LeBron James is the King of clutch and here are ten such moments when the NBA great absolutely wowed his fans.
NBA superstar LeBron James has cemented his legacy in league history with an illustrious career spanning across two decades. The LA Lakers great is now playing his 21st season in the league and yet remains one of the best players active in the NBA. The current season has been full of LeBron James’ clutch moments, and over the course of his stellar career, the King has proved time and again that he is indeed the man for the big occasions.
Since being drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron has marginally stood out from his peers and worked his magic across the NBA courts. Having played for three franchises in his career, Bron has managed to win Championships with all of them. LeBron’s ability to perform in big games has often been questioned, but the four-time NBA Champion continues to deliver buzzer-beaters day in and out.
Regarded as a franchise legend of the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and now the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James’s clutch moments can easily make one of the most iconic highlight reels in NBA history. Here are ten such occasions when King James shocked the crowd with his clutch plays.
10. Driving Layup in 2018 NBA Finals
In the 2018 NBA Finals Game 1, LeBron James created an iconic moment for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Golden State Warriors. The game played on May 31, 2018, was the opening contest of the championship series.
LeBron James in action against Draymond Green in the 2018 NBA Finals (via Imago)
With the score tied at 107-107 and just over four seconds remaining in regulation, LeBron made a driving layup, putting the Cavaliers ahead 109-107. This iconic play was part of his incredible 51-point performance in the game.
Despite LeBron’s heroics, the game went into overtime, and the Cavaliers eventually fell to the Warriors with a final score of 124-114. In what would be an unfortunate Finals outing where they eventually lost in four games, LeBron James tried his best to start things on a high note with his clutch plays.
9. Buzzer Beater in 2015 NBA Playoffs
In the 2015 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 against the Chicago Bulls, LeBron James delivered a crucial clutch play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the score tied at 84-84 and just 1.5 seconds left on the clock, LeBron made a buzzer-beating, game-winning shot, securing an 86-84 victory for the Cavaliers.
LeBron James celebrates with his teammates in the 2015 NBA Playoffs (via AP)
This clutch play was part of his 25-point performance in the game. LeBron’s late-game heroics helped the Cavaliers take a 3-1 series lead against the Bulls.
Cleveland ultimately advanced to the NBA Finals but faced defeat against the Golden State Warriors. However, LeBron and Co. won the 2016 Finals, beating the Dubs the season after.
8. Three-pointer in 2012 Eastern Conference Finals
In the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 6, LeBron James came up big for the Miami Heat against the Boston Celtics. With the Heat trailing 3-2 in the series, LeBron dropped a 45-point masterclass that absolutely wowed fans.
LeBron James hits a buzzer-beater against the Boston Celtics in 2012 NBA Playoffs (via open source)
But behold, the real highlight play of the game! With the score tied at 89-89 and less than a minute remaining, LeBron delivered a crucial three-pointer, putting the Heat ahead 92-89.
LeBron’s late-game heroics helped the Heat secure a 98-79 victory, tying the series at 3-3. Miami went on to win Game 7, clinching the Eastern Conference title.
The Heat’s triumph in the Eastern Conference Finals set the stage for their NBA Championship win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with LeBron James earning NBA Finals MVP honors for his outstanding contributions throughout the postseason.
7. Game-tying three-pointer in 2018 NBA Playoffs
In the 2018 NBA Playoffs Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James delivered a clutch performance for the ages. The game occurred on April 25, 2018, with the series tied at 2-2.
LeBron James hits buzzer beater against the Indiana Pacers (via AFP)
The clock had less than 1 minute remaining, and the Cavaliers were trailing 95-98. That’s when LeBron hit a game-tying three-pointer, knotting the score at 98-98.
He followed up with another crucial basket, securing a 100-97 victory. His masterclass propelled the Cavaliers to a 4-2 series win over the Pacers.
6. Clutch Three-pointer against the Celtics
In the 2018 NBA Playoffs Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, LeBron James delivered a remarkable performance for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game, held on May 27, 2018, was a decisive contest, with the series tied at 3-3.
