Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is a sport that has produced some of the most talented players in the world. When it comes to the most shots made in the sport, Michael Jordan is a name that is often mentioned. Jordan has more career buzzer-beaters than anyone else in NBA history, with memorable game-winners against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs and the Utah Jazz in 1998. Kobe Bryant, who has the most missed shots in NBA history, is also mentioned in the same breath as Jordan. Other notable players include LeBron James, who is currently tied with Kobe Bryant for the second-most game-winning shots, and Joe Johnson, who has five of his eight game-winners with the Brooklyn Nets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Player with the most shots made in NBA history | Michael Jordan |
| Player with the second-most shots made in NBA history | Kobe Bryant |
| Player with the third-most shots made in NBA history | LeBron James |
| Player with the fourth-most shots made in NBA history | Karl Malone |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan: most game-winning shots
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with an impressive 28 game-winning shots throughout his illustrious NBA career with the Chicago Bulls and the Wizards. Jordan was the go-to man for the Bulls when the game was on the line, and he rarely disappointed.
One of Jordan's most famous game-winning moments came in the 1998 NBA Finals. With 5.2 seconds left in Game 6, Jordan knocked down a jumper to give the Bulls an 87-86 lead over the Utah Jazz. The victory sealed Chicago's sixth NBA title and marked Jordan's final shot as a Bull.
Jordan's clutch gene was on full display throughout his career. In March 1995, he drained a jumper over Steve Smith to defeat the Hawks in Atlanta. In February 1998, he did it again, this time beating the Atlanta Hawks with a buzzer-beating jumper over Steve Smith and Chucky Brown. Jordan's ability to make game-winning shots was not limited to regular-season games. In the 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals, he hit a jumper in the closing moments to defeat the Cavaliers and send the Bulls to the NBA Finals.
Jordan's game-winning prowess extended beyond jumpers. In April 1988, against the Detroit Pistons, he drained two free throws with four seconds left to secure a 112-110 victory. Jordan's free-throw shooting was also on display in March 1985, when he made two clutch free throws with five seconds remaining to defeat the Indiana Pacers.
Understanding Basketball: Points and Scores Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
LeBron James: most consecutive games with double-digit points
LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with numerous records to his name. One of his most impressive feats is his double-digit scoring streak, which has been ongoing since 2007.
On January 6, 2007, James began a remarkable run of consecutive games with double-digit points. This streak has continued for over a decade and is one of the longest in NBA history. Entering the 2024-25 NBA season, James had recorded 1,222 straight games of scoring 10 or more points. This incredible consistency has seen him surpass the previous record held by Michael Jordan, who had a streak of 866 consecutive games from 1986 to 2001.
James' streak has come close to ending on several occasions. During the 2024-25 season, there were three close calls in the first 21 games. In one instance, he scored a season-low 10 points in a loss to the Timberwolves. On another occasion, he had only seven points with two minutes left in a game against the Suns but made a late 3-pointer to extend his record. In 2021, he faced a similar situation, hitting a 3-pointer to reach 10 points after spraining his ankle.
The streak demonstrates James' remarkable durability and scoring ability. It is a testament to his consistent excellence and places him in an elite category of NBA players. James' scoring prowess is further highlighted by the fact that he has scored fewer than 10 points in only 10 games throughout his entire career, including the regular season and playoffs.
LeBron James' double-digit scoring streak is an extraordinary achievement in the NBA. His ability to consistently score over 10 points per game for such an extended period sets him apart from his peers and solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
GPSports Technology: Revolutionizing Basketball Training and Performance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kobe Bryant: most missed shots
Kobe Bryant holds the record for the most missed shots in the history of the NBA. In total, he missed 14,481 shots, over 1,000 more than the player in second place, John Havlicek of the Boston Celtics.
Bryant's willingness to keep shooting despite his misses is a testament to his greatness. In his rookie season, during a Lakers game against the Utah Jazz in May 1997, Bryant missed four shots in five minutes, including a mid-range jump shot that missed the rim entirely. Despite this, he persevered, practicing his shooting until sunrise when he returned to Los Angeles. This dedication to his craft is a crucial part of Bryant's story and a key factor in his success.
