Fansided

30 best shots in NBA Playoffs history

By John Buhler

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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PORTLAND, OR – JUNE 6: Sean Elliot #32 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a layup against Rasheed Wallace #30 and Arvydas Sabonis #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 1999 NBA Playoffs at the Rose Garden Arena on June 6, 1999 in Portland, Oregon. The Spurs defeated the Blazers 94-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1999 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – JUNE 6: Sean Elliot #32 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a layup against Rasheed Wallace #30 and Arvydas Sabonis #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 1999 NBA Playoffs at the Rose Garden Arena on June 6, 1999 in Portland, Oregon. The Spurs defeated the Blazers 94-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1999 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

25. Sean Elliott’s Memorial Day Miracle versus Portland Trail Blazers: 1999 Western Conference Finals, Game 2

Before the San Antonio Spurs became a small-market dynasty, they had to hit an improbable shot to even have the chance at winning one. San Antonio had one of the better teams in the NBA during the strike-shortened 1998-99 NBA season. However, the Spurs had never one an NBA Championship up to that point.

Against a formidable foe in the 1999 Western Conference Finals, the Spurs were about to lose a game at home to the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland point guard Damon Stoudamire hit a free throw to put the Trail Blazers up 85-83 with 12 seconds left in Game 2.

Needing a big play, small forward Sean Elliott hit the biggest shot of his life. He drained a three-pointer with Trail Blazers power forward Rasheed Wallace in his face with nine seconds left to ultimately win the game 86-85.

In San Antonio, this shot is known as the Memorial Day Miracle. Elliott had been diagnosed with a severe kidney ailment. He needed surgery badly, but powered through it during the 1999 NBA Playoffs. It was an awkward three-point shot over an elite defensive player in Wallace during a moment when San Antonio needed it most.

The Spurs would go on to sweep the Trail Blazers in four games. They would handle the New York Knicks in five games to win the 1999 NBA Finals, the first championship of the Gregg Popovich era in San Antonio.

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