Top Moments: 1940s & 50s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s
NBA.com takes a look back at the top moments that define the history of the NBA.
> The Jordan Years (1990s)
1991: Michael’s Most Amazing Move?
In Game 2 of the 1991 NBA Finals against the Lakers, Michael Jordan made a spectacular move that seemed even more unbelievable every time it was replayed.
1992: Magic Stars in the Magic Kingdom
After retiring because of contracting the HIV virus in November 1991, Magic Johnson was voted a starter for the All-Star Game and then won MVP honors.
1992: Jordan Blazes Away From Long Range
They said 3-point shooting wasn’t his forte, but Michael Jordan was unstoppable from distance in Game 1 of the 1992 Finals against Portland, burying six first-half treys and capped off with a famous shrug of the shoulders.
Many consider it the greatest team ever assembled — the original Dream Team that won the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
1993: Paxson Nails the 3 for No. 3
Steady, dependable guard John Paxson hit a 3-pointer with 3.9 seconds left to give Chicago its third straight NBA title.
1994: Eighth-seeded Nuggets Upset Seattle
Nobody gave the 42-40 Nuggets a chance against the 64-18 Sonics, but Dikembe Mutombo and his teammates staged the biggest upset in NBA playoff history.
Reggie Miller was “in the zone” in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Knicks, scoring 39 points, including 25 in the fourth quarter.
1995: Stock Report — Jazz Guard Soars to Top of Assist Chart
With a pass to Karl Malone on February 1, 1995, John Stockton moved past Magic Johnson as the NBA’s all-time leader in assists with 9,922.
1995: Jordan Proves He’s Back; Drops 55 on Knicks
Five games into his comeback, Michael Jordan shook off the rust and showed he still had big-time game by exploding for 55 points against the Knicks.
1996: Bulls Set Record With 70th Win
The Bulls’ 72-10 record during the 1995-96 regular season was the best in NBA history, and Chicago made its claim as one of the best sports teams ever.
1997: Western Conference Buzzer-Beaters
Rex Chapman, Eddie Johnson and John Stockton each injected life into the Western Conference playoffs with dramatic buzzer-beating shots.
1997: Bulls, Jazz Stage Memorable Finals
The heroics came from the expected (Michael Jordan, John Stockton) and the unexpected (Steve Kerr) in a classic NBA Finals that featured several memorable moments.
Reggie Miller enhances his reputation as one of the game’s top clutch players with last-second heroics against New York and Chicago.
1998: Jordan Jolts Jazz in Game 6
With Chicago trailing by three points, Michael Jordan scored on a drive, stripped the ball from Karl Malone, and then — with 5.2 seconds left — buried the game-winning shot.