Bryant's high volume of shot attempts, including a significant number of three-pointers, contributed to his record. As a shooting guard who played for 20 seasons, it is only natural that he would accumulate a high number of missed shots. His career accomplishments, including five championships, an 81-point game, and his legacy with the Lakers, far outweigh his misses.
While some may mock Bryant for his record of missed shots, it is important to recognize that the list of players with the most misses is filled with Hall of Famers. The ability to demand a starring role in the NBA for 19 years, as Bryant did, is a remarkable achievement in itself. His record of missed shots is a consequence of his playing style and longevity in the league, and it does not diminish his greatness as a player.
Mastering GamePigeon Basketball: Strategies for Victory
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kevin Durant: one of the greatest scorers
Kevin Durant is undoubtedly one of the greatest scorers in the history of basketball. His scoring ability is so natural that it seems he was simply born to put the ball in the basket. Durant's scoring proficiency is not solely due to his height advantage over most defenders. Instead, Durant's genius lies in his ability to read the game and adapt his moves accordingly. He can create shots for himself in a variety of ways, whether he is given space or marked tightly by defenders. This ability to play in isolation and create opportunities is a key reason why Durant is so difficult to defend against.
Durant's offensive prowess has had a significant influence on the evolution of the game, particularly for taller forwards and centers in the NBA. His success has encouraged other tall players to showcase their offensive skills, and as a result, the game has evolved to allow for more versatile playing styles at different positions.
Durant's scoring numbers are also impressive. In his 12th season, he surpassed the 850-game mark in the NBA, and his points-per-game average is exceptional. At the time of writing, he is averaging 27.6 points on 55% shooting, a rate that very few players have achieved. This combination of volume and efficiency is unprecedented, and it sets Durant apart as one of the greatest offensive players ever seen.
While there are other legendary scorers in NBA history, such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, Durant's name is certainly deserving of being in the conversation for the greatest scorer of all time. His scoring ability, adaptability, and influence on the game make him a strong contender for this title. Despite some negative media portrayals, Durant's talent and impact on the court speak for themselves, and he continues to be a dominant force in the world of basketball.
Basketball Scoring: The Art of the Game
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Joe Johnson: eight game-winning shots
Joe Johnson, nicknamed "Iso Joe", is an American former professional basketball player. Johnson played for several teams in the NBA, including the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. Johnson was a seven-time NBA All-Star and represented the United States national team. Johnson is known for his game-winning shots, with eight game-winners to his name across his career.
Johnson's ability to make game-winning shots earned him the nickname "Iso Joe". One notable game-winner was on March 19, 2010, when Johnson hit a buzzer-beater in overtime against the Charlotte Bobcats, securing a win for the Hawks. Johnson also had a notable game-winning streak with the Nets during the 2012-13 season. In December 2012, he scored a game-winning buzzer beater in double overtime against the Detroit Pistons. Just two days after scoring 33 points in a road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Johnson hit another game-winner in double overtime to beat the Washington Wizards. Johnson's streak continued into February 2013, with a game-tying three-pointer and a game-winning pull-up jump shot in overtime to secure a 113-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This win snapped a 13-game losing streak for the Nets against the Bucks.
Johnson's career also included a notable appearance with the Celtics in 2021, marking a 19-year, 305-day gap between his stints with the team—the longest gap in NBA history. Johnson made his lone shot in this appearance, becoming only the second player, along with Dirk Nowitzki, to score for the same team at the age of 20 and 40. Johnson's career spanned 20,000 career points, making him one of 52 NBA players to achieve this milestone. With his game-winning shots and impressive career statistics, Johnson established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA.
Eagle Girls Soar to Victory in Idaho 5A Basketball
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Michael Jordan has the most career buzzer-beaters in NBA history.
Tied for second place are Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson, with eight game-winning shots each.
LeBron James has eight game-winning shots through 22 seasons of play.
Kobe Bryant.
Karl Malone.
