't attack the rim as much as he used to, it doesn't mean he can't.

Bryant went around James Harden here before taking flight and finishing what can only be described as a fluid reverse-dunk.

While the Black Mamba favors operating on the ground nowadays, he's more than capable of taking his cause to the sky and exploiting opposing defenses from mid-air.

Dwight Howard's Catch-Block

Dwight Howard is a lot of things—egotistical, scheming, indecisive, etc. But he's also an innovator.

Gerald Henderson became the victim of what can only be described as a catch-block; Howard blocked the shot by catching the ball with one hand.

The sheer brilliance of this play almost made you forgive and forget all he put the Magic—and us—through all season.

Okay, fine, I went one too far.

Danny Green One-Ups LeBron James

After LeBron James drained a three, Danny Green of the Spurs sped past the King's outstretched arms to drill a three of his own. From half court. At the buzzer.

We rarely see other players show up to James, so this particular sequence is simply incredible.

Welcome to relevancy, Mr. Green.

Carmelo Anthony No Look Touch Pass

Who says Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire can't coexist?

To be honest, this really should be considered the pass of the year, since it came from one of the most ball-dominating players in the entire NBA.

To be even more honest, had Anthony moved the ball like this all season long, Mike D'Antoni probably wouldn't be out of a job right now.

D.J. Augustin Gives Charlotte Something to Smile About

There wasn't much to get excited about in Charlotte this season, rendering D.J. Augustin's falling-away bank shot to end the first quarter of a game against Dallas an act of brilliance.

While this is a shot Kobe Bryant would opt to attempt on a regular basis, credit Augustin with going up against Rodrique Beaubois and Dirk Nowitzki, and coming out on top.

For a split second, anyway.

Kevin Durant Posterizes Roy Hibbert

Roy Hibbert stands at 7'2", but Kevin Durant doesn't care.

The NBA's scoring champion took it to the rack, and Hibbert found himself on the wrong side of a facial.

It's a rarity to watch Hibbert get exploited at the rim, but that's part of what made this dunk great.

LeBron Clears John Lucas

Just when we think that LeBron James can't do anything to truly shock us, he goes and jumps over a point guard to finish a one-handed alley-oop.

James is hardly short on highlight reels, but the incredible athleticism, disregard for his surroundings and emphatic finish on this one stood out from the rest.

Gerald Green Goes Vince Carter

Dunks in transition are explosive highlight reels waiting to happen, but we must take exception to this one.

Windmill dunks are difficult enough to execute as it is, but to do one mid-air, and still have the composure to finish? That's insane, in the most incredible sense possible.

I'd call this a great moment, but the rim-rattling finish pretty much spoke for itself.

Blake Griffin Devastates Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol

Blake Griffin posterized two of the league's most talented big men in one play.

After faking out Pau Gasol, Griffin soared past the 7' Andrew Bynum on his way to the rim.

It'd be easy to criticize Bynum and Gasol for their lackluster defensive displays, but Griffin's mid-air adjustments here were nothing short of breathtaking. 

Dwyane Wade Drains Monster Three

In what turned out to be a preview for this year's NBA Finals matchup, Dwyane Wade drained a 65-foot three-pointer to end the third quarter.

While near-full-court shots are impressive regardless, they hardly ever rip through the bottom of the net the way this one did.

I mean, I know Wade has one of the best offensive touches in basketball, but damn.

Kevin Durant Owns JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee is one of the best in the NBA at protecting the rim, but Kevin Durant rendered his efforts futile here.

While we've always known that Durant had hops, who knew he could pass through 7' walls?

I surely didn't.

Until now.

Dwyane Wade Blocks Vladimir Radmonovic

Dwyane Wade has always been considered a deft shot-blocker, especially for someone his size, but this particular swat was ridiculous.

Not only did Wade challenge Vladimir Radmonovic—who is six inches taller—but he timed it perfectly, drawing contact with the ball as Radmonovic's hand began its descent to the basket.

Simply, yet complexly, amazing. 

Jeff Teague Showcases Athleticism

Jeff Teague is often overlooked, something the Celtics defense will never allow themselves to do again.

Teague's ability to split Boston's defense and then soar through the air with the utmost of explosiveness is a testament to his athleticism and fearlessness.

If only the Hawks could instill this momentary dose of excitement as a team on a consistent basis.

J.R. Smith's Under the Basket Windmill

The Knicks did almost nothing right against the Heat in the first round of the playoffs, but J.R. Smith's nasty dunk will not be forgotten.

Not only did Smith take flight from behind the basket, but he actually lowered the ball—almost like a pump fake—before bringing it back up toward the rim.

Smith may be as volatile an athlete as there is, but his insane hops are a thing of beauty.

Chris Paul Puts the 76ers Away

Chris Paul left no doubt as to who must have the ball in their hands with the game on the line for the Clippers.

