5 Best Plays in NBA History

Michael Jordan's iconic dunk from the free-throw line

The NBA is a league of stars, and every year, there are a handful of players who put together incredible seasons but come up just short of winning a championship. These players are often overshadowed by the players who do win titles, but they deserve to be celebrated for their accomplishments. Here are some of the best NBA players who never won a title.

One of the most well-known players who never won a title is Charles Barkley. Barkley was a dominant power forward who was known for his incredible rebounding and scoring ability. He was a member of the “Dream Team” that won the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics, and he was also named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1993. However, Barkley never won an NBA championship, and he retired in 2000 without ever having played in the Finals.

Another great player who never won a title is Karl Malone. Malone was a power forward who was known for his incredible scoring and rebounding ability. He was a member of the Utah Jazz for most of his career, and he led the team to the NBA Finals twice. However, the Jazz lost both times, and Malone retired in 2003 without ever having won a championship. Malone is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history, but he is also one of the most unfortunate players in terms of never winning a title.

The Ascendance of the Denver Nuggets: A Story of Resilience and Growth

A Dynamic Duo: The Cornerstone of Denver’s Success

The rise of the Denver Nuggets has been centered around the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Jokić, a two-time MVP, has established himself as one of the most dominant big men in the league, averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game this season. His unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Murray, on the other hand, is a gifted and versatile guard. He possesses an elite shooting stroke, averaging 43.7% from three-point range this season, and is also a capable playmaker and defender. The tandem of Jokić and Murray has formed an unbreakable bond on and off the court, making them the driving force behind the Nuggets’ success.

Their individual contributions have been remarkable:

| Season | Nikola Jokić (AVG) | Jamal Murray (AVG) |
|—|—|—|
| 2021-22 | 27.1 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 7.9 APG | 21.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.1 APG |
| 2022-23 | 26.0 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 9.9 APG | 20.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.5 APG |

Their combined impact on the court has been even more impressive. When the duo played together in the 2021-22 season, the Nuggets won 72% of their games. Murray’s absence due to injury in the 2022-23 season has seen the Nuggets’ win percentage drop to 63%. This underscores the extraordinary influence this formidable pair has on the Denver Nuggets’ fortunes.

Zion Williamson: The Rise of a Phenom

Early Life and Career

Zion Williamson was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, in 2000. He first gained national attention as a high school standout, averaging an astonishing 36.8 points per game in his senior year. He was named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and led his team to a state championship.

College Success and Draft

Williamson went on to play for Duke University and continued his dominance on the court. In his freshman season, he averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, earning First Team All-ACC honors. Despite missing several games due to injury, Williamson’s exceptional athleticism and scoring ability made him the consensus number one pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

NBA Debut and Impact

Williamson made his NBA debut with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019-20 season. Despite missing much of the season due to injury, he quickly showcased his remarkable talent. In his limited playing time, he averaged an impressive 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Williamson’s explosive dunks and highlight-reel plays captivated fans, earning him immediate recognition as one of the league’s most exciting players.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Williamson possesses an extraordinary combination of size, speed, and athleticism. He is a phenomenal scorer both inside and outside the paint, with an uncanny ability to finish at the rim. However, he also has some areas for improvement. Williamson needs to develop his defense and increase his efficiency from the free throw line. Nonetheless, his immense potential and already-impressive contributions make him one of the most promising young players in the NBA.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Explosive athleticism Exceptional scoring ability Strong rebounder	Needs to improve defense Low free throw percentage Injury concerns

Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek Freak’s Reign Continues

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning two-time MVP, continues to dominate the NBA. The Greek Freak has led the Milwaukee Bucks to the Eastern Conference title in each of the past two seasons, and he is poised to make another deep playoff run this year.

Antetokounmpo’s All-Around Game

What makes Antetokounmpo so special is his all-around game. He can score from anywhere on the floor, he is an excellent rebounder, and he is a gifted passer. He is also one of the best defenders in the NBA, and he has won Defensive Player of the Year twice.

His impact on the Bucks

Antetokounmpo has had a transformative impact on the Bucks. Before he arrived in Milwaukee, the Bucks were a perennial lottery team. Since his arrival, they have been one of the most successful teams in the NBA.

Antetokounmpo’s stats

In the 2020-21 season, Antetokounmpo averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He also shot 56.9% from the field and 72.5% from the free throw line.

Season	PPG	RPG	APG
2016-17	16.9	7.7	4.3
2017-18	26.9	10.0	4.8
2018-19	27.7	12.5	5.9
2019-20	29.5	13.6	5.6
2020-21	28.1	11.0	5.9

The Battle for Los Angeles: Lakers vs. Clippers

Los Angeles is a basketball city, and the Lakers and Clippers are its two most popular teams. The rivalry between these two teams is one of the most heated in the NBA, and their games are always must-see TV.

Key Players

The Lakers are led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. The Clippers are led by Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Ivica Zubac.

