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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ORLANDO – MAY 31: Rick Smits #45 of the Indiana Pacers defends against Shaquille O’Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 1995 NBA Playoffs on May 31, 1995 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 108-106. 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 1995 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO – MAY 31: Rick Smits #45 of the Indiana Pacers defends against Shaquille O’Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 1995 NBA Playoffs on May 31, 1995 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 108-106. 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 1995 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

22. Rik Smits stuns Orlando Magic at buzzer: 1995 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 4

Rik Smits had a nice 12-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. He was the former No. 2 overall pick by Indiana out of small Marist College. The Dunking Dutchman was seven-foot-four by played much nimbler than his massive frame indicated.

Though he was teammates with one of the best jump-shooters of all-time in Pacers shooting guard Reggie Miller, Smits had his now unforgettable shot in Pacers lore. His Game 4 buzz-beater to stun the Orlando Magic in the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals capped off one of the best sequences in NBA Playoffs history.

Miller would hit the go-ahead three-pointer to give the Pacers the lead. Orlando’s star point guard Penny Hardaway would answer with his own highly contested three-point field goal. Indiana had one out-of-bounds play to make it happen in Indianapolis.

Smits would get the rock and throw one of basketball’s most memorable pump fakes. He completely shook Magic center Tree Rollins for the game-winning lean-in jumper. Indiana would tie the series at two games apiece.

Though Orlando would beat the Pacers in seven games to get to the 1995 NBA Finals, maybe the Pacers would have put up a better fight in the finals? Orlando was hopelessly swept by the defending champion Houston Rockets in four games.

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