There were even times when I would rush home after school, run over to my friend’s driveway’s hoop and pretend this imagination was real.
I would start at the top of the arc, yell out the time left in a countdown fashion (10 seconds, nine, eight, seven…) and fire up a make-believe game-winning shot.
If the shot went in, my friends and I would celebrate like we just captured the NBA championship. If it rimmed out, I would just try it again.
My study hall dreams are very similar to the ones that nearly every NBA player has when they step out on the court. They all hope to have the opportunity to win a game at the buzzer with a miraculous and memorable bucket.
It’s arguable which game-winning shot in NBA history was most invigorating. Some of the greatest game-winners include Michael Jordan’s jumper over Bryon Russell during the 1998 NBA Finals to clinch the Bulls’ sixth title, Robert Horry’s 3-point buzzer-beater against the Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals and LeBron James’ trey against the Magic in the 2009 East Finals.
It’s no secret that superstars such as Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Vince Carter crave the ball in the final seconds of a close game.
But, whom do you want with the ball with the game on the line?
If you could hand the ball off to any active NBA star for a pressure-packed, win-or-lose shot, who would you trust?
Well, there is only one way to decide. Vote on which player from the matchups below you want attempting a potential game winning shot with their team down by one. The winners will advance to the next round.
VOTE IN FINALS
SEMIFINALS RESULTS
QUARTERFINALS RESULTS
ROUND OF 16 RESULTS
ROUND OF 32 RESULTS