Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Garnett was 12 years old when he saw Michael Jordan make what is known simply as "The Shot." In the fifth and deciding game of the 1989 NBA Eastern Conference First Round, a determined Jordan released a picture-perfect jumper over Cleveland's Craig Ehlo at the buzzer to secure the Chicago Bulls' 101-100 win over the Cavaliers. It was an amazing feat that filled a 12-year-old boy with hope and purpose that changed the course of his life.
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Packed with mesmerizing tales of the greatest games and buzzer-beating shots, and fully illustrated with amazing rare photos, AT THE BUZZER! is a riveting chronicle of basketball's magical moments. From the early days of the NBA through the Russell/Chamberlain/Robertson era, the Bird/Magic/Jordan years, and through the 2000-01 season, this book is an unending parade of legendary players and memorable shots.
All of the greats are here, including Bob Pettit, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, John Havlicek, Willis Reed, Julius Erving, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Karl Malone, Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, Vince Carter and more.
Bryan Burwell supplies the lively text with its "you-are-there" perspective. An award-winning correspondent for HBO Sports and sports columnist, Burwell allows fans to revisit history in chapters such as "Great Shots," "Great Duels," "One-Man Shows," and much more.
"The fun of this book is the fact that in writing these moments, I either witnessed them first=hand or actually got the video footage and relived these incredible events," said Burwell.
"Great moments are not about the sense of urgency, they're about coming through a situation with a sense of elegance in a time of need. Such moments are like supernovas, so bright you can see them as clearly as you can see the sun."--- Kevin Garnett, from the Foreword
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As Burwell notes, "Great moments are sometimes mistakenly confused with significant moments. The notion is that something grand has to be at stake, such as a title or a record, to elevate the achievement. Yet some of the greatest moments are purely remarkable, regardless of the score."
To complement the nostalgic look back in NBA history, AT THE BUZZER! is accompanied by two digitally mastered companion CDs, narrated by Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion Bill Walton. Along with original radio and TV broadcasts, Walton introduces insightful commentary from winners, losers, and perceptive observers who witnessed these events unfold. Here are the thrilling wins, heart-breaking losses and never-before-heard anecdotes from men and women who were there. Fans are transported to the exact time each particular moment happened and hear first-hand what players, coaches and media personalities were thinking.
"This awe-inspiring look at NBA history is an absolute must for everyone who has been touched by the beauty, grace and wonder that is the NBA," said Walton.
In the book's Afterword, All-Star forward Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz offers his unique perspective on these amazing athletic feats: "Great plays don't happen by accident. They are not random. A great play is great because the player who makes it is at a level higher than the average, or even star player. That's why they invented the term 'superstar.'"
Each moment represents a perfect marriage of skill and dedication, and AT THE BUZZER! celebrates them all in this glorious tribute to the game, its players, and its coaches.
