In the city of Chicago it is simply called “The Shot.” Though it was only a basket, it has turned out to play an influential role in the fortunes of two NBA franchises. The Cleveland Cavaliers were known as one of the youngest teams in the late 1980’s with a combo of Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Larry Nance, and John “Hot Rod” Williams. In the 1988-1989 season Head Coach Lenny Wilkins lead the team to 57-25 record and his team looked like they were poised to make a run at an NBA Title. The Bulls however had a bit of a power struggle in a hard Central Division finishing fifth in the Division with an overall record of 47-35. In these team’s Playoff series the Bulls went out on the road and got a win in Cleveland to take home court advantage and Game 1. The Bulls then found themselves in an opportunity to close it out at home in Game 4, but they could not get it done and the Cavaliers steal one in Overtime. In Game 5 it came down to the final seconds. With the clock running down Jordan had the ball in his hands and he dribbled towards the key and pulled up for a jumper inside the circle, as Jordan hung in the air Ehlo jumped up to block the shot. Once Ehlo was out of his way Jordan released and the ball nestled through the net.“Good! The Bulls win it! They win it! (Garner 113). This was Jim Durham’s (the one who was calling the game) reaction to Michael Jordan’s game winning shot.
Christian Laettner's Buzzer Beater Vs. Kentucky
Duke and Kentucky, two Universities with rich basketball tradition were squaring off for a spot in the Final Four. Duke held a twelve point lead in the second half, but Kentucky went on an amazing run to tie the game up with about 33.6 seconds to go. Duke’s Bobby Hurley’s shot at the buzzer fell short and the game head to Overtime. During the last 31.5 seconds, the ball changed possession five times with each possession resulting in a lead change. With the score all knotted up at ninety-eight Duke’s Christian Laettner threw up a low line drive that deflected off the backboard and somehow went in. Kentucky’s Mashburn then dribbled along the baseline for a layup and was fouled as well. After made his free throw and Kentucky lead 101-100 with 7.8 seconds left. After a Duke score Kentucky called a timeout. Following the timeout Kentucky’s Woods got the inbounds pass and drove into the lane and threw up an ugly high arched push shot that somehow went in. Duke then called a timeout. Coach Krzyzewski drew up a play that put Laettner at the free throw line and Grant Hill inbounding to him for ¾ of the court away. In Pitino’s huddle the decision to not put a man on the inbounder is made. Coming out of the timeout Hill and Laettner set up. When play resumed Hill launched the ball down the court and Laettner caught the ball at the free throw line. Laettner took one dribble, faked right, spun left, and shot a FALL AWAY jumper that fell and won the game for Duke. “Laettner catches! Comes down, dribbles. Shoots! Scores! This was Bob Harris, a Duke Radio Broadcaster’s reaction to the miraculous play.