When I think of NBA history, I can’t help but visualize those iconic images that define moments and eras. Take Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” in the 1997 NBA Finals, for instance. Despite suffering from what was later confirmed as a severe case of food poisoning, Jordan scored an astonishing 38 points. That game has been immortalized in countless photos, each one capturing the sheer determination and resilience of arguably the greatest basketball player ever.
Another unforgettable image comes from the 2016 NBA Finals, where LeBron James’ block against Andre Iguodala in Game 7 still gives me chills. Talk about timing—2:20 left on the clock, tie game, and LeBron swoops in out of nowhere to make the play. Not only did this block help seal the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first NBA title, but it also solidified LeBron’s legacy as one of the best defenders in the league.
Maybe you’ve seen the iconic shot of Magic Johnson hugging the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after the Lakers’ victory in the 1980 NBA Finals. Magic, only 20 years old at the time, had to play center in the decisive Game 6 due to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s injury. What did he do? Just put up 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading the Lakers to a 123-107 win over the Sixers. It’s a picture that encapsulates the birth of a legend.
Speaking of legends, how can I forget the famous image of Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue during Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals? Iverson scored 48 points that night, leading the 76ers to a stunning upset victory over the heavily favored Lakers. That moment personified Iverson’s unyielding spirit and is still celebrated as a defining instance of his career.
And then there’s the emotional photo of Dirk Nowitzki post the Dallas Mavericks’ victory in the 2011 NBA Finals. With tears streaming down his face, Nowitzki had finally reached the pinnacle after years of playoff heartbreak. He averaged 26 points and 9.7 rebounds in that series against the Miami Heat’s Big Three, proving once again that perseverance pays off. That moment reflected not just a triumph of skill but also an indomitable will.
Kobe Bryant’s final game provided another photographic treasure trove. The Black Mamba dropped 60 points on the Utah Jazz, making it the highest-scoring performance ever by a player in their final game. Every snapshot from that night tells a piece of the story—his emotions, the crowd’s energy, and the realization that it was the end of an era. It’s impossible to look at those photos without feeling a rush of nostalgia and respect.
Let’s not forget the photo of Wilt Chamberlain holding up a piece of paper with “100” scrawled on it. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain achieved what many thought impossible—scoring 100 points in a single game. You can’t talk about NBA history without mentioning this iconic moment. That image represents the ceiling-shattering achievements that have defined the NBA.
What about the dramatic “The Shot” by Michael Jordan over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 playoffs? With just 3 seconds left, Jordan received the inbounds pass, took a couple of dribbles, and nailed a jumper over Ehlo to win the game and the series for the Bulls. The photo of that shot captures a young MJ already showing signs of his future greatness.
The moment Ray Allen hit that corner three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals also deserves recognition. Down by three points with only 5.2 seconds left, Allen’s clutch shot tied the game, and the Miami Heat eventually won in overtime, pushing the series to a Game 7. This shot turned the series around and is considered one of the greatest clutch moments in NBA history. The photo of that shot is timeless, freezing a split-second that had monumental consequences.
We also have to talk about Shaquille O’Neal towering over Dikembe Mutombo after a ferocious dunk during the 2001 NBA Finals. Shaq was a dominant force, and that picture emphasizes his sheer power and physicality. Scoring 29.7 points and grabbing 13.6 rebounds per game in that series, Shaq’s presence was a nightmare for any defense. That image of him standing tall over Mutombo perfectly captures his dominance.
Reggie Miller’s choke sign directed at Spike Lee during the 1994 playoffs is another unforgettable moment. After scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter alone, Miller couldn’t resist sending a message to the Knicks’ superfans. Every time I see that shot, it serves as a reminder of the intense rivalries that make the NBA so captivating.
Even recent history has its iconic photos. Kawhi Leonard’s buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals is seared into my memory. The ball bounced on the rim four times before finally dropping, and that picture of Leonard squatting, watching the ball, has already become legendary. It was the first Game 7 buzzer-beater in NBA history, and it set the Raptors on their path to their first-ever NBA Championship.
In the world of NBA photos, few can rival the emotional depth seen in the picture of Dwyane Wade standing on the scorer’s table, arms outstretched, after hitting a game-winner in double overtime against the Chicago Bulls in 2009. D-Wade scored 48 points that night, and the photo captures not just the victory but the triumph of pure effort and tenacity.
Think about the significance of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in NBA lore. Their rivalry throughout the 1980s produced countless memorable photos. One iconic image is of Bird and Magic embracing after the 1987 NBA Finals. This wasn’t just a friendly gesture; it symbolized mutual respect and the end of one of the most captivating personal rivalries in sports history.
It’s not all about the big-name stars, though. The photo of Jeremy Lin during the peak of “Linsanity” in 2012, hitting a game-winning three-pointer against the Toronto Raptors, stands out as a moment of pure joy and underdog triumph. During that magical period, Lin averaged 20.9 points and 8.4 assists per game, proving that sometimes, the most unforgettable moments come from the most unexpected places.
These iconic NBA photos capture more than just basketball; they encapsulate heart, resilience, drama, and triumph. Each image is a visual summary of a story, a moment in time that has been etched into the annals of sports history. And it’s through these photos that the past continues to inspire the future.