Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch shot against the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals and Kawhi Leonard’s buzzer-beater that eliminated the 76ers in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference finals are often compared due to their dramatic nature and rim-bouncing antics before falling through the net.
Haliburton’s shot, though not a game-winner as it sent the game to overtime, was part of an improbable comeback by the Pacers, who trailed by 14 points with just over two minutes left. His shot tied the game and set the tone for the series, which the Pacers eventually won in overtime.
Leonard’s buzzer-beater, on the other hand, came in a must-win Game 7 situation, sending the Raptors to the NBA Finals. The shot not only ended the game but also the 76ers’ season, making it a higher-pressure moment. Leonard’s shot is remembered for its dramatic rim bounces and the iconic image of him waiting for the ball to drop through the net.
While both shots are memorable, Leonard’s buzzer-beater edges out Haliburton’s due to the higher stakes of Game 7 and its direct impact on the Raptors’ path to the NBA championship that season.