Recent History

The Lakers have won the NBA championship 17 times, while the Clippers have never won a championship. However, the Clippers have won the Pacific Division title three times in the past five years.

Memorable Moments

There have been many memorable moments in the Lakers-Clippers rivalry. Here are a few of the most iconic:

Game 7 of the 2012 Western Conference semifinals, when the Lakers beat the Clippers in overtime to advance to the Western Conference finals.
Game 6 of the 2014 Western Conference semifinals, when the Clippers beat the Lakers in overtime to advance to the Western Conference finals.
Game 7 of the 2019 Western Conference semifinals, when the Clippers beat the Lakers to advance to the Western Conference finals.

Top 5 Plays

Here are the top 5 plays in Lakers-Clippers history:

Rank	Play	Year
1	Kobe Bryant’s game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2012 Western Conference semifinals	2012
2	Chris Paul’s game-tying layup in Game 6 of the 2014 Western Conference semifinals	2014
3	Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2019 Western Conference semifinals	2019
4	LeBron James’s game-winning dunk in Game 1 of the 2020 Western Conference finals	2020
5	Anthony Davis’s game-winning block on Montrezl Harrell in Game 6 of the 2020 Western Conference finals	2020

The Houston Rockets’ Transformation: From Contenders to Rebuilders

The Harden Era

The Rockets’ rise to prominence began with the trade for James Harden in 2012. Harden quickly became the face of the franchise, leading the team to multiple deep playoff runs, including the Western Conference Finals in 2018.

The Rise of Russell Westbrook

After Harden’s departure in 2021, the Rockets traded for Russell Westbrook. Westbrook, a former MVP, brought star power and leadership to Houston. However, the pairing with Harden lacked chemistry, and the Rockets struggled to find their identity.

The Rebuild Begins

Following the Westbrook experiment, the Rockets decided to enter a full-scale rebuild. They traded away their veterans for young players and draft picks. Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. emerged as key pieces for the future.

Tanking Season

The 2021-22 season was a tanking year for the Rockets. They finished with the league’s worst record (20-62) and secured the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Jalen Green’s Arrival

The Rockets used their draft pick to select Jalen Green, a dynamic and athletic guard. Green has quickly become a fan favorite and the cornerstone of the team’s rebuild.

The Future Outlook

The Rockets have a promising core of young players, including Green, Wood, Porter Jr., and Alperen Sengun. They also have ample cap space and future draft picks. With a new head coach in Stephen Silas, the Rockets are hoping to return to contention in the coming years.

Player	Position	Age
Jalen Green	Guard	21
Christian Wood	Forward	27
Kevin Porter Jr.	Guard	22
Alperen Sengun	Center	20

The Milwaukee Bucks’ Redemption: A Championship After Decades of Disappointment

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Dominance

The rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo has been nothing short of remarkable. The “Greek Freak” has emerged as one of the most dominant players in the league, averaging over 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. His unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him nearly unstoppable on the court.

Khris Middleton’s Consistency

Khris Middleton has proven to be Antetokounmpo’s perfect sidekick. The wing is a reliable scorer, shooter, and defender who can contribute in all aspects of the game. His consistent play has been crucial to the Bucks’ success.

Budenholzer’s Defensive Prowess

Head coach Mike Budenholzer has implemented a defensive system that has transformed the Bucks into one of the league’s top defenses. Their focus on communication, help defense, and rebounding has allowed them to shut down opponents and create easy scoring opportunities.

The Value of Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday’s acquisition in 2020 has been a game-changer for the Bucks. The veteran guard provides leadership, defense, and playmaking that has helped elevate the team to a new level.

Supporting Cast Steps Up

In addition to the core players, the Bucks have received valuable contributions from their supporting cast. Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, and Donte DiVincenzo have all played key roles in the team’s success.

Key Offseason Moves

The Bucks made a few key offseason moves in 2021, including the acquisition of P.J. Tucker. The veteran forward added toughness, defense, and shooting to the team, providing them with another key piece in their championship puzzle.

Team Chemistry and Culture

The Bucks have a strong team chemistry and culture that has been a major factor in their success. They are a close-knit group of players who support each other on and off the court, creating a positive and productive environment.

A City’s Long-Awaited Victory

The Bucks’ championship victory was a culmination of decades of disappointment and frustration for the city of Milwaukee. The team’s last championship came in 1971, and the city had been starved for another taste of glory. The 2021 championship brought immense joy and pride to the city, uniting the community in celebration.

Historical Significance of the Victory

The Bucks’ championship victory was also a historic moment for the NBA. It was the first time since 1971 that a team from the Eastern Conference had won the championship without having home-court advantage in the Finals. It also ended the dominance of the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James, who had won the previous 10 championships combined.

Player	Regular Season Stats	Playoff Stats
Giannis Antetokounmpo	30.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 5.6 APG	30.2 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 5.1 APG
Khris Middleton	20.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.4 APG	23.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.2 APG
Jrue Holiday	18.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.1 APG	17.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 8.7 APG

The Phoenix Suns’ Surprise Success: A Cinderella Story

The Rise of the Underdogs

The Phoenix Suns began the 2022-23 season with few expectations. After losing Chris Paul to injury and enduring a disappointing playoff performance the previous year, they were projected to finish near the bottom of the Western Conference. However, the Suns defied all odds and soared to the top of the standings.

