During the 1970 NBA Finals, Laker great Jerry West made perhaps the most famous buzzer beater in the history of the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers were playing the New York Knicks for the championship. It appeared as though the Lakers were getting ready to lose after blowing a 14 point lead at half-time. The Lakers had one more trick up the irsleeve, and his name was Mr. Clutch.

The Knicks made a comeback in the third quarter, as Knicks’ former Lakers Dave DeBusschere made shots from all over the court. The Knicks had momentum going into the fourth quarter and Lady Luck was on their side.

With the score tied at 100 and 13 seconds left on the clock, DeBusschere took a pass from Walt Frazier, gave a head fake and made a jump shot that gave New York the lead 102-100. What happened next is history.

The Lakers were out of timeouts as Wilt Chamberlain lightly tossed the ball to West, who dribbled three times as Willis Reed ran behind him. West was two feet beyond the key as he threw up a hail marry from 63 feet, that went in. DeBusschere was underneath the basket and collapsed in utter disbelief.

Since this nail-bitting game occurred in 1970, there was no three point line, so the shot was only worth two points. The game was tied and the two teams went into overtime. The Lakers were unable to take advantage of West’s miracle shot and lost 109-108. Even though L.A. lost, West’s buzzer beater remains of the most exciting shots in NBA history.

- John A. Roberts

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Tags | 1970 nba finals, Basketball, Jerry West, knicks, lakers, NBA