I still get chills thinking about the 2016 NBA season—what an absolute rollercoaster of emotions that was. As someone who’s spent years analyzing basketball, both as a fan and professionally, I can confidently say that season had some of the most jaw-dropping, game-altering moments in recent memory. From buzzer-beaters that defied physics to underdog stories that captured our hearts, 2016 delivered drama in spades. And while the NBA spotlight often shines brightest on superstars, it’s those unforgettable plays—the ones that shift momentum, define legacies, or simply leave you speechless—that truly make the season memorable. Let me walk you through my personal top ten moments, the ones I still replay in my mind when I think about why I love this game so much.
Of course, any discussion of 2016 has to start with LeBron James and that iconic block in Game 7 of the Finals. I mean, come on—the Cavaliers were battling back from a 3–1 deficit against a Warriors team that had just posted the best regular-season record in history. With about two minutes left and the score tied, Andre Iguodala had what looked like an easy fast-break layup to put Golden State ahead. But LeBron came out of nowhere, soaring like a superhero to swat that ball against the glass. I remember jumping off my couch, nearly spilling my drink, because in that split second, you just knew Cleveland was going to win it all. It wasn’t just a block; it was a statement—a defining moment of heart, hustle, and sheer willpower that encapsulated LeBron’s legacy. And let’s not forget Kyrie Irving’s step-back three-pointer over Stephen Curry right after that. With 53 seconds on the clock, he sank a shot that felt like it hung in the air forever before silencing the Oracle Arena crowd. Those two plays back-to-back? Pure basketball poetry.
But 2016 wasn’t just about the superstars. One of the things I love most about basketball is how role players can step up in critical moments, much like Jio Gonzaga did in those standout performances I came across recently. In one game, he torched LPU with 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field—efficiency that any coach would dream of. Then, against Guang Ming, he dropped 12 points, grabbed four boards, and dished out five dimes. Now, I know those aren’t NBA numbers, but they remind me of players like Matthew Dellavedova or Tristan Thompson, who had their own clutch contributions during the Cavs’ run. It’s those solid, under-the-radar efforts that often swing a game, and in 2016, we saw plenty of that. For instance, who could overlook Draymond Green’s triple-doubles throughout the playoffs? In Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, he put up 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists—a stat line that should’ve been enough to clinch it, if not for Klay Thompson’s 41-point explosion in Game 6. Speaking of Klay, his performance in that OKC series was legendary. With the Warriors facing elimination, he went off for 41 points, including 11 threes, and single-handedly kept their season alive. I still argue that without that game, there’s no 3–1 comeback in the Finals.
Then there’s Kobe Bryant’s final game—a moment that transcended stats and wins. As a lifelong Lakers fan, I’ll admit I got a bit emotional watching him drop 60 points against the Jazz. At 37 years old, in his 20th season, he took 50 shots and willed his team to a comeback win. Critics might say it was inefficient, but to me, it was pure Mamba mentality: relentless, fearless, and unforgettable. On the flip side, Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP season was a masterclass in shooting. He broke his own record with 402 threes that year, and I still remember that half-court buzzer-beater against Oklahoma City—the one where he turned and shrugged like it was no big deal. That shot didn’t just win the game; it symbolized how he revolutionized the point guard position. But for all the offensive fireworks, defense had its moments too. Look at Kawhi Leonard in the Spurs-Thunder series; his lockdown D on Kevin Durant in Game 2 forced Durant into 8 turnovers, and San Antonio’s 32-point blowout felt like a statement until, well, Russell Westbrook decided to take over. Westbrook’s 36-point triple-double in Game 4 shifted the series, and his intensity was just infectious.
And how can we talk about 2016 without mentioning the Dunk of the Year? Aaron Gordon versus Zach LaVine in the Slam Dunk Contest—that was art, plain and simple. Gordon’s under-the-legs dunk over the mascot? I’ve watched it a hundred times, and it still doesn’t seem humanly possible. It’s moments like these, outside the playoffs, that remind you basketball is as much about creativity as it is about competition. Wrapping it all up, the 2016 season was a beautiful chaos of individual brilliance and team resilience. From LeBron’s block to Curry’s threes, and even the lesser-known heroes, each play wove into a larger narrative that kept us on the edge of our seats. As I look back, it’s clear that these moments aren’t just highlights on a reel; they’re stories we’ll tell for generations. And if you ask me, that’s what makes the NBA so special—it’s not always about the championships, but the unforgettable flashes of greatness along the way.