A Balanced Attack

The Suns’ success was attributed to their balanced attack. Led by Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton, the team boasted a potent offense that ranked among the league’s best. Their defense, anchored by Bridges and Ayton, was equally impressive, stifling opponents and forcing turnovers.

The Point God’s Impact

Chris Paul’s return from injury in February further elevated the Suns’ play. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Paul remained a consummate floor general, orchestrating the offense with aplomb and providing much-needed leadership.

Ayton’s Breakout

Deandre Ayton had a breakout season, emerging as one of the most dominant centers in the league. He averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks, and his improved efficiency and defensive presence made him a formidable force.

Bench Depth

The Suns’ bench depth also played a pivotal role in their success. Players like Cameron Johnson, Landry Shamet, and Josh Okogie provided valuable contributions, offering scoring, defense, and energy off the pine.

Team Cohesion

The Suns’ team cohesion was a major factor in their surprise run. The players had developed a strong bond on and off the court, and their chemistry was evident in their ability to play together seamlessly.

Inspired Coaching

Head coach Monty Williams deserves immense credit for guiding the Suns to such unprecedented heights. His defensive schemes were masterful, and his ability to motivate his players was instrumental in their success.

The Regular Season Record

The Suns finished the regular season with an impressive 64-18 record, the second-best in the NBA. They also had the league’s top net rating and defensive rating, a testament to their dominance on both ends of the court.

Playoff Success

The Suns continued their impressive play in the playoffs, reaching the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Dallas Mavericks. Their playoff run was a testament to their resilience and determination, and they emerged from the experience as one of the most formidable teams in the league.

Conclusion

The Phoenix Suns’ surprise success was a captivating story of resilience, teamwork, and determination. They overcame adversity, defied expectations, and emerged as one of the most exciting and dominant teams in the NBA.

The Emergence of Young Stars: A Glimpse into the NBA’s Future

The NBA is currently witnessing the emergence of a new generation of young stars who are redefining the game. These players are not only incredibly talented but also have the potential to shape the league for years to come.

10. LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. The 21-year-old point guard is known for his flashy passes, creative ball-handling, and ability to score from anywhere on the court. Ball is a natural leader and has the potential to be a franchise player for the Charlotte Hornets.

Ball’s impact on the Hornets has been immediate. In his first season with the team, he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. He also led the league in triple-doubles with 10. Ball’s play has helped the Hornets improve their record from 33-49 in 2020-21 to 43-39 in 2021-22.

Ball is still developing as a player, but he has already shown that he has the potential to be a superstar. He is a must-watch player for any NBA fan.

Other Young Stars to Watch

In addition to Ball, there are several other young stars who are making a name for themselves in the NBA. These players include:

Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic)
Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons)

These players are all under the age of 25 and have shown that they have the potential to be All-Stars or even MVPs. The NBA is in good hands with this new generation of young stars.

Player	Team	Position	Age
LaMelo Ball	Charlotte Hornets	Point Guard	21
Ja Morant	Memphis Grizzlies	Point Guard	23
Zion Williamson	New Orleans Pelicans	Power Forward	22
Anthony Edwards	Minnesota Timberwolves	Shooting Guard	21
Evan Mobley	Cleveland Cavaliers	Center	21
Tyrese Haliburton	Indiana Pacers	Point Guard	22
Darius Garland	Cleveland Cavaliers	Point Guard	22
Josh Giddey	Oklahoma City Thunder	Point Guard	20
Franz Wagner	Orlando Magic	Small Forward	21
Jaden Ivey	Detroit Pistons	Point Guard	21

The Best Plays on NBA

The NBA is a league full of amazing athletes who can do incredible things on the court. From gravity-defying dunks to no-look passes, there are always plenty of highlights to enjoy. But what are the best plays on NBA? It’s a tough question to answer, but here are a few of the most iconic and memorable plays in NBA history.

Michael Jordan’s “The Shot” against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs is one of the most famous plays in NBA history. With the game tied and only seconds remaining, Jordan hit a buzzer-beating jump shot to give the Bulls the win. It was a moment that defined Jordan’s career and helped to make him a global icon.

Another iconic play is Magic Johnson’s “No-Look Pass” to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1987 NBA Finals. With the Lakers trailing by one point and only seconds remaining, Johnson threw a no-look pass to Abdul-Jabbar, who made the game-winning layup. It was a play that showcased Johnson’s incredible vision and passing ability.

LeBron James’ “The Block” on Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals is one of the most memorable defensive plays in NBA history. With the Cavaliers trailing by one point and only seconds remaining, James blocked Iguodala’s layup attempt, preserving the win for Cleveland. It was a play that showed James’ incredible athleticism and determination.