Paul hit the difficult fall-away to give Los Angeles a one-point lead, and subsequently the win, sending Philadelphia fans into a tizzy.

If Paul could be as aggressive as he was here on every play, the Clippers would be much better off.

Roy Hibbert Gets Schooled Again

The 7'2" Roy Hibbert has nearly a foot on Deron Williams, but that didn't prevent the explosive point guard from attacking the rim, and for good measure.

Williams took to the rim with such force that he blew right through Hibbert's usually effective outstretched hands for a hard-earned two.

You'd think after sifting through countless highlights of guards taking on centers that dunks like this would get old, but they don't.

They're still awesome. 

Tim Duncan over Serge Ibaka

Despite his Spurs falling to the Thunder in the Western Conference finals, Tim Duncan is hardly ready to fade off into the sunset.

Serge Ibaka, one of the most respected shot-blockers in the NBA, got a taste of a 36-year-old's wrath as he found himself on the wrong end of a one-armed facial.

We knew Duncan had plenty of gas left in the tank, but no one could have guessed it was enough to fuel a display like this one.

David Lee Finds Monta Ellis

What a pass by David Lee. What a finish by Monta Ellis. And what a lapse in defense by the Raptors.

This type of ESP between Ellis and Lee kind of makes you doubt breaking the two up.

Rajon Rondo Gets Ridiculous

There doesn't seem to be any problems between Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo here.

After a swift turn, Rondo jumped into the air and whipped a behind-the-back pass to Ray Allen for the weak-side three.

Allen's quick release and subsequent basket were beautiful, but Rondo's prolific assistance was utterly magnificent.

Lob City with a Twist

Blake Griffin is the only Clippers big man who earns a living off finishing Chris Paul's perfectly positioned passes.

Here DeAndre Jordan threw down a dunk well above the head of the Grizzlies' Tony Allen while in mid-air, feet from the basket, for an unconventionally powerful two points and the foul.

It was an awesome display by all parties involved. Well, except for Allen. 

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade Play Hot Patato

Never let LeBron James and Dwyane Wade get into transition at the same time, because just two touch passes later, you're on the wrong end of the highlight reel.

Meet Isaiah Thomas

For those of you who don't know who Isaiah Thomas is just yet, fear not, because you will sooner than later.

That said, all you need to know here is that his behind-the-back pass while rising toward the basket was nothing short of ingenuity at its best.

And we thought the Kings were a mess...

Rudy Fernandez Tip-in at the Buzzer

Was it a pass? Was it a shot? Does it even matter?

Absolutely not, as Rudy Fernandez's no look tip-in to end the third quarter here was astounding.

For a player not known for his athleticism or execution when it counts the most, Fernandez sure looks like a stud here.

Gordon Hayward's Block Party

In a span of five seconds, Gordon Hayward blocks two consecutive Celtics shot attempts.

Not bad for a 22-year-old shooting guard with no history of being a competent shot blocker, is it?

Serge Ibaka's Defensive Hat Trick

What's better than two straight blocks by Utah's Gordon Hayward? Three straight swats by Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka.

Ibaka takes the phrase "protect the rim" to a whole different level here, as he refuses to let the Cavaliers score, no matter how many opportunities they receive in the same possession.

That's simply the pinnacle of defensive dedication.

Manu Ginobili Runs the Point

So Manu Ginobili wasn't really running the point, but this was still an eye-popping pass. 

After Tiago Splitter—somewhat clumsily—keeps the possession alive, Ginobili throws a laser-like pass to Matt Bonner down low for the easy two.

Great vision by Ginobili, even better hands by Bonner.

Dwyane Wade, Meet Brandon Bass

When a power forward dunks over a shooting guard, it is hardly an accomplishment, unless that shooting guard is Dwyane Wade.

After a Miami turnover, Brandon Bass races toward the hoop hoping for an easy bucket. Wade has no such intentions, though, and forces Bass to earn each of those two points.

And man, are we glad he did.

Jeremy Lin Can Dunk?

To be fair, no one knew what Jeremy Lin was capable of to begin with, yet had they been forced to venture a guess, the ability to dunk would have likely not topped the list.

And yet, here he is.

After crossing over John Wall, Lin finishes emphatically at the rim, much to the surprise of the Knicks and the chagrin of the Wizards.

Months later, we're still in shock that the 6'3" point guard could muster up the hops to finish this one the way he did.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook Gone Wild

This dunk was absolutely nuts.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have hooked up before, but never like this. The alley-oop brought the fans out of their seats and left Westbrook screaming at the top of his lungs.

You can't help but watch it more than once, and I understand.

Vince Carter Journeys Back

Why exactly was this moment so great?

Because not only did Vince Carter posterize Emeka Okafor, but he journeyed back nearly a decade to a time when he was the most talented dunker in the NBA.