LeBron James celebrates in the 2018 NBA Playoffs (via Imago)
With just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Cavaliers trailing 72-76, LeBron James made a crucial go-ahead three-pointer, putting Cleveland ahead 76-75. This iconic shot was part of his overall 35-point performance in the game.
LeBron’s clutch play helped the Cavaliers secure an 87-79 victory, advancing them to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers faced defeat against the Golden State Warriors in the championship series.
5. Fadeaway jumper in 2018 NBA Playoffs
In the 2018 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3 against the Toronto Raptors, LeBron James once again came up big for the Cavs. As the score was tied at 103-103 and just over eight seconds remaining in regulation, LeBron made a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer, securing a 105-103 victory for the Cavaliers.
LeBron’s fadeaway jumper in the 2018 NBA Playoffs (via Imago)
King James dropped a 38-point masterclass in the game. LeBron’s late-game heroics helped the Cavaliers take a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Raptors.
Cleveland ultimately won the series in a 4-0 sweep, which would pave the way for yet another Finals journey. These fantastic performances became the source of the nickname ‘LeBronto.’
4. Game-tying Three-pointer in 2012 NBA Finals
In the 2012 NBA Finals Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James delivered a very crucial clutch play for the Miami Heat. The game took place on June 19, 2012, with the Heat leading the series 2-1.
LeBron James in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals (via open source)
While there was less than a minute remaining and the Heat trailing 94-92, LeBron hit a game-tying three-pointer, taking the score to 95-95. He followed up with a key defensive stop, securing a possession that allowed Miami to take the lead.
LeBron’s clutch play helped the Heat secure a 104-98 victory in Game 4, extending their series lead to 3-1. Miami went on to win the NBA Championship in five games, with LeBron James earning NBA Finals MVP honors for his outstanding contributions throughout the series.
3. Late heroics in 2013 NBA Finals
In the 2013 NBA Finals Game 6, LeBron James delivered a performance for the ages. The game took place on June 18, 2013, against the San Antonio Spurs. The series at 3-2 was a do-or-die fixture for the Miami Heat.
LeBron James celebrates in the 2013 NBA Finals (via AP)
With less than a minute left in regulation, the Heat trailed 94-89. LeBron responded with a clutch three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 94-92. Subsequently, he made a crucial defensive play, forcing a turnover from the Spurs.
In the closing seconds of regulation, Ray Allen’s iconic three-pointer tied the game at 95-95, sending it into overtime. LeBron continued to shine in the extra period, scoring 5 points, securing rebounds, and making key assists.
The Miami Heat eventually emerged victorious with a final score of 103-100. LeBron’s clutch plays in Game 6 propelled the series to the decisive Game 7, giving the Heat a shot at the Championship.
2. Game-tying three-pointer 2013 NBA Finals
The 2013 NBA Finals Game 7, held on June 20, 2013, marked the culmination of a fiercely contested series, which was tied at 3-3. With less than a minute remaining and the Heat trailing 95-92, LeBron hit a critical three-pointer, knotting the score at 95-95. This pivotal shot forced overtime, extending the suspense of the championship battle.
LeBron James after winning the 2013 NBA Finals (via SI)
LeBron continued his dominant performance in overtime, scoring 5 points, including a crucial jump shot. The Miami Heat ultimately secured a 95-88 victory, clinching the NBA Championship with a 4-3 series win over the Spurs.
LeBron James’ impressive triple-double performance with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists played a pivotal role in the Miami Heat’s tight victory over the San Antonio Spurs. This outstanding contribution in Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals secured not only the win but also LeBron’s second consecutive NBA Championship.
1. The Block in 2016 NBA Finals
LeBron James’ legendary block in the 2016 NBA Finals Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors is one of the most iconic clutch moments of his career. With less than two minutes left and the score tied at 89-89, LeBron made a crucial block on Andre Iguodala’s layup attempt, denying a potential go-ahead basket.
LeBron’s iconic ‘The Block’ (via AP)
This defensive play set the stage for Kyrie Irving’s three-pointer, giving the Cavaliers a 92-89 lead. LeBron’s all-around brilliance, including a triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, propelled the Cavaliers to a 93-89 victory in Game 7.
