The 2025 NBA playoffs were a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and sheer willpower, culminating in a Finals showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most iconic moments that defined this postseason.

The Buzzer-Beater That Made History

In a pivotal Game 4 against the LA Clippers, the Denver Nuggets were on the verge of a crucial victory. Leading by 20 points entering the fourth quarter, the Nuggets seemed in control. However, the Clippers clawed back to tie the game with just eight seconds left. In a dramatic turn, Nikola Jokic missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer, but Aaron Gordon was there to slam home the rebound as time expired, marking the first game-winning buzzer-beating dunk in NBA postseason history.

Russell Westbrook’s Electrifying Dunk

Game 7 of the series saw Russell Westbrook, former Clipper and now a key player for the Nuggets, deliver a performance that included 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. His most memorable moment came with a thunderous dunk that put Denver up by 31 points, followed by a technical foul for hanging on the rim—a moment captured in an iconic photograph.

Tyrese Haliburton’s Clutch Performance

The Indiana Pacers’ journey to the Finals was marked by a stunning comeback in Game 2 of the semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With just 57.1 seconds left and trailing by seven, Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers to a remarkable victory, hitting a step-back 3-pointer that sealed the win and sent the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals.

The Knicks’ Historic Victory

The New York Knicks made their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years, defeating the Boston Celtics in six games. Their Game 6 victory was the largest margin of victory in franchise playoff history, sparking wild celebrations in New York City.

T.J. McConnell’s Celebratory Gesture

Pacers’ guard T.J. McConnell became a fan favorite not just for his on-court contributions but also for his Game 5 celebration. After scoring a crucial basket, McConnell gestured towards the celeb row at Madison Square Garden, eliciting reactions from stars like Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.

Recreating Reggie Miller’s Iconic Moment

In a nod to history, Tyrese Haliburton attempted to recreate Reggie Miller’s famous choke celebration after a crucial play. Although his shot was ruled a 2-pointer upon review, the Pacers went on to win the game in overtime and eventually the series, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.

These moments not only highlight the skill and determination of the players but also the emotional rollercoaster that is the NBA playoffs. Each game, each play, contributes to the rich tapestry of basketball history.