Thanks for the chance to reminisce, Vince.

Awkwardness Runs Rampant in Orlando

Make no mistake, this moment was so great because it was so awkward.

After announcing to the press that he knew Dwight Howard had called for his job, Stan Van Gundy is blindsided by an incoming Howard. The big man proceeds to deny the same reports Van Gundy just confirmed.

Which party was lying?

I'll leave that up to you, though the fact that Van Gundy is now out of a job must count for something.

Dwyane Wade Humiliates Landry Fields

Poor Landry Fields.

After Dwyane Wade crosses over his head, Fields is forced to watch as his counterpart throws down an earth-shattering dunk.

This was one absolutely nasty, and one Fields—as well as the rest of us—isn't likely to forget.

Josh Smith Throws It Down on Serge Ibaka

What happens when an unstoppable force meets a perpetual shot blocker?

Well, in this case, the unstoppable force finishes in the face of the perpetual shot blocker.

Josh Smith makes Serge Ibaka look like a near-helpless defender as he takes to the air, which doesn't happen often, if at all.

And while that's demoralizing for Ibaka, the dunk by Smith is captivating for the rest of us.

Kris Humphries Rejects Lob City

Dear Lob City,

Not this time.

Signed,

Kris Humphries

Poor Execution Never Looked so Good

This wasn't all that pretty, and yet it was at the same time.

Double alley-oop passes are not a trademark we have become accustomed to, because their occurrences are not usually planned.

After J.R. Smith failed to place the ball where Iman Shumpert can finish it, he lobs it back up to Smith, who finishes like the play was drawn that way.

That's greatness and clumsiness all rolled into one.

Paul George Brings the Thunder

Aside from a blatant lack of interest from heralded superstars, there's a reason Paul George earned a bid to the NBA's dunk competition.

Here, George flies through the air in transition throwing down a thunderous windmill that electrified all of Indiana.

If that isn't youthful exuberance at its best, then i don't know what is.

Avery Bradley Gets Best of Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade isn't one who is used to getting his shot blocked, especially by opposing guards.

Enter Avery Bradley.

This particular block is awe-inspiring. Bradley times his jump perfectly and turns a potential Wade highlight reel into a memorable moment of his own.

If only Shane Battier hadn't knocked down that corner three...

Kenneth Faried Finishes No-Look Alley Oop

While Rudy Fernandez's no-look touch pass was a stroke of genius, Kenneth Faried's one-handed finish was absolutely superb.

The extension Faried gets as he reaches back to grab the ball is mind-blowing, and his ability to deliver a gravity-defying punch is athleticism at its best.

This play was great, in every sense of the word.

Blake Griffin vs. Pau Gasol Part 2

Man, Blake Griffin sure didn't do Pau Gasol any favors this season did he?

If it wasn't embarrassing Gasol with an overwhelmingly athletic put-back, it was slamming the ball home with a hand in his face. Literally.

Griffin gets some serious air on this finish and initiates so much contact that Gasol grows visibly agitated.

Getting posterized twice in one game will do that to you.

Linsanity Reaches Its Peak

Linsanity reached its peak in mid-February when overnight sensation Jeremy Lin hit a game-winning three pointer to keep New York's winning streak alive.

The Air Canada Centre erupted with glee as Lin wagged his tongue in triumph. 

This was a shot that turned cynics into believers while solidifying Lin's reputation as one of the most compelling feel-good stories of all time.  

Blake Griffin Embarrases Kendrick Perkins

There's hardly a big man that Blake Griffin has yet to posterize, but his decimation of Kendrick Perkins' character around the rim is mind-blowing.

Everything about it is incredible—the leap, the extension, the composure, everything.

Needless to say Griffin's dunk was an exceptional display of athleticism that further validated his standing as the NBA's most prolific finisher.

The Lost Art of Sportsmanship

In a game that had postseason implications and had already saw a flagrant foul, Serge Ibaka and Dwyane Wade displayed true sportsmanship.

Before Wade could get a shot off, Ibaka jumped the gun and took to the air. He wound up sitting on Wade next, forcing the shooting guard to use the ball as a shield.

And yet, neither player took to complaining or screaming to solve this one. Wade attempted to keep Ibaka from hitting the floor and that was the end of it all. It was a mistimed, hard foul. No malice was intended and no ill-fated words were exchanged.

The fact that these two athletes acted the way they did was great, in so many more ways than one.

LeBron James Wins His 1st Ring

Love him or hate him, it doesn't matter, LeBron James earned his first championship ring.

After going nearly a decade without hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy, James refused to admit defeat. He helped navigate the Heat through choppy waters all postseason and never shied away from the moment or the stage he was playing on.

This was clearly an emotional time for James and everyone else involved, and regardless of what is instilled in you when you watch the King celebrate his first championship, this is a moment we—as a collective—will never forget.

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